Isfahan Metro to Pass Underneath Naghsh-e Jahan Square

17 April 2005

The company in charge of the construction project of Isfahan Metro system is determined to go underneath the world-famous historical square of Naghsh-e Jahan, the latest plans for the project reveal.

It seems that the oppositions of the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) has so far had no effect whatsoever to swerve the route.

According to deputy of the technical preservation department of Isfahan ICHTO, Ali Khajouii, the ICHTO has expressed, right upon receiving the suggested plans by the company in charge, strong opposition with Isfahan subway passing underneath the ancient square, but the study of the revised plans shows that no reconsideration has been made to change the path from Naghsh-e Jahan.

Esfahan Urban Railway Organization had previously planned to have part of the subway underneath the Chahar Bagh Street, another historical treasure of Isfahan city, which they were forced to revise due to oppositions by the ICHTO.

Today they have targeted another part of Isfahan’s historical part: the World Heritage Site of Naghsh-e Jahan Square, which risks registration on the World Heritage in Danger List due to another modern profiteering project, that of Jahan Nama high-rise in the square’s aerial vicinities which has caused great disputes among the constructors, the Iranian officials, and UNESCO.