UNESCO General Secretary
Kuichiro Matsuura

Acknowledged Iran’s efforts for Rescuing Bam

In an unprecedented event, UNESCO general secretary, in an official letter acknowledged Iranian efforts to rescue Bam heritage and thanked the head of the project.

Tehran – 25 July, 2005 (CHN) – UNESCO acknowledged the Bam rescue project manager and Iranian efforts for rescuing the cultural heritage of Bam.

UNESCO General Secretary, Kuichiro Matsuura, mentioned in his official letter “My trip to Bam prepared an opportunity for me witness the professional, archeological, and research activities closely.”

“Listening to the history of Bam was instructive and interesting for me,” he added, hoping great success for future efforts of Iranians.

Three months ago, paying a visit to Bam, Matsuura visited the latest activities of experts for rescuing the heritages of the city ruined by earthquake 2003.
Eskandar Mokhtari, the manager of Bam heritage rescue project, pointed out that receiving such letter from the general secretary of UNESCO has never happened before so it is of utmost importance.

More than 60 percent of Bam citadel, one of the biggest clay complexes in the world, was ruined by the earthquake of December 2003. The structure dated back to two thousand years ago. In the 29th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee the authorities involved in rescuing Bam heritage were acknowledged and the world community was asked to continue its help.

Seeking help from international organizations including UNESCO, Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism organization has executed numerous missions for rescuing Bam historical sites since the earthquake stroke in 2003. Bam cultural landscape was registered on UNESCO World Heritage list in the 28th meeting of UNESCO World Heritage committee which was held in China last year.