Meidan Emam, Esfahan

• Commercial development (issue resolved)
• Underground transportation infrastructure (Subway route under the historical axis of Esfahan)
• Housing

Total amount granted:5,710 Euros (France/UNESCO Cooperation Agreement)

On 1 December 2018, the State Party submitted a state of conservation report, available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/115/documents, which provides information on its implementation of the recommendations made by the Committee at its 41st session:

• The authorities are conducting a multidisciplinary study taking into consideration a variety of risk factors, including development pressure, environmental and natural hazards, tourism pressure and population growth research. The study was initiated in 2016 and covers lighting, electric infrastructure, monitoring equipment, fire alarms, the reorganization of entrance and earthquake damage mitigation. A short-term plan was implemented based on the proposed items in the draft Management Plan;
• The authorities conducted research and analysis on the Meidan Emam (Naqsh-e Jahan Square) and its multiple entrances from sociological, historical and ritual points of view. Consultations with various stakeholders reflected on landscape management. A study was initiated to investigate redirecting tourism access routes towards Meidan Emam via the historic axis of Isfahan city. It is foreseen that the study will be adopted as component of the mid-term planning for the region of the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts & Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) once it is completed. The current pedestrian area has been improved through several measures in order to provide tourists and residents with the best visiting experience;
• The urban sewage system dates back to 1920s and underwent several operations in Emam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan) in 1970s. A reorganization of the sewage discharge of the Masjed Emam was recently implemented according to designated plans (date unknown and no specification for buffer zones provided);
• The State Party, in conformity with previous studies, expert reviews and technical investigation, adopted measures in order to minimize damage to the property, including the removal of the sewage network in the eastern edge of Imam Mosque and transferring it to the southern edge; the reorganisation of the entire sewage system of the Mosque; the renovation of the sewage installations in the edges of Hafiz Street and; the clearing of the sewage system in the vicinity of Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

The State Party's efforts to address the recommendation of the Committee concerning the elaboration of a Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) by integrating a systematic strategy for disaster risk reduction is appreciated, although this on-going process is yet to be completed. Disaster risk mitigation measures, such as lightning, installations of alarms, emergency access upgrades as well anti-earthquake consolidation has already been implemented to increase security and safety conditions within the property. The anti-earthquake measures have included structural interventions to the built fabric of the property, including strengthening the structure of the Ali Qapu Pavilion with steel brackets. Most of these were, however, implemented without having been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by the Advisory Bodies or forming part of a larger approved CMP. It is therefore recommended that the Committee reiterate its request to the State Party to submit the plans of restoration and interventions with potential impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property for review by the Advisory Bodies, prior to its implementation and finalization.

The research and analysis on the property’s spatial structure, on Meidan Emam (Naqsh-e Jahan Square) and its multiple entrances has delivered valuable results, and has clarified the functions of different entrances and the organic fabric of the space from historical and contemporary viewpoints. This study has led to an important reflection on the possible reorganization of motorized and pedestrian circuits around the property, which should be submitted for review before it is finalized as a midterm ICHHTO plan and implemented.

The State Party also provided some information concerning the reorganization of sewage system. It is noted that there is no specific information concerning the larger reorganization of the sewage system in the buffer zone. The further reorganization of the sewage discharge system of the property and its buffer zone should be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review and any implementation be carefully monitored.