Sunday 04 March 2001

The deputy head of the Cultural Heritage Department (CHD) in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan province, elaborated on the license issued by the department authorizing the destruction of an Old building in the city, named Bahador Khan residence.

The Central News Bureau reported on Friday that a national monument dating back to the Qajar period has been destroyed by the authorization of the Cultural Heritage Department of East Azarbaijan. Speaking to the TEHRAN TIMES, Saeid Hodaei denied the report, saying that the Old building belonged to the Reza Shah Pahlavi era and was not considered a national monument.

The residential building was built in 1931 or 1936, he said, adding that there are over 300 Old buildings in Tabriz, most of which are not considered national monuments.

Hodaei said that the CHD experts usually study the Old buildings and if they are of great value or ancient, measures are taken to preserve the buildings.

"But if needed, the license for destruction will be issued for any Old building which has no cultural or historical value, or is not ancient," he added.

Regarding the financial support the government provides for the local CHD offices throughout the country, he said that according to Note 23 of the country's budget bill, a fund is allocated to such departments for the preservation of historical monuments.

According to the law, steps can even be taken to preserve and restore privately owned ancient buildings, with the participation of the owner.