To Restore or to Remember? Dilemma Facing War-Damaged Heritage

TEHRAN — In the aftermath of terrorist U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, cities face a profound question: what should be done with the traces left behind? Should damaged spaces be swiftly rebuilt to restore normalcy, or should portions be preserved as memorials to conflict?

Muhammad Hussein Talebian, former deputy minister of cultural heritage, architect, and heritage expert, has said that war damage becomes part of a historical site’s identity and cannot be overlooked.
“When a significant event occurs at a historical monument, that event becomes part of the site’s history,” Talebian stated. “In the future, it must be considered as part of that place’s narrative.”
Talebian pointed to international examples, including Hiroshima, where buildings that served as witnesses to the atomic bombing have been preserved alongside a museum that narrates the events with precision. Similarly, in Warsaw, portions of the city were rebuilt while other sections were preserved as witnesses to war—some achieving World Heritage status.
He also drew on Iran’s experience, noting that during the Iran-Iraq War, numerous locations witnessed historically significant events. In recent years, efforts to register and protect war-related memorials have begun and continue to progress.
Talebian recalled the reconstruction of Bam Citadel following the devastating earthquake. At the time, he managed the site, and temporary pathways were designed to allow visitors to observe the destruction up close. Later, while restoration plans were implemented, a decision was made to preserve portions of the damage as symbols and witnesses to the disaster.
“These events reflect the hostility of adversaries toward Iran’s history, civilization, and cultural identity,” he said.
Talebian emphasized that restoring war-damaged monuments requires sensitivity, as restoration is not merely technical but cultural. Specialized groups must determine which sections should remain as war markers, how they should be protected, and to what extent they should be exposed to the public.
He noted that new technologies, including light and sound displays, can recreate historical narratives—as already demonstrated at Persepolis, where visitors can observe the process of fire and destruction from Alexander’s era.
On using global experiences, Talebian said: “Using global experiences does not mean imitating them. Each historical site has its own unique characteristics. The approach to damage at Golestan Palace will differ from that at the Senate Palace or Chehel Sotoun. Each monument has its own narrative, and the solution must be tailored to that narrative.”
He said that decisions must be made through a collective process rooted in shared wisdom. First, the content narrative of each site must be developed, then reviewed by experts, technical councils, and decision-making groups.
“The narrative of war must be preserved so that future generations can understand the events that have taken place in our country’s history,” Talebian said.