Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Recovering the Structure and Function of the Ancient Building of Kooh Khajeh Fortress Based on Archaeological Documents and Field Studies

Sara Sedghi

Sistan is one of the population centers in southeastern Iran. This region is located near the Iran-Afghanistan border and is home to monuments from the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanid periods, which have attracted the attention of numerous archaeologists. Kooh Khajeh Fortress, the only natural feature in this vast plain, boasts a collection of monuments dating from prehistoric to Islamic times. Historical documents indicate that during the Parthian Empire, a palace with ritual and religious functions was established on the slopes of Kooh Khajeh, transforming this area of Sistan into one of the worship centers for Zoroastrians. This structure, known as Rostam Castle until around 1500 AD, has also been referred to as Gondafreh Palace, Gaspar Palace, Se-mogh Palace, and more recently as Kafaroon Castle or "Kohan Dezh."Due to the complexity of its various historical layers and the lack of research in this area, many parts of the Kohan Dezh monuments, located on the hillside of Kooh Khajeh, remain unknown. The primary focus of this study is to survey these monuments based on archaeological documents, field studies, and available evidence. The research aims to recover the physical structures of the building through structural reconstruction, as they are undergoing changes and destruction. The necessity of this research is underscored by the limited number of studies conducted on this site. This research employs a descriptive-historical and field-based methodology. The results of the study reveal that the palace's structure includes extensions added after its initial construction. These additions have led to the loss of the building's original form and structure, disrupted the proper movement system, and obscured the architectural decorations characteristic of Sassanid architecture.

Management Planning for the Protection of Historical Sites (Case Study: the Historical City of Istakhr Fars, Iran) Using the SWOT Strategic Model

Hassan Khosravi Khaftari

The management planning for the conservation of historical sites is a very complicated matter due to the extent and complexity of the issues of a historical site. Various international charters such as the Bora Charter, the planning models of Marta Demas, Bernard Fielden, Michel Salvian, Michael Pearson and Yuka Yukhelto have provided guidelines in this regard. Additionally, there are standard and more general models for planning a collection; among them, strategic method and the SWOT analysis are notably important. In this research, the following basic questions are raised: What is the importance of planning the management of the conservation of historical sites and what is the appropriate way for formulating such plans? This research is considered a developmental and practical research in terms of its purpose. The method of solving the problem in the form of "hypothetical-deductive" is considered in conducting this research. The theoretical framework of the research is based on three different categories of information including: international charters, global experiences and standard planning models. In the following, information regarding the studied site (the ancient city- site of Istakhr) has been presented. Finally, using the analytical model (SWOT), the main policies for conservation planning of the site, such as determining zone and introducing them to the public and communication with the community has been introduced as the main needs of the site. The main purpose of this article is to introduce the management planning of historical sites as a management tool and a key expertise in the field of cultural heritage conservation.

Challenges in the Restoration of the Historical Dezful Bridge: An Examination of the Diversity of Approaches and Their Impact on the Historical Value of the Structure

Hani Zarei

The Dezful historical bridge, a prominent example of Sassanid architecture in the city, is characterized by its stone foundations and unique structural features. This research explores the restoration and reconstruction methods applied to the spans of the Dezful historical bridge, with a focus on preserving the structural authenticity over time. The research method is historical-interpretive, with data collection through both library and field research. The findings indicate a wide variety of restoration and reconstruction techniques employed throughout history. The key research question is: What is the diversity of restoration methods for the foundations of the Dezful historical bridge, and how have these methods impacted the bridge's structural authenticity and historical value over time? Notable techniques include the use of simple cement coatings, brick patterns, plaster and lime coatings with brick patterns, and a combination of stone and brick materials. Additionally, the types of stones used in the reconstruction show variations in appearance, texture, dimensions, and arrangement. This diversity in reconstruction methods has resulted in an inappropriate visual appearance for the bridge's structure, negatively impacting its authenticity and historical value. The research concludes that the lack of a unified restoration approach may diminish its significance as a key symbol of the Sassanid period, emphasizing the need for greater attention to consistency in restoration practices and the preservation of the building’s original features.

Vulnerable Crystalline Structures of Historical Adobe in the Presence of Moisture at the Historical Site of Belqis, Esfarayen

Reza Hoseini Keshtan

The remains consisting of adobe and mud structures extend over an area of 180 hectares, located 3 kilometers south of the current city of "Esfarayen" in North Khorasan, Iran. Archaeological studies of the last two decades, in addition to various cultural findings, have also revealed various architectural structures, which include the historical site of Belqis Esfarayen along with the remains of Narin qale (Military Castle). Given the frequent erosion of adobe due to moisture from limited rainfall in the region during conservation interventions, addressing soil quality characteristics and identifying crystalline structures in erosion processes was the goal of this research. Laboratory studies conducted through physical and chemical tests demonstrated that soil quality is the main cause of clay erosion. This is attributed to a combination of factors: the lack of clay and the high percentage of silica on one hand, and the presence of muscovite and secondary calcite crystal structures on one hand.

Analysis of Effective Factors in the Consolidation of Historical Porous Materials

Mehdi Razani

Historical structures, often constructed using porous materials such as stone, brick, and mortar, have been exposed to environmental and anthropogenic stressors over centuries, leading to their gradual deterioration. Consolidation, a critical intervention in the conservation of porous historical materials, aims to enhance their mechanical stability, mitigate further degradation, and prolong their lifespan. This process becomes essential when the structural integrity of an artifact is compromised due to factors such as weathering, salt crystallization, and biological growth. However, the effectiveness of consolidation treatments is highly dependent on the selection of appropriate consolidants, which must meet specific criteria, including deep and uniform penetration, minimal surface residue, chemical compatibility, reversibility, and the preservation of the material’s breathability. Despite its importance, the field faces significant challenges, including a lack of standardized protocols and comprehensive understanding of the long-term performance of consolidants. This research seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical principles and practical applications by evaluating the performance of various consolidants on-site and optimizing intervention strategies for porous historical materials. The findings aim to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable conservation practices for cultural heritage.

Comparison of Silane/Siloxane Coatings in Aqueous and Organic Solvents for Enhancing Stone Hydrophobicity

Amir Ershad Langroudi

The reinforcement and hydrophobicity enhancement of historical construction materials, particularly the surfaces of historical stones, are among the most sensitive and challenging interventions in cultural heritage conservation. These interventions require precise analysis and comprehensive research to minimize potential side effects. Such actions are especially essential when stone artifacts exposed to open environments suffer from severe degradation and erosion or exhibit significant surface changes, potentially leading to loss of aesthetic and structural integrity. Without timely intervention, erosive factors may penetrate deeper layers of the artifact, posing a risk of complete collapse. In this study, the performance of three industrial silane/siloxane-based coatings Wacker 290, Wacker 3003, and Long Life was evaluated in the coating process of stone materials. The physical, mechanical, and especially hydrophobic properties of these materials on stone surfaces were analyzed and compared. Results indicated that all three materials exhibited moisture-repellent properties. However, Long Life and Wacker 290 demonstrated superior performance due to their better bonding with stone surfaces. These findings provide effective guidance for selecting suitable materials in conservation projects of historical artifacts, preventing the premature deterioration of these invaluable heritages.

Note: The Profession of Restoration, Past, Present, and Future

Behnoud Goharbin

Restoration has evolved from humanity's need to repair and reconstruct the objects and structures around them, and it has played various roles throughout history. What we recognize today as the practice and term of scientific restoration in Iran dates back approximately 52 years ago. This was when the first scientific laboratory for restoration was established at the Museum of Ancient Iran, and a few years later, in 1977, experts and professors from the National Organization for Conservation of Antiquities, in collaboration with Farabi University, founded the field of historical artifacts restoration in Isfahan. The first graduates and specialists in restoration were employed by governmental institutions and gradually, the profession became recognized among the cultural and artistic community. However, there was still a long way to go before scientific restoration would be fully accepted as a profession in society. After the Islamic Revolution, along with an expansion of university programs and various branches of restoration studies, there was a marked increase in graduates entering this field. While this created job opportunities within cultural heritage for some individuals. Over time due to various reasons, the cultural heritage sector could not absorb all graduates. As a result, since the late 1990s, unemployment rates within the field of restoration have significantly risen. This article reflects on past experiences within this profession based on numerous accounts from individuals working in related fields of restoration. The aim is to highlight both challenges and opportunities regarding career prospects for restorers working with historical artifacts and objects both now and
into the future.

Note: the Challenges of Preserving and Restoring Historical Coins in Private Collections

Shiba Khadir

Historical coins, as invaluable material documents, not only hold financial significance but also serve as vivid evidence of the history, culture, art, and economy of past civilizations. In Iran, with a rich heritage spanning over 2,500 years, coins play a pivotal role in reconstructing national and cultural identity. However, the preservation and restoration of these historical treasures, particularly in private collections, face numerous challenges. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and a sense of responsibility among collectors, conservators, and governmental institutions. Raising awareness and providing education on scientific methods of preservation and restoration, along with fostering trust between
conservators and collectors, are essential strategies for safeguarding this valuable heritage. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts (MCTH) and the Research Centre for Conservation- Restoration of Cultural Relics (RCCCR) can play a significant role by offering specialized training and necessary support. Ultimately, historical coins, as an integral part of national and cultural identity, require meticulous and responsible preservation, maintenance, and study to endure as a lasting legacy for future generations.