What is the reality of the story in the historical context of Shiraz?
The issue of the historical context of Shiraz has been in the center of attention for years; In recent days, the widespread publication of pictures and materials claiming the beginning of the demolition of historical houses has created doubts in the minds and prompted the authorities to respond.
Where did the discussion start?
On Wednesday, Bahman 12, 1401, a news publication with the title “The countdown to the destruction of Shiraz’s historical houses” was published in a media outlet, and provoked the reaction of Fars province officials and cultural heritage lovers.
In this news, quoting a university professor, the destruction of a large number of historical houses was mentioned and stated that life is difficult in these conditions. The residents of these historical houses have been given a few days to leave their homes and if they do not leave their houses, their water, electricity and gas will be cut off.
Following the publication of this news, which had a lot of feedback on social networks and caused people and cultural heritage lovers to worry about the destruction of historical houses around the shrine of Shahcheragh (PBUH). The General Department of Public Relations and International Affairs of Fars Governorate denied this claim and announced: The Governor of Fars has repeatedly stated his opposition to any destruction and attack on the historical context of Shiraz and the valuable houses of this context.
Improving the living conditions in the historical context of Shiraz and creating a fresh environment suitable for the rich culture of Shiraz is one of the serious plans of the provincial administration. The responsible bodies in the field of historical context such as cultural heritage and tourism, road and urban development and municipality should provide expert plans to protect this context and improve the quality of life in it.
The reaction of the cultural heritage of Fars
The General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Fars Province also announced in response to this news: The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and, accordingly, the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Fars Province, based on its inherent duty and in accordance with legal regulations, with any The destruction of historical context is the opposite. This general administration has not issued any permission or positive inquiry response that leads to the destruction of the fabric and the loss of history, culture and identity, and it is against it.
In this refutation, Ali Akbar Sadeghi, head of Fars Cultural Heritage Deputy, states: In the plan approved by the commission, Article 5 of the approved project line actually defines the scope of acquisition. In this area, which includes about 90 plaques, all kinds of interventions including protection, restoration and renovation have been considered. Therefore, the mentioned line does not mean the line of destruction, and this general administration reiterates its serious opposition to any kind of destruction in the historical context.
No new destruction has been done in the historical context of Shiraz
In the meantime, some activists in the field of cultural heritage, while denying the rumor of the destruction of the historical fabric of Shiraz, emphasized the importance of the brilliant background of the historical fabric and the need to protect the shape of this area as a document of the city’s identity and efforts to register it nationally.
Siamak Basiri, an expert and activist in the field of heritage and historical context, said on Thursday, 20th of Bahman, stating that no new destruction has taken place in the historical context of Shiraz, he said: The discussions that have been published recently about the destruction of the historical context are not correct, although I have information about the decisions taken. I don’t have anything done by the authorities in this regard, but no new destruction has been done in this area of the city.
Cultural heritage activist: No new destruction has been done in the historical context of Shiraz, it is the historical, spiritual, tourism and economic heart of Shiraz.
This expert in the field of cultural heritage said: We must accept that the historical context of Shiraz is considered the spiritual and tourism heart of this city due to the presence of the two sacred shrines and the possession of numerous and valuable works from different historical periods. Also, this tissue is considered to be the economic heart of this metropolis because of the valuable collection of Bazaar Vakil.
Referring to the importance of the cultural heritage of Shiraz and Fars province for the Iranian nation, he said: For this reason, the public opinion follows the events of the historical context of Shiraz with sensitivity, especially since more than a hundred valuable historical works are located within the scope of this historical context.
The historical context of Shiraz needs to be organized and detailed comprehensive plan
While pointing to the effects of natural factors in the deterioration of historical houses, this cultural heritage activist said: the historical fabric of Shiraz in the current situation needs organization, a detailed comprehensive plan and funds for organization.
He suggested that the file of this historical cultural area be registered as a single element at the national level.
No houses were destroyed and no one was pressured
Mahmoud Reza Taliban, Director General of Fars Road and Urban Development, referring to the issues raised regarding the destruction of historical houses in Shiraz, said: The historical fabric of our identity and no one is looking to destroy it.
Director General of Fars Roads and Urban Development added: Although it is said that the residents of these houses have been given a few days to leave their houses and if they do not do so, their water, electricity and gas will be cut off, it is completely false.
He continued: Those who raise such issues should say who told the residents of historical houses to evacuate or who said that water, electricity and gas will be cut off.
Director General of Roads and Urban Development of Fars: The resolution of the Commission of Article 5 of Shiraz Municipality is aimed at preserving valuable buildings and historical context, and based on that, valuable buildings will not only be destroyed, but also their restoration and maintenance will be done. He stated: The resolution of the Commission of Article 5 municipalities of Shiraz have aimed to preserve valuable buildings and historical context, and based on that, valuable buildings are not only not destroyed, but they will also be restored and maintained.
Director General of Roads and Urban Development of Fars said: In the discussion of the implementation of the development plan of the Holy Shrine in Shiraz, in the area of road and urban development, no house has been destroyed and no one has been pressured.
It is not allowed to buy and demolish a property
The Taliban, who has a history of being a member of the Islamic Council of the fourth term of Shiraz, further stated: In the past, some historical houses were destroyed, which was a wrong action and we strongly condemn it, and from the time we followed this issue All the officials of the province are of the opinion that historical houses should not be destroyed under any circumstances, and the resolution of the Commission of Article 5 is aimed at preserving historical houses and historical context.
He added: It is not clear what goals those who are spreading rumors of the destruction of historical houses in the society today are looking for.
He said: Today, every historical house that is bought will definitely be preserved and restored, and if a house is going to be destroyed, it is definitely worthless and something more suitable that gives meaning to the space there will be replaced.
Taliban added: Most of the 57-hectare project space is in the possession of the owners based on the detailed plan of the region, and they have the right to take any action in it, and only in the distance between the two sacred shrines, a meaningful minimum space is created, which is in the stage of urban planning.
He continued: “Perhaps this mentality has been created that a 57-hectare area is supposed to be added to the shrine space, while there is no intention to buy and destroy anything, and on the other hand, it is not possible for the government to finance the purchase and acquisition of such space.”
The building of Fars Governorate is organization, not destruction
Mohammad Hadi Imanieh, the Governor of Fars, on Friday 21st of Bahman, in his speech before the Friday prayer sermons, while referring to the rumors about the destruction of historical houses around the Holy Shrine of Shahcheragh (PBUH), said: Our goal is to organize the 57-hectare area around the Holy Shrine, and this organization It does not mean destruction.
Governor of Fars: These rumors are raised by celebrities who are caught in the trap of some neighboring countries, who have destroyed the history of Islam with such intensity. They have destroyed the history of Islam with such intensity and they are accusing us that we are planning to destroy the surroundings of Shahcheragh Shrine.
He continued: “Our goal is to get out of the current situation around the Holy Shrine, which is the complaint of many residents of this area, and to organize its passages and appearances and many cultural spaces, mosques and shrines.”
He stated: We have no guarantee to add space to the holy shrines of Ahmadiyya and Mohammadi, and only a small part will be added to the east of the holy shrine of Seyyed Alauddin Hussain (AS), and there is no building in this space either.
The governor of Fars said: Therefore, the foundation of the province and the management of the province is to organize these 57 hectares in a dignified manner and to make the surroundings of the shrine far more worthy than the current situation.
The historic house known as Hosni House, which was owned and restored by the holy shrine of Hazrat Ahmad Ibn Musa Shahcheragh (AS)
They were silent that day, today they have claimed
Seyyed Mohammad Reza Rezazadeh, a member of the Board of Trustees of Holy Thresholds and a consultant for the administration of the Holy Shrine of Shahcheragh (AS) also wrote in a note: Two decades ago, the commercial and residential project “Been Haramin” in the historical context of Shiraz caused serious damage to the historical context of the center of Shiraz. The protest of the time management of the holy threshold of Shahcheragh (AS) in opposition to this plan did not reach anywhere.
Rezazadeh added: Today’s opponents of organizing around the shrine did not take action to prevent the implementation of that project in those years, some of them were leaning on the seats of responsibility for the country’s cultural heritage and today they are standing in the position of claimant!
The member of the board of trustees of the Shahcheragh Shrine continued: The Supreme Leader’s visit to Shiraz in 2007 was a turning point in paying attention to the precious spiritual heritage of Shirazians, along with other valuable historical and cultural assets of the people of this region, which is adjacent to and resides in the shrine. It is their being Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
He added: It was after that trip that the Supreme Council of Urban Planning and Architecture approved the preparation of a detailed plan of Shiraz in the area of 57 hectares around the shrine with the approach of reviving the cultural-religious identity of the historical center of Shiraz. Although, during the last 15 years, some elements did not allow this decision to reach its desired result.
Is the courtyard of the shrine going to be developed?
One of the doubts and claims raised about the organizing plan around the Shahcheragh shrine is that the purpose of implementing this plan is to increase the size of the hall and the shrines.
A member of the Board of Trustees of the Holy Shrine of Ahmadi and Muhammadi said in this regard: 57 hectares is an area limited to the streets where the Holy Shrine is located, and it never means to develop the courtyard, the tabernacle, and the portico in this area, as some falsely believe. They publish
He continued: Between the two shrines of Hazrat Shahcheragh (pbuh) and Seyyed Alauddin (pbuh), there is an area of about 20,000 square meters, more than half of which is open space today. With a geometry that has the least interference with valuable buildings. Nine courtyards between the two shrines (which some falsely publish) have been planned as an urban pedestrian square.
Claim about making money from the sale of graves!
One of the issues raised recently in response to the issue of the historical context of Shiraz is the creation of a platform for selling graves and generating income from them, a claim that was rejected by the authorities.
A member of the board of trustees of Shah Chirag Shrine in response to the claim of generating income from grave sales: The place intended by the claimants is not the courtyard, where a grave is built and sold on the surface or by building underground. It is not allowed to build and sell a grave in it on the surface or by constructing it underground. (which some falsely publish) but it is a public urban space that will revive life in the surrounding historical context.
Comparing Shiraz and Mashhad?!
One of the criticisms of the plan of organizing the historical context refers to the experience of Mashhad.
A member of the Board of Trustees of the Shahcharagh Shrine (AS) has assured the citizens that “the organization plan around the holy shrine in Shiraz, unlike the holy Mashhad, will revive the link between the holy thresholds and the old fabric of Shiraz.”
Blatant slander
Rezazadeh wrote in another part of this note: It was nice to have a respected university professor who must have valuable knowledge and experience in his field of science. In the contents of the letter, which has been signed by all the officials of the city (governor, representative of the legal guardian and Friday imam of Shiraz, all the representatives of Shiraz in the Islamic Council, the head of the Islamic Council of the city, the mayor and the authorities of the holy thresholds) they thought more. And they did not mention this voice of oppression as a historical disaster.
Rather, they also gave the possibility that these people, who are residents of Shiraz and have many years of management experience in various fields, are as concerned about preserving the cultural heritage of their city as they are, if not more than them. Finally, where is the request to speed up the destruction of the historical context in order to develop the courtyards of this blessed region, where some people fearlessly speak these slanders?
Apparently the operation has stopped!
The issue of the historical context of Shiraz, which had become hot news on social networks and of course Maandan channels. From time to time, it was accompanied by the publication of pictures of the destruction of historical houses and its attribution to Shiraz. Meanwhile, according to several officials of the province, no historical house was destroyed in the 13th government in Shiraz. When their lie was exposed, they wrote: Apparently, the demolition operation has been stopped
Rezazadeh, a member of the board of trustees of Shahcheragh Shrine, wrote about this: To create an inflammatory atmosphere, they write that the blades of loaders and bulldozers threaten the historical fabric of Shiraz. Loaders and bulldozers are in the process of demolishing and removing the rubble of historical monuments, and since such an incident has not happened and their lie will soon be exposed, they continue in the next sentence, “Apparently, the demolition operation has stopped”!