Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Identification of pigments in wall paintings from the Zand era in the Karim Khani Castle of Shiraz

Maryam Shirvani

The Karim Khani Castle is a monument from the Zand era in Shiraz. In this building, a wall painting is one of the decorations, which unfortunately was hidden under a layer of plaster during the Qajar era, so many studies have not been conducted to identify pigments from the Zand era. The aim of the study is to understand the structure of pigments in the Zand period wall paintings in the Karim Khani Castle. The question raised is what kind of materials are included in the composition of these coloring materials. For investigation, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and RAMAN instrumental methods were used. The findings indicate that the red pigment compositions included lead oxide (syringe) and possibly iron oxide (late), the blue pigment included ultramarine blue (lapis lazuli), and the green pigment included malachite (mountain green), which were applied on gypsum substrates and an oil-based compound was used as a binder. The pigments have a mineral structure and are durable, and despite the introduction of European oil paints in Iran, these color compounds have not been used in mural painting.

Technical Study, Laboratory Investigations, and Damage Assessment of the Stucco ‎Inscription of Aq Qaleh ‎ Mosque in Sabzevar and Its Conservation and Restoration

Masoud Bater

The stucco inscription of Aq Qaleh ‎ Mosque in Neqab, Sabzevar, represents one of the most significant Ilkhanid architectural ornaments in eastern Iran, distinguished by its artistic, historical, and technological value. This study aims to identify the construction and execution techniques, diagnose patterns of deterioration, conduct laboratory analyses, and develop a scientifically grounded approach for the conservation and restoration of the inscription. Initially, field surveys and imaging techniques were employed to document the overall condition of the monument, including its structural characteristics, paint layers, stucco carving, and decorative elements. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were performed to determine the mineralogical structure and chemical composition of the pigments, indicating the use of natural mineral colorants such as red ochre and ultramarine. The diagnostic phase identified multiple deterioration factors, including damage caused by moisture, thermal fluctuations, structural stresses, chemical and biological agents, and inappropriate earlier interventions. Based on these findings, the restoration process comprised cleaning, consolidation, reconstruction of missing decorative and inscriptional elements, chromatic reintegration, and final stabilization, all carried out in accordance with the principles of reversibility, Limited intervention and compatibility in appearance. In addition, a set of preventive ‎conservation measures aimed at ensuring preservation for an extended period was ‎proposed, encompassing environmental control, the installation of protective barriers, staff training, and the mitigation of structural moisture. What distinguishes this research from previous studies on Ilkhanid stucco conservation is the integrated application of advanced laboratory analyses and in situ diagnostic investigations to develop a coherent, tailored conservation framework for polychrome stucco inscriptions, an approach that has not been systematically articulated within previous studies of eastern Iranian architectural ornamentation.

Recognizing Environmental Rationality and Indigenous Knowledge Patterns in the Protection of Outdoor Sculptures: Bird Repellent Patterns

Farideh Majidi Khameneh

Outdoor sculptures, as part of cultural heritage, in addition to beautifying cities, play an important role in conveying messages to observers and giving identity to passages, and constitute an important part of art history. The durability of these structures is threatened by atmospheric, human and environmental factors and they are subject to erosion over time. Birds and their droppings are a serious threat to these sculptures and cause numerous damages and corrosion. Even after restoration and spending time and money, this threat remains. The main research question is about what are the solutions and patterns of indigenous knowledge for repelling birds. With the aim of recognizing environmental rationality and extracting patterns, 50 ethnographic reports in the field of indigenous knowledge were examined using meta-synthesis and content analysis methods. Based on the findings, these patterns include:1- Pattern of deprivation of nesting, settlement and food. 2- Pattern of sound phobia. 3- Pattern of fear of moving objects. 4- Pattern of staring at birds' eyes. 5- Pattern of color phobia (birds' fear of a specific color) and 6- Pattern of odor phobia (birds' fear of a specific smell). The research results help to identify areas of synergy between anthropological studies, knowledge of historical preservation, and urban design, and indicate the flexibility of heritage knowledge to solve new problems, as well as the high levels of environmental understanding of indigenous scholars. This rationality is the result of centuries of experience in other areas of life, such as agriculture and gardening, in combating bird damage. Native methods are environmentally friendly, economical, accessible, sustainable and renewable compared to modern methods of bird control.

Environmental Studies and Their Role in the Conservation of Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Takht-e Soleyman

Hamid Amanollahi

Takht-e Soleyman, located in a mountainous area of northwestern Iran, is one of the country’s most important historical and cultural centers and has been studied from various scientific perspectives. This research aims to identify the environmental characteristics influencing human settlement and to examine the impacts of climatic and environmental conditions on the preservation of historical monuments. Findings indicate that the large spring of Takht-e Soleyman and several karst springs, by providing mineral-rich water, have played a significant role in the formation of settlements and the chemical composition of the soil, thereby affecting the region’s biodiversity and vegetation cover. Adequate precipitation has further enriched the vegetation and created favorable habitats for various animal species. The main objectives of this study include identifying the environmental potentials that contributed to settlement formation and proposing adaptive strategies to local climatic conditions for the conservation, restoration, and management of the complex. Given Takht-e Soleyman’s specific climate—characterized by long winters and heavy snowfall—the key question is how to ensure effective preservation of its historical assets. The research methodology is historical and descriptive-analytical, combining library studies with field observations. Comparative analysis of climatic parameters such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and solar radiation against international standards revealed that, if properly managed, certain climatic indices can help mitigate physical deterioration of the monuments. Accordingly, practical strategies based on quantitative and qualitative indicators have been proposed to reduce adverse environmental impacts. By integrating historical, architectural, and environmental data, this study highlights the critical role of environmental studies in safeguarding archaeological sites—particularly Takht-e Soleyman—and offers scientific and practical solutions to ensure the sustainable preservation of this valuable heritage.

Designing Cultural Narratives to Promote Public Participation in the Protection of Intangible Heritage, Case Study: Tabriz Historical Bazaar

Hossein Esmaeili Sangari

Preserving intangible cultural heritage in historic urban spaces requires a nuanced understanding of culture, practices, and meanings, as well as active community engagement. This study examines the impact of designing cultural narratives on public participation in safeguarding intangible heritage within the buffer zone of the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (Pasazh Alley). Using an integrated mixed-methods design, ethnographic self-documentation, field observation, and semi-structured interviews with residents and shopkeepers produced lived-experience data coded into 28 core items. A questionnaire based on these items was distributed to 50 users and 16 experts. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results show significant relationships between cultural components (material, behavioral, spiritual) and place attachment. Designed cultural narratives were evaluated and ranked using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision method. Findings suggest narrative design grounded in stakeholders’ lived experience functions as a practical tool to convey intangible values, strengthen place attachment, and promote active community participation in heritage protection.

Structural-Historical Integrity in the Historic Urban Fabric of Qazvin: An Evaluative Study of the Rāh-Rey, Khandaq-Bār, and Khīābān Neighborhoods

Reza Rahimnia

The conservation of structural and historical integrity in historic cities is a major challenge due to urban growth. Changes in integrity and the loss of authentic historical context have led to a decline in the city's historical identity. This study looks at integrity within the historic areas of Qazvin, focusing on the Rāh-Rey, Khandaq-Bār, and Khīābān neighborhoods. We developed key evaluation indicators based on conservation principles and theories, applying them at both neighborhood and broader levels. The methodology included archival research, historical maps and images from 1918 to today, and field surveys to track spatial and structural changes. The findings show that changes in urban structure have disrupted historical identity and continuity, especially along key historical pathways. The study concludes that strengthening structural integrity and protecting authentic values are vital for balancing heritage preservation with ongoing urban development.

To Invent a Water-Resistant Cement Plaster

Habib Meshkinfam Fard

Concrete, as one of the most widely used contemporary construction materials, possesses distinctive characteristics such as high compressive strength, plasticity, availability, and cost-effectiveness, which have secured its prominent position in modern architecture and structural engineering. Several contemporary architectural works in Iran and across the world, registered in national and international heritage lists, have been constructed using exposed concrete. Nevertheless, the exposure of these structures to diverse climatic conditions and urban pollution, particularly over extended periods results in erosion and both visual and structural alterations in concrete. Deteriorative agents such as acid rain, atmospheric chemical compounds, soluble salts, and erosion caused by wind and water gradually reduce durability and weaken the concrete structure. This process not only leads to a decline in visual quality but also renders protective and restorative interventions inevitable. Accordingly, safeguarding concrete surfaces against environmental and chemical agents constitutes a vital approach to the preservation and sustainability of such structures. In response to this challenge, the application of innovative technologies can play a significant role in enhancing the durability of concrete. One notable achievement in this regard is the invention of a waterproof cementitious protective coating, registered in 2016 (1395 in the Iranian calendar) and officially approved by Shiraz University. This research was conducted with an applied orientation, initially introducing the invention and the conceptual origins of the idea. Subsequently, the study elaborated on its justification, nature, and objectives, and presented the results of performance tests under intensified environmental conditions and water absorption experiments, thereby demonstrating its practical applicability. The results of the 24-hour water absorption test indicate that this coating, with an absorption rate of only 0.3%, exhibits remarkable impermeability to moisture compared to the reference cement sample, which recorded an absorption rate of 14.8%. Furthermore, the coating, with a minimum thickness of one millimeter, demonstrates waterproofing properties as well as resistance to efflorescence and acidic environments. Ease of application and adaptability to diverse surfaces are additional advantages of this technology. Importantly, the waterproof cementitious coating provides effective protection for concrete with minimal visual impact, thereby preserving the original appearance of the surface without noticeable alteration.