Concerns over the preservation of Iran’s rich cultural heritage have escalated following remarks by Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, expressing alarm over insufficient funding for the maintenance of critical sites.
Darabi revealed that in the past year, only 900,000 Tomans ($200) were allocated for the preservation and restoration of historical sites, with a meager 13 million Tomans ($3,000) designated for monuments. He lamented the inadequacy of this budget, stating, “Preserving and restoring the historical greatness and cultural heritage with such minimal funds is beyond comprehension.”
Iran boasts 27 sites listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, placing it among the top 10 countries with the most cultural heritage sites. By comparison, reports from 2023 indicate that Italy allocated €800 million for cultural heritage preservation, while Germany allocated €647 million in 2020.
The revelation by Darabi has prompted media reports and expert opinions warning of longstanding mismanagement jeopardizing the survival of historical monuments. Of particular concern is the deteriorating condition of Persepolis, the ancient heart of the Achaemenid Empire, which is now facing a crisis due to an invasion of lichen fungus.
Experts attribute the growth of lichen to a combination of acid rain and the region’s climate. However, they criticize the National Heritage Department for its failure to protect the site. Maziar Kazemi, former head of the conservation department at Persepolis, emphasized the destructive impact of lichens on Achaemenid sites in the past, noting that areas with higher humidity and less direct sunlight are particularly vulnerable.
Addressing these challenges requires sustained funding to enable specialists to conduct ongoing research and collaborate with international teams. Kazemi highlighted the inadequate budget allocations for pre-Islamic monuments like Persepolis and cited obstacles in facilitating visa issuance and bilateral cooperation with foreign experts.
Experts have also warned that lichens are damaging Iranian cuneiform inscriptions, particularly in the historical complex of Biston, located southwest of Iran’s Kermanshah city. Additionally, the construction of the Sivand dam in 2007 has raised concerns about increased humidity around Pasargad and Persepolis, despite prior warnings from UNESCO about its potential threat to historical monuments.