The issues of urban heritage are closely related to human, social, and cultural rights, although this relationship is often overlooked in urban conservation laws and even heritage laws. International human rights law refers to cultural issues as fundamental in a more concrete way than just symbolic. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (1948) recognizes cultural rights and links them to principles such as personal dignity, individual development, and social participation, provided that everyone has the right to realize human rights as a member of society. Economic, social, and cultural rights, which are essential for the dignity and free development of one’s personality, entitle them to freely participate in the cultural life of society, benefit from the arts, and contribute to scientific progress and its benefits (Article 27, paragraph 1).

Despite this, we witness that the expansion of the Shah Cheragh mausoleum has resulted in the destruction of the surrounding historical and ancient fabric in various periods. The destruction of the surrounding area of the Shah Cheragh mausoleum in Shiraz, including a collection of old houses and buildings with unique architecture, has been ongoing in different years. In various periods, under various excuses, attempts have been made to destroy the historical fabric of Shiraz, which has been delayed due to public pressure. In this regard, the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization has made efforts in various periods to play a constructive role in preventing the destruction of this section and has been successful in some cases in stopping and preventing the destruction plans of the old fabric of Shiraz. However, it seems that with the concentration of power in the executive branch of the government, the issue of destruction of this historical section is being pursued with more intensity. The 570,000 square meter expansion plan of

There are various discussions to justify the implementation of this plan, and on the contrary, to stop it. But how can we address this issue based on a human rights and sustainable development perspective according to international laws? In the following article, an attempt will be made to answer this question.

Cities appear as important works in the process of human development in historical processes and are essential in many aspects related to economic, social, and cultural fields. To interpret the personality of a city, it is necessary to look at its development in historical processes. In this regard, historical cities – including Shiraz – represent identities that have existed in different periods, through the preservation of historical layers, human intervention, and accumulation of cultural identities. Historical cities are centers that encompass tangible and intangible heritage. They are not just old buildings as physical environments. They are places of social, economic, and cultural life and are witnesses to the past activities of human life. What makes Shiraz unique is the combination of past experiences and spaces shaped by experience. Considering aging, neglect, natural disasters, and wars, some layers may remain intact in good physical conditions, while others may be destroyed, decayed, or disappear. Therefore, the preservation of historical buildings in Shiraz is not only important for physical protection but also

Communities that have rapidly become consumers after the industrial revolution, with the development of human reason and technology, have now turned their attention to “sustainability”. Initially, the first questions were raised about the environment and its resources in terms of economy, management, and cities. Environmental and economic sustainability has a direct relationship with the place of residence, namely the city. For this reason, “urban sustainability” is one of the important subheadings of “sustainability”. The goal of urban sustainability is to focus on the characteristics of local situations and balance between protecting architectural heritage and economic development, and the performance and livability of the environment in which the people of Shiraz live, and transferring it to future generations. The emergence of studies on revitalization and restoration of historical cities has a direct relationship with the decline in the physical, economic, and social performance of existing urban spaces in the city of Shiraz and compensating for these losses. The revitalization of the historical fabric of the city of Shir

From this perspective, when there is coordination between the approach of sustainable development, economy, and environmental policies, the social structure of the city of Shiraz improves and sustainable development includes “economic”, “social”, “environmental”, and cultural sustainability. The concept of urban sustainability has emerged due to increasing pressures in social and economic areas, and numerous researchers have conducted studies in this field. As a result, international steps have been taken in the areas of conservation, planning, and urban sustainability, and institutions have been established. These include the Venice Charter (1964), the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOM), and the International Council of Museums (ICOM). In addition, international conferences such as the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the 1992 Rio Summit, and the 2002 Johannesburg Summit were held, and topics such as sustainability, development, and cultural heritage were discussed. In addition to

Efforts must be made to prioritize the protection and development of the historical district of Shiraz, with an emphasis on active participation of the local community, in order to revive, preserve, and safeguard the values that make up the identity of the historical settlements in this city. These priorities can be based on a comprehensive planning strategy, including specific architecture, historical structures, customs and traditions, productive activities and handicrafts, natural resources, and land use values. The preservation and sustainability of tangible and intangible heritage values of Shiraz can be incorporated into planning strategies with various scopes and contents. Another recommendation is to implement a project aimed at transforming, revitalizing, and reviving the historical areas of Shiraz, with a focus on addressing various issues in different parts of the city. These projects in the historical district of Shiraz can be referred to as “revitalization projects” with the goal of integrating these areas with tourism and residents. Even if the approach of these projects is renovation, revitalization

Most historical cities are places that represent civilizations that host them. Unfortunately, the remnants of these civilizations are rapidly disappearing due to lack of sensitivity, modernization, and urbanization. Usually, the fate of these cities is first abandonment and destruction, but afterwards, it is possible to revive the physical spaces with protective measures. These cities, in addition to historical documents, have been enriched with social and traditional values. Shiraz, being equipped with these values, should become a center for attracting creativity and economic development.

Sustainable development does not have a common definition, but with the efforts of cultural and human rights activists, it has become one of the current requirements. In summary, sustainable development is development that meets current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability, which was initially considered based on economic, social, and environmental foundations, has developed more comprehensively depending on its future benefits. The concept of “culture”, in addition to its economic, social, and environmental impacts – which are the main fundamental areas of sustainability – was included in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. At the Leaders’ Summit (2010), sustainability was explained under four main headings with fully participatory and complex criteria.

As a joint acceptance of previous studies, protection of cultural heritage values is essential in creating a sustainable city. The accumulation of Shiraz’s cultural heritage is of global value. Therefore, this cultural heritage, which includes experiences, beliefs, and lifestyles, is necessary for creating a sustainable city. This idea is based on the fact that tangible and intangible values must be protected as an indicator of urban life beyond a social necessity. Shiraz acts as a bridge and transfers the experiences and culture it has accumulated with its past inhabitants to its current residents. All of these parameters have been identified in UNESCO recommendations for historical cities. Sustainability was initially based on social, cultural, and economic concepts, and culture was added to these concepts and became more holistic.