Expert warns of deteriorating condition of historic Qadamgah site
A heritage conservation specialist has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the historic site of Qadamgah, calling on cultural heritage authorities to take serious action to protect this valuable monument. The expert emphasized that the historic structure continues to suffer from a lack of proper maintenance and effective conservation measures.
Qadamgah, regarded as one of the most valuable historical and cultural landmarks in Fars Province, has been in poor condition for years. Despite repeated warnings from experts, heritage enthusiasts, and numerous media reports, the monument has yet to receive adequate attention or comprehensive conservation efforts, according to ISNA.
More concerning than the natural deterioration of the structure itself, experts say, is the continued lack of action by officials who are legally responsible for safeguarding the country’s historical heritage. In recent years, the monument’s critical condition has been reported several times, but no significant measures have been taken to address existing problems or implement a comprehensive preservation and restoration plan.
Earlier ISNA examined the condition of Qadamgah from various perspectives, highlighting issues including vandalism, neglect, and the inappropriate use of parts of the stone structure as makeshift stoves or fire sites. Such incidents have intensified concerns over the continued erosion and damage to the monument.
The reports also noted that Behzad Moridi, the former Director General of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Fars Province, had visited the site and announced the beginning of restoration efforts at the time. However, despite the passage of time, the monument’s current condition remains far from satisfactory.
Heritage conservation specialist Mostafa Rakhshandeh-Kho said that Qadamgah has been facing unfavorable conditions for years and has remained deprived of proper care and effective protective measures despite repeated warnings by experts and media coverage.
Rakhshandeh-Kho said that the continuation of official neglect is more alarming than the physical deterioration of the monument itself. He questioned why, despite repeated emphasis on the importance of protecting cultural heritage, Qadamgah has still not become an operational priority.
He also questioned why the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and the Fars Province Cultural Heritage Department have not provided clear answers regarding their conservation plans for the site.
The conservation expert added that the Minister of Cultural Heritage and the Director General of the Cultural Heritage Organization of Fars Province, as the highest authorities responsible for heritage protection at the national and provincial levels, are accountable for the condition of historical sites under their supervision. He said the public has the right to know what steps have been taken to save the monument and what plans exist to prevent further deterioration.
Rakhshandeh-Kho stressed that Qadamgah now needs urgent attention, funding, and the launch of a professional restoration program. He warned that allowing the current situation to continue would not only lead to the gradual destruction of a historic monument but would also highlight the gap between heritage protection commitments and practical actions on the ground.
He expressed hope that, before the damage reaches an irreversible stage, responsible authorities would take field-based action, provide transparent responses, and implement effective measures to preserve and restore the monument.
The current situation of Qadamgah reflects the continued deterioration of a valuable historical site due to insufficient attention and the absence of sustained and effective conservation measures. Despite occasional visits and temporary initiatives, the issue remains unresolved and underscores the need for immediate, consistent, and results-oriented action by heritage authorities.