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The humanitarian loss and disruptions of life during the relentless bombing campaigns in the war on Iran since February 28, 2026, are tragic. Equally consequential are the destruction of monuments of profound cultural significance to Iran and Iranians. Thus far, some 100+ monuments and museums have been damaged among which are several UNESCO World Heritage sites. As judged by the UNESCO charter, these sites, of which Iran has 29 registered, are considered ‘… to be of outstanding value to humanity’. This event brings together a panel of experts on Iranian heritage, from antiquities to modern times, and an expert in international law, to offer insights and discuss the destruction of monuments and the significance and future of World Heritage as a shared global concern.
With contributions from:
Sussan Babaie, Professor in the Arts of Iran and Islam, Courtauld Institute.
Dr John Curtis, FBA, Keeper Emeritus, Ancient Iran and Iraq, the British Museum, and former Chief Executive Officer of the Iran Heritage Foundation.
Dr Lindsay Allen, Lecturer in Greek & Near Eastern History, King’s College London.
Professor Roger O’Keefe, Professor of International Law, Department of Legal Studies, Bocconi University, Milan
Dr Peyvand Firouzeh, Islamic Art, University of Cambridge.
Organised by Sussan Babaie, Professor in the Arts of Iran and Islam, as part of the Research Cluster Courtauld Trans-Asias, in collaboration with the Iran Heritage Foundation.
In collaboration with the Iran Heritage Foundation
