Recent tensions in Iran's relations with the western world following the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the imminent resumption of sanctions have been grounds for worry about the safe return of Iranian heritage objects currently on exhibit in foreign countries.
Iran is holding two exhibitions of its heritage properties in foreign countries at the moment.
An event titled Empire of Roses in Louvre-Lens—an art museum in Lens, northern France—has been showcasing 19 items from Golestan Palace plus two precious objects from the National Museum of Iran since late March. It is set to run through July 23, Mehr News Agency reported.
Another set of 196 pieces has only recently gone on display at the art and history museum of Drents in Assen, the Netherlands. It will continue until November 18.
Altogether, 217 items are on loan in foreign countries at present, just as US policies against Iran have prompted many countries to proceed with caution regarding their relations with Iran.
Precedence
Hamidreza Bayati, a lawyer and international law expert, cited previous cases of disloyalty in keeping Iranian properties as a reason for concern.
"Iranians had certainly trusted the Chicago University to return the Achaemenid tablets, but they have not come home yet after years," he said.
A collection of tablets and tablet fragments were loaned to Chicago University's Oriental Institute in 1937 for studies. Part of the collection was given back but a number of tablets could not be reclaimed due to a lawsuit against Iran. A 28-century-old bronze artifact was also another item that was lost in return from a display in Belgium.
"Aren't these a risk to Iranian ancient artifacts … to be put up for auction?" Bayati warned. He addressed Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization asking what guarantees it has received from the foreign parties that the objects "will return safely, will not be affected by political decisions, and that no court ruling will hinder their return."
Assurances
Mohammad Reza Kargar, director for museum affairs at ICHHTO, however, assured that official guarantees will prevent any interference in the process of the items' return.
"The properties have immunity and governments have guaranteed that no judicial and political matter will threaten them," he said.
According to the official, the contracts between countries clearly state that parties cannot make a claim about the borrowed objects.
He assured the public that the items outside the country are in a safe place.
"It's not like the world wants to keep our property and not give them back."
Kargar added that sanctions mean banks or other enterprises will not cooperate with Iran, a matter which has nothing to do with historical objects.
Jebreil Nokandeh, head of Iran's National Museum, also said that unlike the past, "today, governments have pledged that the objects will be given back upon the event's closure."
He pointed to a confidential contract that curators are not allowed to divulge details but mentioned several terms of the document.
"The French culture minister gave us a guarantee against theft or claim … and the Dutch foreign minister made the same pledge," he said.
Referring to Achaemenid tablets, he said the laws were not efficient at the time and it was only after such cases that the need for government guarantees was felt.
Precaution
Nevertheless, Nokandeh affirmed that countries are likely to break their promise and that, according to him, is why Iran is holding mutual events.
"An exhibition of Dutch items was due to be held in Iran in 2020, but we have requested to launch it before the end of the Assen event to which they have agreed," he said noting that it might be held in September.
Meanwhile, a display of Louvre items is ongoing in Iran. It was supposed to terminate in June 8 but was extended to July 30. This, according to Heybatollah Najandi, an international law expert, is sort of obtaining security.
"Insurance cannot ensure the items' comeback for their value is not measurable in terms of money," he said.
Besides, it is not clear what procedures Iran will be able to employ in response to any refusal to give the pieces back, since "with US's power of veto, UNESCO's laws seem useless."
