Iranian Media reports Damage to Chehel Sotoun, a UNESCO-Listed Palace
Iranian domestic media published images showing damage to the Chehel Sotoun (Forty Columns) palace following the attack on the Isfahan Governorate building on 18 Esfand 1404 (March 9, 2026).
An airstrike on the Isfahan Governor’s Office on Monday afternoon caused significant damage to the city’s historic fabric and valuable cultural heritage, particularly the Safavid-era government complex.
Seyed Ruhollah Seyedalaskari, Deputy Director of the Isfahan Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, told local media that because the governor’s office is located in the heart of Isfahan’s historic district, the bombing inflicted widespread damage on cultural heritage sites and the Safavid government complex.
Seyedalaskari said that many historic buildings in the Safavid government complex have double-layered ceilings, with the lower layers collapsing due to the blast, including those of Chehel Sotoun Palace.
He added that the full extent of damage to Naqsh-e Jahan Square is still being assessed, but glass in the surrounding bazaars and parts of Ali Qapu Palace were damaged by the force of the explosions. He emphasized that the most serious harm is evident in the decorative elements associated with the architecture, and experts are evaluating the overall impact on these historic sites.
The Safavid government complex comprises several surviving structures from different historical periods, notably the Safavid era, including Chehel Sotoun Palace, Ashraf Hall, Ali Qapu Palace, Rakib-Khaneh, Tohidkhaneh, and Timuri Palace, all located near Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the Grand Bazaar.
Chehel Sotoun Palace, built during the Safavid period (11th century AH), is renowned for its exquisite murals by the Safavid-era artist Reza Abbasi, painted in the Iranian miniature style, which adorn the palace halls.
Iran has nine UNESCO World Heritage gardens, registered in 2011. Isfahan province’s share in this designation includes Chehel Sotoun Garden and Fin Garden in Kashan. The airstrike raises concerns over the preservation of these internationally recognized cultural sites.