Ali Darabi, deputy minister and head of cultural heritage at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, visited Tehran’s District 12 and the historic Sangelaj neighborhood on Tuesday to assess preservation efforts and emphasize the need for coordinated management of the area’s cultural assets.

During the visit, Darabi conducted a field survey of urban planning constraints and conservation requirements, meeting with municipal officials to discuss challenges related to regulatory enforcement and development controls that impact the district’s historic character. He described Sangelaj as a key cultural and architectural hub, underscoring the importance of an integrated, heritage-focused approach to maintain its authenticity and support sustainable urban development.

The delegation inspected several significant sites, including Rajab Ali Mosque, Ardabiliha Mosque, the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, Golubandak Crossroads, Armenian Street, Seyyed Esmail Bazaar, and Chamran House. Particular attention was given to the condition of these landmarks and the urgency of restoration initiatives. Officials responsible for the Ardabiliha Mosque reported damage attributed to recent attacks involving US and Israeli forces and requested specialized conservation assistance.

Darabi acknowledged the reported damage and called for accelerated restoration efforts and enhanced technical support to address structural vulnerabilities across the district. He highlighted the necessity of strengthening local restoration capacity to safeguard Tehran’s heritage fabric amid mounting pressures from urban development and infrastructure demands.

District 12, noted for its Qajar-era architecture and vibrant commercial streets, faces ongoing challenges balancing preservation with modernization. The ministry’s coordinated strategy aims to protect the area’s historic continuity through stricter enforcement of protective regulations and a comprehensive framework integrating cultural heritage management with urban planning objectives.