In his letters, Soltanifar expressed deep concern regarding the threat posed to Syria’s Palmyra by ISIS.
Palmyra, about 210 km northeast of Damascus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site described as having “stood at the crossroads of several civilizations,” with its art and architecture mixing Greek, Roman, Persian and Arab influences.
Soltanifar requested UNESCO and OIC to spare no effort to protect the historical city. He also expressed his organization’s readiness to help preserve and restore movable and immovable cultural heritage of Iraq and Syria.
Soltanifar says ISIS’ violence towards helpless people has expanded to include cultural sites that belong to the people. Iran, like other countries, deems it its responsibility to help protect cultural and historical heritage.
“With the cooperation of international organizations, it is still possible to save historical sites in Syria,” he said.
ISIS has released videos in recent months showing the destruction of Mosul Museum and the ruins of the ancient city of Nimrud at the hands of militants, who are committing atrocities in the name of Islam.
The capture of the World Heritage site next to the modern city of Palmyra has raised international alarm. UNESCO says its destruction would be “an enormous loss to humanity”.
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