Tehran – Iran is set to open five new museums dedicated to the Iranian and Iraq wars from 1980 to 1988. This is known as “sacred defense” by the second half of this year or by the latest May 2026.
Brigadier General Berman Kalger, head of the Foundation for Preservation and Publishing of Sacred Defence Works and Values, made a presentation at a meeting of senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Tehran.
These openings will increase the total number of sacred defense museums across the country from 29 to 34, Kalger explained.
He said the existing museum, which covers a total area of 44 hectares with over 301,000 square meters of construction space, will serve as an important site for documenting and displaying the history of the war.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Kalgar noted that 162 war-related sites or objects have so far been listed on the national list of Iranian cultural heritage. He added that QOM, Yazd and Semnan regional museums are recognized as national heritage, and that Hamedan and Zanjan museums are licensed to operate.
The foundation is also tasked with collecting and archiveing materials from the recent 12-day conflict in the region, Kargar said. He added that the daily chronology of the battle is compiled in cooperation with the military.
“The museum is not only a guardian of history, but also a cultural hub that promotes education and intergenerational dialogue,” Kalgar told the gathering.
He further emphasized that preserving accurate accounts of the war period is essential to prevent historical distortions and protecting national identity.
The Foundation for Sacred Defence Works and Preservation and Publication, partnering with the Islamic Republic of Iran, aims to protect war relics, promote a culture of resistance, and support activities such as war-related museum development, commemorative rituals, and cultural festivals rooted in the Iran-Iraq war.
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