The Director General of Architecture and Building of Tehran Municipality and Secretary of the Policy-Making Committee for the Acquisition and Utilization of Valuable and Historical Buildings in Tehran, Yasser Jafari, in his latest statements announced the activation of the Policy-Making Committee for the Acquisition and Utilization of Historical Properties. This committee, whose resolution was approved by the Islamic Council of Tehran at the end of 2023, has this year made decisions regarding 22 historical and valuable properties in the capital through meetings and expert evaluations.
The Necessity of Inter-Agency Cooperation for the Protection of Historical Heritage
Jafari emphasized the need to move from the review stage to executive action and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, especially with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Tehran Province, in the protection and revitalization of historical buildings. He added: In the second meeting of the committee, a clear path for restoration, acquisition, or compatible utilization was determined for the historical properties in districts 11 and 12.
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He also referred to the damages inflicted on Tehran's historical heritage during the Ramadan War and stated: 77 historical sites, including Golestan Palace and the Saadabad complex, have been damaged, and the protection of these works requires urgent and coordinated actions. In this regard, an agreement has been reached with the Minister of Cultural Heritage for joint cooperation in the protection and restoration of damaged historical works.
Development of New Regulations for the Utilization of Historical Buildings
The Secretary of the Policy-Making Committee for the Acquisition and Utilization of Valuable and Historical Buildings in Tehran emphasized the necessity of revising the method of utilizing historical properties, stating: Many of these buildings are solely under the control of administrative entities, and public access to them is not provided. Therefore, one of the main approaches of the committee is to organize the utilization status and use the capacity of private investors for the restoration and reintegration of these buildings into urban life.
Jafari added: In recent years, Tehran Municipality has acquired several historical buildings, but the restoration and maintenance of these properties require significant financial resources. Private sector participation can expedite the restoration and utilization process.
Completion of Acquisition and Revitalization of Historical Buildings
Jafari further referred to the resolution of historical buildings such as the Pirnia House, Alaud-Doleh Mansion, and Novab Bath, stating: The grounds for investor participation in the restoration and revitalization of these properties will be provided. Additionally, negotiations for the acquisition of the remaining sections of the Golestaneh building are ongoing.
He emphasized that the house of Forough Farrokhzad is under the ownership of the municipality of district 11, and the restoration process has been prolonged. Furthermore, the historic Anis-ol-Doleh Mansion is also being pursued for acquisition and conversion into a cultural space.
Special Program for the Historical Texture of Sanglaj
Jafari also referred to special programs for the protection and revitalization of the historical texture of Sanglaj, stating: With the issuance of the protective boundary plan for Sanglaj and cooperation with the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, planning for the organization of this historical area is on the agenda. These actions will not only help preserve the historical identity of the neighborhood but will also contribute to strengthening its cultural and social life.
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