Unesco sites in Iranian city of Isfahan damaged by US-Israel strikes

"Isfahan is one of the most significant relics of Iranian art and architecture, built under the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736), during the country's political and cultural revival following the Mongol and Timurid invasions of the late medieval period. The city contains some of Iran's most celebrated architectural landmarks-bridges, palaces, cathedrals, synagogues and bazaars-many of which are still in every-day use and situated in densely populated areas."

"Chehel Sotoun is renowned for its extensive frescoes depicting historical battles, royal receptions and scenes from Persian mythology, which are among the largest, most unique examples of Persianate painting. Provincial officials the site's famous Safavid mirror-work decorations were also damaged, while indicating that the palace's interior paintings appear to have been largely spared."

"Videos that a large crack has opened down the middle of one of the palace's 17th century frescos-depicting the Iranian Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp and the Indian Moghul Humayun-possibly exacerbating the work's existing fragility."

Isfahan, a major Iranian city located five hours from Tehran, contains some of the nation's most important architectural landmarks built during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736). The city's treasured sites include bridges, palaces, cathedrals, synagogues, and bazaars, many still in active use within densely populated areas. Recent military strikes have caused substantial damage to these UNESCO-listed heritage sites. The Chehel Sotoun Palace, a 17th-century monument recognized as part of the Persian Gardens World Heritage inscription, has suffered visible destruction including shattered windows, broken doors, and damaged mirror-work decorations. The palace's renowned frescoes depicting historical battles and Persian mythology have been affected, with large cracks appearing in some 17th-century paintings.

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