ICOM expresses readiness to help Iran’s museum recovery
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has pledged its support to Iran’s damaged museums and cultural heritage sites in the aftermath of the 40-day conflict that severely impacted the nation’s historic monuments.
Responding to a request from ICOM Iran, ICOM’s President Antonio Rodríguez emphasized that the organization stands ready to provide both expert advice and practical assistance for restoration and security efforts.
Rodríguez, in his letter to Monir Kholghi, head of ICOM Iran, acknowledged the extent of the damage, which has been confirmed by international organizations including UNESCO, IRNA reported.
He highlighted that ICOM can facilitate consultations with specialists in areas such as preservation, museum security, and crisis management.
"We can rapidly connect with ICOM's international committees and experts from organizations like ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)," Rodríguez said.
Rodríguez also praised Iran’s initiative to install protective blue shields at its museums and historical sites, a move that has garnered significant attention on social media. "The widespread sharing of images showing blue shields on Iran’s cultural landmarks demonstrates the effective use of available resources amid the current conflict," he added.
Also, Rodríguez discussed the importance of maintaining a “Red List” of cultural artifacts, a crucial tool for combating illegal trafficking. While this list typically targets the black market, he noted that recent observations in Iran indicate significant threats to cultural heritage due to damage and destruction.
"Updating and documenting museum inventories with high-resolution images is vital to ensuring the protection of these collections," he explained. He stressed the need for backing up these records in multiple locations to ensure their security, particularly in the event of theft or loss.
He further proposed that Iran submit a list of its most globally significant cultural treasures to UNESCO for special protection, citing Lebanon’s recent successful request for protection of 39 of its historical sites. ICOM, a key partner in this effort, has expressed full support for such initiatives.
In his final remarks, Rodríguez reaffirmed ICOM's commitment to supporting Iran's efforts and facilitating access to emergency funding. Through partnerships with entities like UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund and the ALIPH Coalition, ICOM is positioned to help meet the urgent financial needs of Iranian museums.
"All ICOM members stand in solidarity, and we eagerly await further collaboration to safeguard Iran’s rich cultural heritage," Rodríguez concluded.