Following the demolition of two historical houses in the old texture of Shiraz in Fars Province, the authorities at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization expressed regret in a statement.
The houses named Salimi and Montaseri, both inscribed on the National Heritage List in 2003, had been among the valuable historical structures of the province, dating back to the Qajar era (1789–1925), which were destroyed on Friday, ISCA News reported.
According to the statement issued by ICHHTO in reaction to the injudicious action, the directors of Shah Cheragh Mosque had bought the buildings from their owners years ago to expand the mosque area.
"Notwithstanding the objection of ICHHTO's protection unit, the mansions were flattened in line with the scheme," it said.
According to the heritage officials, this is not the first time that historical structures have been ruined for implementing development plans, regardless of ICHHTO's warnings.
Highlighting ICHHTO's duty on the unconditional protection of historical structures, the statement announced that the destruction will be legally pursued.
"The negative emotional effects of the destruction are definitely stronger than those of the material loss," the statement reads.
Shiraz has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Aryans, Semites and Turks, each of whom has left behind a considerable cultural heritage.
Fars Province boasts 3,000 national heritage sites, accounting for 9% of Iran’s historical places. It is also home to three world heritage sites: Pasargadae, the ruins of Persepolis and Eram Garden (inscribed along with seven other gardens grouped under “Persian Gardens”).
Shiraz forms "Iran's Tourism Triangle" along with the cities of Yazd and Isfahan.
