Historic City Tangoes With Development

The historic city of Isfahan, Iran, has destroyed scores of 400-year old buildings to make way for new roads and shopping centers.

1 minute read

January 15, 2007, 10:00 AM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

"Today Isfahan is Iran's second biggest city."

"Migration into Isfahan is high and land prices are sky rocketing. Fast profits can be made in construction. Everywhere 400-year-old buildings are being destroyed to make way for new roads or ugly shopping centres."

"The local council, which refused to talk to us for this story, has no budget from the central government; it has to make its money from selling construction licences."

"Conservation experts cite a passive government and economic interest as reasons for the city's development over historic structures."

"Many argue that the authorities should buy the old houses from their owners so they can build for their children elsewhere without destroying historic buildings."

Thanks to Brian J.

FULL STORY: Modernity threatens Iran's 'museum city'

Friday, January 12, 2007 in BBC

History / Preservation Urban Development Middle East

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