The signatories of the letter have expressed their concern over the damage and loss inflicted on the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad and other museums, libraries and archives, the looting of archaeological sites, and the damage to historic monuments that took place during the war and subsequent occupation.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO :: Destruction of Cultural Heritage should not be left out of Iraq Inquiry

The historic environment includes historic buildings, ancient monuments (such as castles, abbeys, standing stones and industrial remains), shipwreck sites, archaeological sites, and historic parks, gardens and landscapes.

BBC: Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

The quakes damaged historic monuments, including the roof of Shahabeddin Ahari's tomb and the Qasem Khan Ahari house, among other sites, Press TV said.

CNN: More than 300 killed, 3,000 injured in Iran earthquakes