The Islamic Republic’s Instrumental Misuse of War Ruins: Propaganda

The current use of war ruins in Tehran can be seen as an adaptation of this earlier model to a new media environment. While the core themes remain similar, the methods of dissemination have evolved. Digital platforms allow for immediate and widespread distribution, creating opportunities for rapid narrative formation. At the same time, they introduce new challenges, as competing narratives can emerge just as quickly.

The ethical implications of this strategy are complex. On one hand, the documentation and public acknowledgment of destruction are important for transparency and historical record. On the other hand, the deliberate use of these images for political purposes raises questions about the boundaries between representation and exploitation. When suffering becomes a tool, the line between honoring victims and using them becomes difficult to define.

For residents of the affected areas, the experience is likely to be deeply personal and varied. Some may find meaning in collective gatherings and public expressions of resilience. Others may experience frustration at the prolonged visibility of destruction in their neighborhoods. The presence of organized activities in these spaces can complicate the process of recovery by turning private loss into public spectacle.