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Sana Kazemzad Bagha, Mahdi Razani,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The following article aims to conserve and restore a part of the rock door and stone tower of the Pasargad World Heritage Site. The rock piece belongs to the right wing of the stone tower and is decorated with six lotus flowers. This object had much damage that caused the preservation and protection of the work to problems such as fracture and lack of integrity. Therefore, the restoration practice started on the stone piece. The best intervention method is selected after the historical, physical, and chemical knowledge of the effect. In this regard, studies have been conducted in the field of knowing and investigating the political history, architecture, nature, and use of the rock tower, and instrumental analyses such as petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) have been performed to identify the physical and chemical dimension of the object. The results show that the work belonged to the stone tower and was probably built during the reign of Darius. The rock used to build the artefact is dolomitic limestone. Finally, with the help of the mentioned analyses and according to the restoration principles of restoration, practical procedure, and preventive conservation were carried out on the stone piece. Finally, the work was placed inside a frame made of Teflon sheet for display so that the work has both visual integrity and can be reversed for future restorations.
Samin Eshaghi Fesqendisi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The present study examines and identifies the tombstone belonging to the cultural heritage department of Oskou city. The city of Oskou, located in the west of East Azerbaijan province, has many historical monuments, and gravestones are one of them. These symbols are considered as one of the cultural and social values of the region and the process of formation of different types of patterns and decorations can be carefully studied in them. The tombstone studied in this research was obtained from the historical cemetery of Khosraq neighborhood and is currently located in the cultural heritage office of Oskou city. During this research, the pathological condition of this stone has been examined and historical and comparative studies have been conducted to identify the period of the effect and match it with similar stones. Also, attention has been paid to its technology, type of motifs and stone carving method. To identify the type of rock, thin sections have been prepared and analyzed by petrography (petrography). Finally, after taking actions such as documenting, cleaning, patching and reconstructing the missing parts, a proposed plan for protection, restoration, display and maintenance of the work has been presented.
Masoud Bater, Malieh Saberniya ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Mosalla of Paein Khiaban of Mashhad is one of the largest and most beautiful historic mosallas in Iran, built at the order of King Suleiman I during the Safavid era. according to inscription on the tile of the central porch, the date of construction and completion of the building is 1087 A.H. The architectural structure of the building consists of a high central porch in the middle and two domed porticoes on the sides. Both the internal and external surfaces of the building are decorated with various architectural elements, such as stucco work, tile work, painting and muqarnas. Among the various decorative employed in this structure, the mosaic tiles of the mihrab are unparalleled in terms of beauty and sophistication. Laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of the glaze of the altar tiles using SEM-EDX method demonstrated strong agreement with findings from other researchers, indicating a continuity of the tile-making tradition and glaze production with similar technology throughout the Safavid era across various r regions of Iran. A petrological study of the mineral composition of the body of the tiles also revealed the use of a similar and appropriate mineralogical composition, paired with good firing in their production, which contributed to the strength and durability of the tiles. The pathology of the building and its decorations indicated that a combination of different physical, chemical and human factors caused the destruction and erosion of the structure and its decorations, including the mosaic tiles. Among these, human activities and irregular urban development surrounding the building, along withimproper and careless restorations, played the main role in the destruction and erosion of the tiles. Considering the importance and sophistication of the mosaic tiles of the altar, following laboratory studies, the tiles of this part of the building were conserved and restored. For this purpose, after the primary conservation measures through cleaning and consolidation, the missing parts were restored according to the principles and theoretical foundations of restoration in the method of complementary restoration through color-matching.
Hamid Fadaei ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Chogha Zanbil world heritage site in Khuzestan is one of the most important Elamite sites, constructed using materials such as mud bricks and baked bricks. Today, the use of petrographic methods holds a special place in archaeometric studies of historical materials like bricks and stones. This cost-effective method allows for the extraction of valuable technical information from historical materials. The main objective of this article is to identify the mineralogical characteristics of historical brick samples from Chogha Zanbil through the microscopic examination of their thin sections. The details examined in the bricks include the types of minerals that make up the bricks, texture (including grain size and shape), porosity, types of impurities, and their distribution, all presented in detail along with relevant images. The results of the studies indicate that the apparent color of the bricks from Chogha Zanbil ranges widely from yellow, brown, and red to green. Microscopic examinations not only introduce some physical characteristics of the bricks from Chogha Zanbil but also identify the main minerals present in their structure, which include iron oxide grains, calcite, quartz, chert, gypsum, fine mica grains, and feldspar. Additionally, the conducted studies provide a clear picture of the weathering processes affecting the bricks, particularly under the influence of soluble salts.
Fatemeh Alimirzaei, Gholamreza Rahmani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
The Iron Age in Iran (550-1450 BC) and beyond, represents a period characterized by significant social, cultural, economic and technological transformations during its evolutionary stages. Zavarehvar is an Iron Age settlement site located in the Varamin plain in central region of Iran, where numerous excavations have been carried out by various archeologists in recent decades. During the 2017 excavation at the Zavarehvar site, a number of gray pottery pieces related to burials were discovered. Given the distribution of the Iron Age cemeteries and the limited technical studies conducted on these potteries, our understanding of the production methods such as texture, components, and manufacturing processes is crucial for comprehending the pottery production technology of this specific period. Therefore, the results from laboratory studies can be beneficial in finding the production process of these artifacts. This research aimed to provide more precise knowledge for conducting comparative studies and determining the local origin of these artifacts by examining nine Iron Age pottery samples from this region using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and petrographic analysis of thin sections. The results indicated that the main phases of the potteries, based on petrography, include quartz (SiO2), and calcite. The ICP-MS results also largely confirmed some of the petrographic observations. However, a significant part of the chemical clustering of ceramics was not due to heterogeneity in elemental composition, nor to differences in the clay sources used. Additionally, we can say that the potteries are local origin, since the soils studied showed significant similarities in trace elements with the pottery samples, confirming their local origin.
Seyed Iraj Beheshti, Sheyda Ashrafi, Siamak Sarlak,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Petrographic studies play a significant role in understanding the structural characteristics and compositions of ceramic artifacts, contributing to the identification of cultural transformations and exchanges based on technical changes in these objects. As such, it is consistently a central component of studies on analyzable artifacts. The archaeological site of Qoli Darvish, located 3 km south of the city of Qom, spans over an area of approximately 30 hectares and contains valuable archaeological remains, including distinctive types of pottery ranging from the Early Bronze Age to Iron Age I. In this study, aimed at investigating the texture, components, and classification of the pottery, 37 pieces of ceramic artifacts discovered during the 2015 excavations were analyzed. Thin-section petrographic analysis, focusing on identifying microscopic structures and existing minerals, was used for this purpose. The results revealed three distinct textures in the pottery samples: coarse-grained heterogeneous or porphyritic texture, fine-grained or silty texture, and clastic texture. The clay matrix of these ceramics shows minimal sorting of its components and contains grog and coarse fillers. Various igneous rock fragments, grog (remnants of silt, clay, or crushed ceramics), calcite, and quartz are visible in the samples. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the materials used in the production of these ceramics were generally local and sourced from the surrounding region.
Maryam Shirvani, Sara Zareiyan Jahromi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The heritage remaining from the short era of Zandiyeh in Shiraz are very diverse and decorated with various decorations. The use of stone can be seen in different parts of these buildings, such that it is used in the external and internal plinths of the building, columns, paving yard and ponds. The plinth walls are sometimes decorated with paintings and sometimes with sculptures, and one of the unique plinths is the battle of Rostam and Ashkboos in the courtyard of Divan Khaneh complex. The purpose of this paper is the scientific pathology of the changes and destructions created in the carvings of Divan Khaneh building. The main question raised is how short-range photogrammetry technology can help accurately document damage to historical relief monuments. The research method is applied and experimental. which has been evaluated using survey and field research. The obtained results state that the use of photogrammetric method is a safe method that is very effective in damage imaging and can show the amount of changes made in the main structure of the stone. In this method, the amount of decay and various destructions of the sculptural effect was evaluated and analyzed, which includes separation, cracks and fissures, material loss, erosion, discoloration, and sedimentation.
Mohammad Reza Alikhah, Anisa Shiri , Shahrazad Amin Shirazi , Mohammad Hossein Boroumand,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Restoration of historical monuments relies heavily on comprehensive documentation conducted both before and after conservation and restoration processes. This study focused on documenting the cleaning process of Iran's Salt Men through the integration of various photographic techniques and specialized focus stacking software. Specifically, it examined the documentation of Salt Man, No. 1, housed in the National Museum of Iran by utilizing a combination of focus stacking and panorama techniques. The project aimed to produce high-resolution images from 5 different angles, capturing the complete depth of field before and after cleaning. The largest image generated in this project boasted a pixel density of 649.4 megapixels, showcasing the frontal view of the artifact. Several challenges arose during the project. The presence of hair on the head and face of Salt Man, No. 1, posed difficulties in photo alignment. Additionally, documenting the gold earrings using macrography presented another set of challenges. It is important to note that the documentation, conservation, and restoration of the artifact were carried out simultaneously. Consequently, close coordination with other members of the conservation and restoration team was crucial and meticulous recording of lighting angles, camera settings, and photometry were prioritized. Detailed documentation was carefully recorded both before and after the cleaning process, taking special care to note the conditions during photography and ensuring accurate color, light, and texture matching. This comprehensive approach established a robust foundation for artifact's future scientific monitoring.
Alireza Amiri Baghbadorani , Leyli Nemani Khiyavi, Mehdi Razani,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Reliefs and Inscriptions are among the most important historical documents, serving as carriers of diverse narratives, such as wars, victories, conquests, notable events, or memorials. These artifacts provide a direct and transparent expression of a certain historical moment. Over time, understanding the durability of stone, humans have recorded events on this precious material using various techniques. This practice began with primitive depictions on natural rocks; and evolved into elaborate carvings designed to document contemporary events. Early inscriptions, often executed on natural rocks, using scripts such as cuneiform; gradually along with development of skills and tools, they developed into detailed and artistic engravings, taking the form of decorative inscriptions or reliefs. This article presents a new transcription of the stone on the portal of the Hasan Pādshāh Mosque and School Complex, located in the central district of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, in Sahib-al-Amar Square, within the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Covered Bazaar. The inscription, carved into a stone surface dating back to the late 8th century A.H., features Thuluth script and has suffered damage due to various factors over time. The most important questions of the research are: What is the content of the inscription on the portal of Hasan Padshah Complex, and what information does it convey? What changes have occurred to the inscription over time? How can the transcription of the inscription be conducted to retrieve the maximum amount of information? To address these questions, historical and archeological studies, were complemented by fieldwork, and advanced documentation methods, including photogrammetry and digital design of the inscription text. Following these steps, a re-reading of the inscription text, along with an analysis of the changes it has undergone over time, was achieved.
Maryam Shirvani, Sara Zareiyan Jahromi ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Documenting is an important and significant part in the field of conservation and restoration of historical monuments. The information obtained in this process can play a significant role in how to deal with emergency protection methods. In the past, most of the documenting process was done manually, which could be accompanied by various errors. With the arrival of new technologies, various methods were investigated and evaluated in this case. Historical buildings built in Iran have various characteristics and different arrays are used in the decoration of these buildings. One of the best examples of these decorations is the wooden ceilings, which were used in historical buildings, especially during the Qajar period in Shiraz, and suffered various damages. The purpose of this research is to make a detailed pathological study of the changes applied to the wooden ceilings known as Marjoek in the Kazeronian house in Shiraz, which are decorated with paintings. The main question raised is what the best way of is documenting the damage of this category of works and whether short-range photogrammetry can be effective in this field. The research method is applied and experimental. Which has been evaluated using survey and field research. The results obtained state that the use of photogrammetry is a safe method that is very effective in damage imaging and can show the amount of changes made in the main structure of wood. In this method, the degree of bending and change of the wooden beams of the roof of Kazeronian house was evaluated and analyzed, and then the best method for strengthening and restoring the effect to its original state was selected and used.
Mohammad Reza Rokni, Hamid Fadaei , Marjan Keyfargir ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Persepolis, as one of Iran's most prominent archaeological sites, symbolizes the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire's culture and art. The stone carving art and architectural ornaments of this era, drawing from the experiences and knowledge of various cultures, created a novel and artistic style that is evident in the stone reliefs of Persepolis. Due to the delicacy and precision of these reliefs, they have attracted the attention of many researchers, raising questions about their artistic values and execution methods. This study aims to analyze the execution techniques of Persepolis' reliefs by documenting examples of these reliefs on the eastern staircase of Apadana Palace and the northern staircase of the Treasury Palace. To document and create 3D models of the reliefs, advanced photogrammetry methods, with a particular emphasis on photo-scanning technology, were employed. Images were processed using specialized software such as Agisoft, 3D Zephyr, and Reality Capture. The results of this study reveal a part of the creation process of these artworks that has been less explored until now. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the photogrammetry-based documentation method in extracting precise technical and artistic data is confirmed. This method not only enables a more detailed analysis of the reliefs' intricacies and geometric proportions but also contributes to a deeper understanding of their artistic values and their place in the history of art. This approach can serve as a valuable model for future research in the field of documenting and extracting technical and artistic data from historical stone reliefs.
Pouya Talebnia, Elham Ghaderyan ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
The documentation of rural settlements, a crucial element in effective planning and management, requires a systematic and goal-oriented approach. This process involves the integration of various scientific disciplines and methodologies, applied meticulously at each stage. The present research aims to share the experiences of documenting rural settlements within the unique cultural landscape of Hawraman. The documentation process encompasses 3D mapping through photogrammetry, the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the development of a detailed building inventory database. Additionally, comprehensive surveys are conducted to analyze structural elements such as pathways, plans of key buildings, architectural details, and openings. This study not only introduces modern and practical documentation techniques tailored to the cultural landscape of Hawraman but also evaluates the strengths and specific capabilities of each stage within a step-by-step, integrated methodology. Collecting precise quantitative and qualitative data throughout the process is paramount, particularly given the unique and challenging conditions of terraced rural settlements. The methods employed aim to minimize systematic errors and ensure high accuracy. The documentation efforts are part of a broader initiative to support the inclusion of the Hawraman cultural landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Data gathered from 20 rural settlements in the region have been consolidated into a comprehensive documentation framework, which serves as a valuable resource for future scientific research, conservation, monitoring, promotion, and sustainable development initiatives. The findings and methodologies presented in this research offer a replicable model for documenting other historical rural and urban settlements, providing practical guidelines for heritage conservation and management.
Eskandar Mokhtari Taleghani,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
This note reviews the book "The Interaction of Restoration and Architectural History in Iran" by Zaatollah Nikzad. The author highlights that this book, emphasizing the relationship between restoration and architectural history, addresses the necessity of preserving architectural works, especially from the perspective of understanding and transmitting the embedded messages within them. The author argues that restoration should not merely be seen as an executive task but as an interpretive and research process, aiming to understand both the architecture and its history. Restorers must benefit from diverse sciences and, in addition to their artistic skills, should possess a proper understanding of architectural history and the creators of historical works. Mokhtari emphasizes that restorers, along with their scientific and technical skills, should engage with historiography and cultural understanding of architectural works, and this understanding should be incorporated into the restoration process. Architectural history must be documented precisely in interaction with the performed restorations to provide primary data for researchers. Ultimately, Mokhtari introduces the restorer as a custodian of architectural history and science, arguing that they should, with precision and responsibility, preserve historical information and evidence and pass them on to future generations. The book "The Interaction of Restoration and Architectural History in Iran" highlights the significance of this new approach in restoration, which should be regarded as the first step in research on Iranian architectural conservation and history.
Farideh Majidi Khameneh,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)
Abstract
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.
Hamid Amanollahi , Hassan Karimian , Fatemeh Sheikh Ahmadi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)
Abstract
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.
Seyyedeh Samira Altaha Bonab, Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Karbandi is a decorative-structural element of Iranian architecture implemented based on precise geometry that has been used in various and diverse parts of it, and one of the important parts of Karbandi is the application in the construction of the Chapireh. Iranian architects in dome houses used the chapireh to convert the square field into a circle, which has two parts: corner construction and shikanj. The aim of this research is to examine historical examples and categorize the forms of Karbandi implemented in the shikanj in line with the typology and systematic classification of historical examples. Also, the features of each of the implemented Karbandi will be examined in terms of the field and type of Karbandi in order to determine the relationship between the type of Karbandi implemented in the shikanj with the field and sides of the Karbandi. The research background shows that the Shikanj can be implemented in two ways: arched and karbandi. to achieve this goal, a classification of the form of the Karbandi in the studied Shikanj was presented. This research is a qualitative research that was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and the necessary information was obtained through library studies, objective observation, and examination of available samples. The results of the research show that the Karbandi in Shikanj can be divided into two categories from a shape perspective: large arch (including simple and with a Sosany) and small arch (including arch with Karbandi, simple Sakonj with Karbandi, and Torbe Filposh with Karbandi), each of which has its own characteristics that can be applied in fields such as half-arches. This research does not directly provide implementation instructions; but its results can help in subsequent studies and the process of recognizing authenticity in the conservation and restoration of the Karbandi implemented in Shikanj.