TEHRAN- Why do you think Alexander set fire to Persepolis when he invaded Iran, or what benefit did the Mongols gain from burning our cities? The issue seems to lie in foundations and cultural manifestations. Setting fire to buildings and urban symbols is to set fire to a nation's culture. In this war as well, the enemy's assault is not directed solely at our human forces and military strength. The enemy seeks to destroy Iran's culture and memory.

After all, what is Iran made of if not this culture and these shared memories of the people? Architecture, especially urban architecture, is one of the manifestations of our shared memory and culture. Buildings and squares in particular represent this architecture and collective memory. Especially historical monuments that showcase Iran's history and civilization. In other words, buildings create culture and history for a nation.

According to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, since the beginning of the American and Israeli aggression against Iran, approximately 118 historical monuments have been damaged. The nature of this damage and concerns over the further consequences of this aggression have been communicated to international bodies, including UNESCO. Of course, this statistic does not include places that hold social significance and embody the cultural aspect of contemporary history. For example, the destruction that took place in Tehran's Niloufar Square has erased a part of Tehran's social memory and history. Mosques, squares, and cafes are among the cultural sites and buildings that have been targeted by the enemy in the Ramadan War.

According to clauses (d) and (e) of Article 15 of the law passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on June 26, 2001, regarding the accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Second Protocol of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, intentionally targeting protected cultural property under this Convention, as well as its destruction, are considered grave breaches of the Protocol. Furthermore, according to paragraph 2 of Article 15, criminal responsibility extends to individuals other than those who directly commit the act. This is despite the fact that on special historical sites, such as Falak-ol-Aflak Castle and Golestan Palace, even banners bearing the Blue Shield, indicating the heritage status of the site, have been installed. In other words, the Americans and Zionists are quite deliberately designing their attacks to damage or destroy Iranian historical monuments. What is the reason behind such a sinister plan?

As the war prolongs, the number of these wounded structures will likely increase. Precisely at a time when the enemy is gleeful about the destruction of Iranian culture, that culture is being rebuilt. The nation's nightly marches, on foot and by vehicle, are in themselves the reconstruction and production of national culture. New hangouts, street gatherings of the people, intersections, and now even alleyways have become sites for connection and the sharing of resistance. Buildings will be built, memories will return, and culture will be reconstructed.