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UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan sustained damage from shockwaves and debris following nearby U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in March 2026. The 17th-century Safavid-era palace, overlooking Naqsh-e Jahan Square, suffered shattered windows, doors, and some dislodged decorative tilework. Blast effects from strikes targeting the nearby governor’s building caused the main impact on this iconic monument. The incident has raised serious international concern for the protection of Isfahan’s historic cultural heritage.
Key Details on Damage:
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Location Strikes aimed at a government facility and surrounding infrastructure near Naqsh-e Jahan Square caused collateral damage that reached the palace grounds.
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Structural and interior impact: Assessments point to shattered glazing, compromised wooden entryways, and the destruction of centuries-old mirrored ceilings and wall paintings dating to the Safavid period.
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Context: The palace was among several protected heritage sites — including Chehel Sotoun Palace and Masjed-e Jameh — that sustained damage even though all carried Blue Shield markings, the internationally recognized symbol of cultural protection under the 1954 Hague Convention.
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Preservation Risks: Conservationists caution that the delicate craftsmanship of the Safavid tilework and mosaic surfaces presents significant obstacles to any meaningful restoration effort.
Our Preliminary Estimate
Based on current assessment of structural and decorative damage to Safavid-era elements. OFAC license required for fund disbursement.
$45,000 – $75,000 USD
