UPDATED to add photos: Irreplaceable Beautiful &/or Historically Important Sites in Iran at Risk [View all]

Iran happens to be the home of some of the most gorgeous and/or ancient and historically important sites in the world.

If we contribute to the destruction or damage of any of these sites, we're no better than the conquistadores who not only murdered, raped, and pillaged their way through Incan, Mayan, Aztec and other indigenous peoples but also, willfully and stupidly, erased the scientific and cultural achievements of those civilizations.

Here's a map showing some of the important sites in Iran:


A few examples:


Persepolis was the ancient capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid era. Founded by Darius I around 515BC, the city stood as a magnificent monument to the vast power of Persian kings until it was conquered by Alexander the Great.


Shah Mosque, Isfahan:


Inside:



Bam Citadel, the largest adobe structure in the world, can be traced back to at least the Achaemenid Empire (sixth to fourth centuries BC).


More views:





Seyed Roknuddin Dome surrounded by "windcatchers," blocky structures with tall, narrow vents that drew cooling air down into the building below:





Kandovan Village in North-West Iran is an historic cave-settlement that may date back as far as the 7th century.



Shah Cheragh, Shiraz, the "King of Light":



Inside:



Ardashir Babakan Palace was built in 224 CE by Ardashir I, the founder of the Sassanian Empire.



Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque:


More views of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (there are lots of photos online of the exteriors and interiors of many of the other important sites in Iran, including those above):







Many more sites are shown at:

https://www.thediaryofanomad.com/most-beautiful-places-in-iran-itinerary/
https://kalouttour.com/mesmerizing-mosque-ceilings-that-highlight-the-wonders-of-islamic-architecture/
https://iranstravel.com/top-tourist-attractions-in-iran/
https://theplanetd.com/iran-travel-historic-places/
https://orienttrips.com/mag/iran-architectural-wonders/