Investigations

The Forensic Archive of Iran investigates threats to Iranian cultural heritage through citizen documentation, independent research, and analysis of emerging risks to heritage. Findings from the archive have been shared with international organizations and presented in international research forums concerned with cultural heritage protection. By systematically preserving evidence of heritage damage and disappearance, the archive contributes to the historical record and supports future accountability and transitional justice processes.

  • Physical Damage to Heritage Sites

    Documentation of structural damage affecting monuments, historic buildings, archaeological sites, and historic urban fabric, including development pressures and environmental degradation.

  • Fires and Explosive Incidents

    Investigation of fires and explosions affecting historic markets, religious structures, and cultural districts, including incidents where the causes remain unclear or contested.

  • Looting and Illicit Excavation

    Monitoring unauthorized digging, treasure hunting, and damage to archaeological sites, as well as potential trafficking of cultural objects.

  • Movement of Cultural Objects and Museum Collections

    Documentation and analysis of transfers, relocations, or disappearances of museum collections and cultural artifacts.

  • Heritage Destruction During Armed Conflict

    Investigation of damage to heritage sites occurring during wartime conditions, including risks created by military activity, infrastructure damage, or emergency relocation of collections.

  • Legal and Planning Threats to Heritage Protection

    Monitoring policy proposals, development plans, and legislative initiatives that may weaken legal protections for cultural heritage.

  • Cultural Policy Contradictions

    Analysis of inconsistencies between official heritage protection narratives and observable institutional practices.

  • Transitional Heritage Governance

    Analysis of heritage protection risks that may arise during periods of political instability or potential regime transition, including the review of proposed governance frameworks, emergency transition plans, and policy documents produced by political actors.