Protecting Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones: A Concern for All

Strategic Insights -

As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, cultural heritage sites and artifacts are under threat. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has issued warnings to both countries to adhere to international conventions for the protection of cultural heritage, but the situation on the ground remains uncertain. Experts are working to secure, remove, and relocate cultural assets, but damage to sites and artifacts is a real concern.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ICOM has issued warnings to Israel and Iran to adhere to international conventions for the protection of cultural heritage, citing a "growing danger" for museums and their employees.
  • Experts have activated contingency plans in both countries, securing and relocating cultural assets, but damage to sites and artifacts is a concern.
  • Iran has a rich cultural heritage, including 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 840 museums, 300 of which are under the administration of the Culture Ministry.
  • The Iranian National Museum has been emptied, and important exhibits have been covered with sandbags to protect them from strikes and flying debris.
  • Protecting archaeological sites, often located in open areas, has proved difficult, with experts admitting that damage to these sites is a real concern.
  • The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will convene in Paris from July 6-16 to discuss potential future UNESCO cultural heritage sites, but the Israel-Iran conflict was not on the agenda as of June 30.
  • The Tel Aviv Museum of Art secured its collection of Israeli and international art in underground storage, and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem is equipped with safe rooms in case of emergency.
  • The 1954 Hague convention regulates the protection of cultural material in armed conflict, while the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention governs conservation of cultural assets among nations.

Statistics:

  • 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran are at risk of damage due to the conflict.
  • 840 museums in Iran, 300 of which are under the administration of the Culture Ministry, are also at risk.
  • The Iranian National Museum has over 300,000 archaeological finds from pre-Islamic and Islamic times, including many objects made of stone, ceramics, glass, and metals.
  • The museum's collection includes objects dating back to the ancient Persian Empire (around 550 to 330 BCE).
  • The conflict has resulted in the evacuation of the Iranian National Museum, with all portable museum objects being hastily transported into cellars.
  • The non-movable artifacts have been covered with sandbags to protect them from strikes and flying debris.

Sources:

  • International Council of Museums (ICOM)
  • Deutschlandfunk radio interview with Judith Thomalsky
  • RBB interview with Barbara Helwing
  • Tehran Times
  • The Times of Israel
  • UNESCO World Heritage Convention
  • 1954 Hague convention