Resume of Demolition of Shiraz’s Historic Fabric

“Mohammad Mahdi Kalantari” announced the resumption of demolition of Shiraz’s historic fabric.

“Mohammad Mahdi Kalantari”, secretary of the National Campaign to Save Shiraz’s Historic Fabric, reported threats of evacuation and the beginning of demolition of some historic houses.

In recent months, news of the demolition of Shiraz’s historic fabric for the purpose of expanding the Shah Cheragh shrine has provoked widespread reactions. Residents living in those homes filed complaints and declared they would not leave their houses, while authorities had attempted to force residents out of their homes by cutting off water, electricity, and gas.

Now, the spread of news about the renewed demolition of Shiraz’s historic fabric on social networks has sparked reactions from the public and some officials. According to “Sharg Network,” the demolition process began on Friday, the 5th of Ordibehesht. To this end, the Road and Urban Development Department, which is responsible for land acquisition, has employed workers in 15 houses along with manual demolition equipment, and has been engaged in removing doors and windows while demolishing and clearing the houses.

In this regard, “Seyed Moayed Mohsennejad”, Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Fars Province, while denying the demolition of 15 properties from the historic fabric, said: “Only one house, which was empty, was subjected to theft. I emphasize that no house has been demolished and the news of demolition of 15 properties from the historic fabric houses is not correct.”

Mohsennejad’s denial comes as residents living in the mentioned areas themselves reported the demolition of their homes. The Islamic Republic government not only intends to cover up its crimes with lies, but also denies making people homeless and seizing people’s property.