The Archaeology Society of Iran has called for the immediate cancellation of the decision to incorporate Abbasabad Garden in Behshahr into the urban zone, warning that this could lead to its deterioration and potential removal from UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
According to Mehr News Agency, the society has urged Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Salehi Amiri, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, to revoke the decision before irreversible damage occurs.
The statement highlights that urban expansion into the UNESCO-listed Abbasabad Garden may seem beneficial for development but poses a serious threat to its historical and environmental integrity.
With over 2,500 years of history, Persian Gardens—recognized by UNESCO since 2011—are considered universal masterpieces of landscape architecture. Their preservation is not just a national duty but a global concern, as urban encroachment and modern infrastructure threaten their authenticity and survival.
For over 400 years, the city of Behshahr has been home to stunning gardens, thanks to Shah Abbas I and his stable rule. Among them, the UNESCO-listed Abbasabad Garden stands out as one of Iran’s most unique historical gardens due to its location within the Hyrcanian Forest.
However, the recent decision to annex over 400 hectares of the Hyrcanian Forest and the UNESCO-protected area of this garden to the urban zone has sparked serious concerns. Despite being more than 7 kilometers away from the city center, this move opens the door for potential encroachment under the pretext of urban development. There is growing fear that altering regulations and transforming urban boundaries could lead to the irreparable destruction of this extraordinary site.
The previous mismanagement of other historical gardens in Behshahr further intensifies these worries. Additionally, the annexation of Abbasabad Garden into the urban zone contradicts Iran’s obligations under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. This could result in the removal of the garden from the World Heritage list, compromising its protection and undermining the country’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.
