Tehran, Beijing eye joint restoration of war-damaged heritage sites
Iran and China are exploring joint efforts to restore historical sites damaged during the recent war, Iranian cultural heritage officials said on Tuesday after talks in Tehran between Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage Ali Darabi and Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu, as the two countries moved to expand cooperation in conservation, tourism and cultural exchanges.
The discussions centered on restoration technologies, knowledge transfer and broader cultural engagement between the two ancient civilizations, with both sides emphasizing the role of heritage diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people ties, CHTN reported.
“Iran and China have enjoyed deep cultural and friendly relations for more than 2,000 years,” Darabi said, expressing hope for greater Chinese tourism and wider collaboration across sectors overseen by Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
Darabi called for closer cooperation through the Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (ACHA), describing the organization as a mechanism for mutual support during crises. He also praised China for hosting the exhibition Glory of Ancient Iran, calling it a successful example of cultural partnership.
Pointing to damage inflicted on cultural landmarks during the recent conflict, Darabi said 149 historical sites across 20 provinces had been affected, including five UNESCO World Heritage properties, 54 museums and seven historic urban districts. He noted that Tehran’s UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace sustained damage after being struck twice during the hostilities.
Seeking Chinese support for reconstruction efforts, Darabi highlighted China’s advances in underwater archaeology, digital preservation, heritage scanning and restoration technologies. “China has achieved valuable results in conservation science, and Iran is interested in benefiting from these experiences,” he said.
Cong said Iran and China, as two of the world’s oldest civilizations, should continue to broaden cultural cooperation alongside their political and economic relations. He noted that Iranian cultural exhibitions in China have attracted significant public interest, reflecting growing appreciation for Iran’s history and civilization among Chinese audiences.
The envoy described the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in tourism and cultural heritage. Recalling a recent visit to Golestan Palace, he called the site “a symbol of the grandeur of Iranian civilization” and voiced regret over the damage it sustained.
Cong welcomed Iran’s proposal for cooperation in restoring affected heritage sites and said he would convey the initiative to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “Chinese experts have previously cooperated with their Iranian counterparts in heritage conservation, and this collaboration will continue,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of traditional handicrafts, a symbolic gesture reflecting the enduring cultural bonds between Tehran and Beijing.