Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Conservation of Unearthed Stucco Decorations during the First Season of Excavations at the Qal‘eh-i Yazdigird Site

Hamid Fadaei

The stucco decorations of Yazdegerd Castle, located in Kermanshah Province, hold a significant place in the study of Parthian-period Iran. Nearly three decades after the initial excavations of the site by Edward J. Keall, further excavations carried out in 2008 by the late Dr Masoud Azarnoush led to the discovery of new stucco fragments. In light of the conservation challenges associated with these decorations, attention was drawn to the need for their in situ preservation. Many of the fragments recovered from debris and soil had suffered from erosion, delamination, or salt encrustation due to soluble salts present in the soil, rendering the detailed study of the motifs difficult or impossible. Moreover, some of the stucco elements still in situ on the walls were severely affected by erosion. This study employs both archival research and fieldwork to collect and assess information related to the site and its stucco decorations. Key conservation activities included the removal of surface deposits using physical and chemical methods, reassembly and consolidation of fragments, and the organisation of appropriate storage conditions for the finds. The research indicates that techniques such as one-piece or multi-part moulding, direct carving or chiselling, followed by manual finishing and, in some cases, polychrome painting, were employed in the production of the stucco decorations. The findings also highlight the necessity for specialised measures and ongoing interventions to ensure the preservation of stucco in open-air archaeological contexts. Given the large number of stucco fragments uncovered at Yazdegerd Castle, the design and implementation of a comprehensive and long-term conservation plan is essential for safeguarding this valuable heritage. In this regard, several recommendations are offered to improve current conditions and enhance the quality of future conservation efforts at the site.

Patina in ancient bronze objects: its origin, classification, role and importance in conservation and restoration

hamidreza bakhshandehfard

When dealing with historical bronze artifacts, we usually encounter a layer called patina on the surface of these artifacts. Understanding the nature, structure, and function of this layer is one of the fundamental issues in the field of conservation and restoration of historical metals In general, patina in metals is defined as a coating consisting of various chemical compounds such as oxides, carbonates, sulfides, and chlorides, which forms as a result of the long-term interaction of the metal with environmental and corrosive factors. The question of what role patina plays in the conservation, historical interpretation, and restoration decisions of bronze objects has provided the main motivation for the present study to investigate and scientifically understand this phenomenon. In this article, while introducing the concept of patina and its types in historical bronzes, we examine the factors affecting the formation and evolution of this layer, including environmental conditions and alloy composition.

Semantic Restoration and Epigraphic Reconstruction of the Great Salawat Inscription in the Haftshuiyeh Jameh Mosque

Hamidreza Azarinia

Calligraphy art in Islamic architecture has been existed in Kufic form especially in the 13thAD., this was the time of the Mongol Ilkhanids in Iran. The evidence for Square Kufic under Ilkhanid religious freedom bear variation of meanings which indicates the religious orientation of the constructors. Sometime between two square Kufic inscriptions on different buildings are seen similarity on the rules of design and religious orientation which suggest unique works of one calligrapher. One of the most innovative one is in the mausoleum PirBakran. A large square panel containing salutation on the Prophet Muhammad and Twelve Imams is in the main exterior of the mausoleum. A similar Square Kufic containing same salutation exist in the Haftshuiyeh Mosque in a Mihrab Panel. Both monuments are in two districts of the Isfahan province not far from each other.
The contribution of this work is to extract the pattern of a damaged Kufic calligraphy in Haftshuiyeh Mosque considering the similar inscription in the mausoleum of PirBakran. There are some other decorative motives on the Haftshuiyeh mihrab find similars in the ornament of the PriBakran. With attention to the Kufic calligraphy works of PirBakran and Haftshuiyeh, their similar unique content and similar designs of both inscriptions, support the suggestion that the inscription of Haftshuiyeh, may originate from the calligrapher of PirBakran mausoleum. The aim of this study is to describe, analyze and compare the inscription of Pirbakran with Haftshuiyeh in order to find the word formations and compositional schemes and the rules of calligrapher’s design. To identify different structure and variation of the alphabet of Kufic letters, each word has been studied as far as possible in the PirBakran and Haftshuiyeh. Following the calligrapher’s rules, forms of the words, authors redesign and give explanation on the missing part of the Haftshuiyeh inscriptions.

Suggested scientific-practical guide in preservation and restoration of historical carpets

Mehdi Razani

Historic Persian carpets represent one of the most significant categories of movable cultural heritage and are internationally recognized for their artistic, historical, and cultural values. Owing to their dual functional and museum roles, conservation and restoration practices have long been influenced by both traditional market-oriented repair methods and modern museum conservation approaches. Consequently, the absence of a comprehensive scientific guideline for the conservation and restoration of historic carpets remains an important challenge. This study aimed to identify the principal scientific stages involved in the conservation of historic carpets and to formulate a practical guideline based on expert knowledge and existing conservation practices. Data were collected through documentary research, field investigations, and semi-structured interviews with traditional carpet repairers, museum conservators, researchers, collectors, and university educators. The findings indicate that traditional carpet repair primarily emphasizes reconstructing the original appearance and restoring visual integrity, whereas contemporary museum conservation focuses on preserving authenticity through documentation, minimum intervention, reversibility, and preventive conservation. The study concludes that conservation of historic carpets should follow a systematic sequence beginning with documentation and technical assessment, followed by appropriate cleaning, structural stabilization, and long-term preventive conservation. This framework provides a scientific basis for conservation decision-making while preserving the historical and cultural significance of Persian carpets.

Explaining Conservation Solutions Based on the Understanding, Typology, and Pathology of Muqarnas in Mosques (Case Study: Moshtaghieh Complex, Kerman)

Hossein Esmaeili Sangari

Muqarnas, a key element of Islamic architecture, holds both artistic and structural significance. The Moshtaghieh Historical Complex in Kerman, from the Qajar era, features remarkable examples in domes, entrances, and niches. Over time, these elements have deteriorated due to environmental factors, aging materials, seismic events, and improper restorations. This study aims to develop effective conservation strategies through detailed typological and pathological analysis. Documentation included high-resolution photography, measurements, and architectural drawings to classify muqarnas into types such as stalactite-shaped, modular, and layered forms based on their architectural context. Damage assessment revealed issues like discoloration, biological growth, salt efflorescence, cracks, material loss, and deformation.Conservation proposals follow international heritage standards of minimal intervention, reversibility, and authenticity. Strategies include environmental control, compatible mortar consolidation, structural stabilization, and traditional restoration techniques. A significant aspect of the study is the use of 3D digital reconstruction through photogrammetry, enabling damage visualization and restoration planning.This research offers a practical and replicable model for the conservation of Islamic ornamentation by integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern documentation technologies, supporting sustainable heritage preservation and future educational efforts.

A Systematic Review of Multilateral Methods for Cultural Landscape Assessment Using Emerging Technologies

Saeid Norouzian-Maleki

Cultural landscapes are formed through the interaction between human communities and the natural environment. They include physical elements such as settlements, agricultural lands, roads, vegetation, water systems, and land-use patterns, as well as non-material dimensions such as collective memory, cultural identity, local knowledge, social practices, visual experience, and emotional attachment to place. Cultural landscapes should therefore be understood as living environments rather than as fixed physical settings. Their multidimensional character makes assessment complex. Methods that focus only on physical form or visual quality cannot fully identify historical, social, cultural, perceptual, and ecological values. Traditional approaches, including historical documents, field observation, interviews, questionnaires, and community participation, provide information about local identity and lived experience, but may be limited in documenting spatial relationships, monitoring change, or visualizing interventions. Emerging technologies have expanded assessment possibilities. Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, laser scanning, three-dimensional modeling, virtual reality, eye tracking, and electroencephalography can support data collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation. They can improve spatial accuracy, reconstruct historical environments, compare scenarios, and provide evidence about users’ responses. However, they cannot independently reveal collective memory, cultural meaning, indigenous knowledge, or sense of belonging. Their value is greatest when combined with historical, perceptual, and participatory methods. This study aimed to identify and compare cultural landscape assessment methods, examine the opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies in combination with perceptual and participatory approaches, and propose a flexible, phased pathway for multidimensional assessment.

"Curriculum Models and Experienced Approaches in Conservation and Restoration Education"

Mohsen Keshavarz

Education in the field of conservation and restoration of historical monuments plays a fundamental role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Due to the sensitivity of the subject and the scientific, technical, and cultural complexities involved, curriculum design in this field must be based on strong theoretical foundations and informed by successful international experiences. In recent decades, various countries have responded to the professional demands of this discipline by developing specialized programs in universities and higher education institutions. However, cultural, technical, and structural differences among these programs highlight the necessity of conducting comparative studies and critically evaluating curriculum models. Conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage is an interdisciplinary field that requires precise and goal-oriented curriculum planning for the training of specialists. This study aims to examine different curriculum models and conduct a comparative analysis of global experiences in the education of conservation and restoration. Although such models have not yet become institutionalized in Iran, and only a few instructors have occasionally experimented with these approaches, their application has been temporary and often limited to one or two semesters. Traditional teaching methods still dominate the academic landscape. Accordingly, this research first introduces several theoretical curriculum models, including the master-apprentice model, service-learning, praxis, and outcome-based learning. It then presents a comparative analysis of educational programs at various universities to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and effective patterns. The findings reveal that successful programs tend to establish a balanced integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Based on these results, it is recommended that the revision of conservation education curricula in Iran draw on international experiences—many of which employ diverse or hybrid models—while being carefully adapted to local contexts.