By: Alex
U.S. President Trump posted a tweet on January 4 local time, saying, "I’ve targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, … and these targets, and Iran itself, WILL be hit VERY FAST AND VERY HARD." The global cultural community was outraged by Trump’s threat to attack Iran’s cultural heritage, with voices of protest emerging everywhere.
First, UNESCO issued a warning: "Attacks on cultural heritage are in complete violation of international treaties." Soon after, netizens added the hashtag #IranianCulturalSites on Twitter, gathering photos of Iran’s historical and cultural heritage uploaded by users worldwide, aiming to draw more attention and protest Trump’s barbaric actions.
Japanese travel blogger Yukari was one of those who uploaded photos. She traveled to Iran a year ago and took many beautiful pictures. She described the scenery there as "so beautiful it gave me goosebumps," adding, "If I could use magic, I’d preserve this radiant beauty forever."
Iran currently has 24 cultural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among which the Pink Mosque and the Tomb of Shah Cheragh are the most famous. In addition, though heavily criticized, U.S. President Trump, who claimed that "international law’s restrictions are unreasonable," ultimately withdrew his remarks, temporarily averting the possible destruction of these sites by the United States.
▲ Japanese travel blogger Yukari shares photos she took during her trip to Iran a year ago.
▲ Shiraz Pink Mosque (photo by tabi_palette @twitter)
▲ Shiraz Tomb of Shah Cheragh (photo by tabi_palette @twitter)
▲ Tomb of Shah Cheragh (photo by tabi_palette @twitter)
▲ Pink Mosque (photo by hajar_moradi @twitter)
▲ Tomb of Shah Cheragh (photo by damonlynch @twitter)
▲ Tomb of Shah Cheragh (photo by damonlynch @twitter)
▲ (photo by parisa_izadyi @twitter)
▲ (photo by parisa_izadyi @twitter)
▲ (photo by OmidShokoohi @twitter)
▲ Imam Mosque (formerly Shah Mosque) in Isfahan (photo by twmpywel @twitter)
▲ (photo by Rainlover889 @twitter)
▲ Tomb of Shah Cheragh (photo by rezahakbari @twitter)
▲ Vank Cathedral in Isfahan (photo by rezahakbari @twitter)
▲ Vank Cathedral (photo by Cyrus_of_Greece @twitter)
▲ Vank Cathedral (photo by ArmeniaPic @twitter)
Source: Grapee