Cultural Heritage Victims of War. Report of the Meeting
Report of the international meeting on the challenges and actions needed to safeguard priceless historic sites.
The webinar entitled “Standing in the dust”, a moment of discussion aimed at analyzing the recent attacks that have seriously damaged priceless historical sites in Iran and to discuss the actions necessary to safeguard this heritage.
Iranian identity as a heritage of humanity
The meeting was opened with a welcome speech by the director of the Iranian Cultural Institute in Rome, Dr. Sayyed Majid EmamiThe director highlighted how, in addition to the damage to people and civil infrastructure, historical sites and monuments listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites were also affected.. "These sites are part not only of the Iranian identity, but of humanity as a whole, which is why we decided to organize this meeting." he underlined, also recalling how Italy also suffered similar damage during the bombings of the Second World War.
The duty of memory and the role of journalism
He then took the floor Dr. Asadollah Haghani, an Iranian journalist specializing in cultural heritage, who explained how his work has changed radically in conflict contextsStressing that war damages our memory – which resides in real places such as historical sites, cities and monuments – he clarified the crucial mission of the reporter: to replace uncertainty and rumours with verified information.This commitment translates into accurate documentation, global awareness raising, and ongoing action to monitor not only the destruction but also future restoration.. "No institution can protect cultural heritage alone: cooperation between journalists, experts, and local communities is needed, bonds that must be built in times of peace." the journalist concluded, reiterating that "We can't stop the war, but we can make sure these stories aren't ignored.".
International Law and the Fragility of Universal Values
Il Prof. Fabio Carbone, lecturer in Tourism Management at the University of Northampton, broadened his gaze to include the ethical implications: "What's happening in Iran concerns all of humanity. Our role is to remind people that universal principles exist, and as such, they cannot be changed based on political expediency."Denouncing the progressive weakening of international law, the professor reiterated the importance of educating for peace from childhood.He also highlighted the paradox of a West that creates universal values and, at the same time, produces precise weaponry capable of sweeping away the very symbols of those values.. "Destroying these sites destroys not only the past, but also the future." he stated, stressing that hitting assets, universities or children can never be dismissed as mere "collateral damage".
Archaeological cooperation and international protection
The works were concluded by the intervention of Julius Maresca, archaeologist and researcher at Sapienza University of Rome. Claiming the deep relations and collaborations between Italy and Iran in the archaeological field, he denounced the destructive intent of the conflicts: "Attacking cultural heritage aims to fragment memory and erode the identity not only of a people, but of humanity as a whole.". Bitterly noting the current limitations of the international protection system and the failure of the Blue Shields to defend cultural heritage, the archaeologist launched a strong final appeal: "Since man seems incapable of recognizing the history of others as common, our task is to continue to fan the flame of peace and condemn every form of destruction of memory.".