TEHRAN — Iran has honored eight prominent figures in archaeology and cultural heritage at the fifth National Ceremony for Honoring Enduring Figures of Cultural Heritage, held at the Sa’dabad Cultural-Historical Complex in Tehran under the theme “Iran: The House of the Good.”
The ceremony brought together Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri, ambassadors and diplomats based in Tehran, academics, experts and veterans from the country’s cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts sectors.
Two deceased figures were commemorated for their contributions to Iranian archaeology and heritage preservation. Archaeologist Ezzatollah Negahban, regarded as a pioneering figure in modern Iranian archaeology, was recognized for major excavations including Marlik and Haft Tepe and for his contribution to developing systematic archaeological research and academic training in Iran.
Archaeologist and Iranologist Shahriar Adl was also honored for his scholarly and diplomatic work in promoting the international recognition of Iranian heritage. 
His contributions were associated with the inscription of major Iranian sites, including Persepolis, Chogha Zanbil and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. His award was received by his brother, photographer Kamran Adl.
Five contemporary figures were also honored: Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, chairman of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature and president of the Saadi Foundation; archaeologist Muhammad Reza Khalatbari; historical linguist Saeed Arian; veteran lawyer Manouchehr Kalantari Kashi; and archaeologist Simin Lakpour.
Speaking at the ceremony, Salehi-Amiri said cultural heritage should be understood as more than monuments, archaeological sites and museum collections. He described archaeologists, linguists, researchers, conservators and other specialists as the people who preserve the knowledge and expertise embodied in Iran’s heritage.
He identified four major functions of culture: strengthening social cohesion, shaping collective character, reinforcing identity and promoting social harmony and ethical values. He also highlighted Persian as a central element of Iranian identity and praised the Saadi Foundation’s international efforts to promote the language.
Salehi-Amiri said Iran’s heritage encompasses more than 43,000 nationally registered monuments, 23,000 archaeological sites, 830 museums and millions of historical and museum objects. He described these as the physical dimension of the country’s heritage, while the specialists who study and preserve them represent its intellectual and living dimension.
Haddad-Adel compared culture to personality, saying that just as individuals are defined by their personalities, societies are defined by their cultural characteristics. 
He cited Iran’s ancient qanat system as an example of historical knowledge and resource management, and identified traditional architecture, bazaars, cultural rituals, Nowruz, Ashura, the Persian language and Persian literature as important elements of Iranian cultural heritage.
Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage Ali Darabi referred to 
damage caused to historic sites during the recent conflict. He said 149 historic buildings had been damaged and described the attacks as violations of international rules protecting cultural property. He added that preventive measures had protected historical objects from damage.
Darabi also highlighted religious belief and the Persian language as important elements of Iranian identity and described honoring heritage scholars and veterans as a way of recognizing Iran’s history, civilization and cultural continuity.