More vandalism possible at cultural heritage sites, Iranian activist warns

TEHRAN,Dec.13 (MNA) -- Iranian cultural heritage officials have been warned by an activist that acts of vandalism may continue at ancient sites in Fars Province. “The possibility of more vandalism on the ancient sites is serious,” Mohsen Abbaspur, who is also a senior member of the Association of Like-Minded Youth, told on Monday. Part of a major Sassanid bas-relief was vandalized at Tang-e Chogan, a gorge near the town of Kazerun in the southern province of Fars on Friday. The rock bas-relief depicts Sassanid king Bahram II (reigned 276–293 CE) on horse while he holds a mace and a number of Arab rulers are bringing him gifts. The head of the mace has been completely severed with a sledgehammer or similar instrument on Friday. Abbaspur said that an explosion occurred at the Bishapur cave near Tang-e Chogan a month ago. A statue of Sassanid king Shapur I (241–272 CE) is located in the lofty cave. He said that personal animosity of local people toward the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) is the reason behind the acts of vandalism. The limitations imposed by the CHTHO on the construction projects, which are owned by the local people, have caused the enmity, he added. The CHTHO has considered the projects as threats to the ancient sites located in the region. There are five other Sassanid bas-reliefs at Tang-e Chogan, with only one guard to watch over at the sites by day. Abbaspur has previously said that inadequate security measures ease the way for abuse at the ancient and historical sites. Twenty percent of the severed piece, which had been left at the bas-relief, has been obliterated, he stated. The rest can be reinstalled if a team of experts is hired for the task, he added. Fars Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department deputy director has confirmed the destruction in the bas-relief. However, he bizarrely considered the act as an effort to steal the head of the mace. “Thief or thieves planned to steal parts of the bas-relief, but they left the pieces in place and fled,” Abdorreza Nasiri told on Monday. “The important issue is that we should not let such an incident be repeated, so it is essential to equip the ancient sites with electronic security systems,” he added. Nasiri said that a team composed of four experts will begin restoring the bas-relief late this week.