Mehdi Razani, Parisa Zahedi, Omid Omidian, Volume 5, Issue 4 (Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration 2023)
Abstract
Tombstones are composed of various stones adorned with different patterns and decorations, and their role in Islam and Iranian culture is considered integral cultural artefacts, with respect to the concept of life after death and their educative function to living people inreminding the concept of death and the eternal abode. In past societies, stones were perceived as the abodes of souls. This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach and library research method by exploring the various types of tombstones and diverse decorations associated with them in different Islamic periods, as well as the methods of conservation and restoration of tombstones. The paper also investigates the Islamic perspective on this matter. Restoration of Islamic tombs and tombstones is seen as a scholarly and practical endeavor, as evidenced by Islamic sources emphasizing the conservation of the tombs of divine figures, including the Imams, as a clear example of venerating religious symbols, a commendable practice and an emphasized aspect of Islam. Additionally, the restoration of the tombs of ordinary deceased individuals is justified due to its prominent role in reminding survivors of the concept of death and readiness for the journey to the eternal abode.
Parisa Zahedi, Volume 5, Issue 4 (Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration 2023)
Abstract
The use of tombstones to mark the burial place of the dead is an ancient tradition. Over time, its types, shapes, and sizes depending on the traditions, culture, and religion, as well as the impact that the deceased had on his family and society during his lifetime has been changed. Tombstones also play an important role in preserving history, as they often have inscriptions that provide insight into the people buried beneath them and the cultural practices of that historical period. The tombstones of the Islamic period play an important role in recognizing Islamic culture in the past ages. Ohadi Maragheh is a poet of the late 7th and early 8th century AH, and his tomb is in a cemetery in Maragheh and his tombstone is a sandstone box with decorations and inscriptions. In this article, using field, library, and laboratory studies, the typology, characterization and preservation-digital reconstruction of the tombstone of Ohadi Maraghei have been studied. Using this method before carrying out physical conservation and restoration activities can be helpful in showing what will happen. The restorer can give researchers a general picture of the restored work by performing digital reconstructions.
