Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: Iranian authorities have announced that the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab will be formally registered as a national heritage site, marking a significant step toward preserving the memory of a tragic incident that has left a lasting imprint on the country’s collective consciousness.
According to Adel Shahrzad, head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department in Hormozgan Province, the official unveiling of the registration plaque will take place in conjunction with National Persian Gulf Day. The ceremony is expected to draw attention to the historical, cultural, and emotional significance of the site.
Shahrzad stated that the recognition of Shajareh Tayyebeh School as a national site reflects its importance as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience for the people of the region. He noted that the move aims to safeguard Minab’s historical memory while honoring a deeply painful chapter in the city’s recent past.
The school gained national prominence following a devastating airstrike that struck the premises on February 28, resulting in the deaths of nearly 170 girls. The attack, which reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure during a period of heightened conflict, has since become a defining moment in the narrative of the province and the wider country.
Officials emphasized that beyond its historical context, the site carries significant social and cultural value, representing the collective experience and endurance of the people of Hormozgan. By granting it national heritage status, authorities seek to ensure that the memory of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are preserved for future generations.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to document and protect sites associated with recent historical events, expanding the scope of cultural preservation beyond ancient monuments to include contemporary experiences of national importance.
Observers note that the designation of such sites serves not only as a form of remembrance but also as a means of fostering historical awareness and reflection. It provides an opportunity for future generations to engage with the past and understand the human cost of conflict.
The unveiling ceremony on National Persian Gulf Day is expected to reinforce the connection between national identity and collective memory, highlighting the role of heritage in shaping a nation’s understanding of its history.
With this step, Iran signals its commitment to preserving not just physical landmarks but also the stories and sacrifices that define its social fabric, ensuring that such events remain part of the country’s historical record.
