As part of study of historical Armenian colonies, an expedition of the Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) NGO examined Armenian monuments in 100 villages of Iran, south of Tehran and towards New Jugha and Shiraz.

NGO head Samvel Karapetyan said that around 20 Armenian brick-built churches are preserved in these territories.

“Brick was used as a construction material, as stone is not so popular in this area. However, damp brick was used, which turns into sand with the lapse of time,” he noted.

“It is a pity that we are indifferent about our heritage – both in the Armenian community of Iran and in Armenia. We have lost ancient Armenian cemeteries in villages, as after repatriation of Armenians in 1946, these lands have been released for further cultivation,” Karapetyan added.

However, he emphasized that the Iranian Department on Preservation of Cultural Monuments watches over the Armenian architectural monuments. For example, near several guarded Armenian cemeteries of the 19th century there are plates in English and Persian telling that they are Christian Armenian cemeteries.

Besides, Karapetyan noted that many Armenian churches are being restored in Iran through state financing.