23 June 2002

Isfahan -- Director-General of Isfahan province Cultural Heritage Department, S. Aminiyan, said the columns of Âli Qâpu Palace are on the verge of demolition due to their erosion.

Aminiyan addressing a press conference here Saturday, added that a credit equivalent to rls 2.5 billion is required for the restoration of the unique historical monument, shining as the gem of the historical Naqsh-e Jahãn square in Isfahan.

He recalled that there are over 6,000 historical monuments in Isfahan province, out of which 3,000 are located in the capital city of Isfahan. Aminiyan said that protection of the said monuments requires a manpower of 18,000 which is out of question.

He added, "The giant semi-finished structure known as `Jahan-nema' under construction at Isfahan's Imam Hossein square has been erected without the approval of the Cultural Heritage department."

Aminiyan underlined that the height of the highrise under construction has overshadowed the perspective of the historical monuments located at Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan square and Chahâr Bâq-e Abbâsi.

He recalled that the complex under construction is located adjacent to Chahar Baq, Naqsh-e Jahan square and a great part of Isfahan historical monuments and is in obvious contrast to Isfahan's archaic texture and cultural heritage.