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A Review of the Ethical Codes in the Profession of Conservation of Historical Relics
Fatemeh Alimirzaei, Samad Samanian,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
The conservation of historical artifacts, as a profession that closely linked to the prevailing history and culture in individual and social life, carries a heavy mission and responsibility towards the creators and owners of these artifacts in the past, present, and future. On the other hand, despite the diversity of thoughts, desires, and approaches, it is an activity that must be conducted within a specific scientific and theoretical framework. Conservators, while adhering to this specified framework, must also consider particular ethical considerations. These considerations are crucial not only for maintaining the quality and clarity of conservation activities for the conservators and their audience but also for making them aware of the ethical consequences of their actions and the ethical standards used to evaluate those actions. These ethical considerations have been variously addressed in the theories and documents related to the conservation and restoration field as the profession has evolved. In this research, an attempt is made to provide definitions and basic concepts related to the topic, alongside examples of ethical codes in the conservation profession with an interpretive approach. The aim of this research is to understand the role and function of ethics in conservation and restoration processes and some ethical considerations when dealing with artifacts. To this end, To this end, ethical conduct documents prepared by several conservation institutions, such as the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC), the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC), the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations (ECCO), and the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (UKIC), have been examined as case studies. The reviews revealed that these documents strive to define the boundaries of professional conservation, with the primary goal of protecting public assets and gaining public trust and social approval for the profession. Therefore, they focus on the interests of humanity rather than professional interests and develop conservation ethics based on attention to universal values and a focus on cultural values.

Conservation and Restoration Plan of the Urartian Inscription of Seqindel, Varzeghan, East Azerbaijan, Iran
Mehdi Razani, Leyli Nemani Khiyavi ,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
This research investigates methods for conservation, restoration, and reinforcement of the Urartian inscription of Seqindel. It also aims to propose feasible recommendations for improving the preservation and stabilization conditions of the inscription and consequently, the historical site itself. The Seqindel inscription was discovered in 1951 CE near the village of Seqindel, beside a complex archaeological site. It stands as a significant artefact from the Urartian era in northwest Iran, dating back approximately 2750 years. Stone inscriptions are inherently vulnerable to environmental factors that can lead to deterioration. To address this concern, the research incorporates structural studies, pathology assessments, and analyses of the inscription's current condition. The results indicate that priority should be given to emergency stabilization and consolidation to prevent the collapse of the inscription, followed by practical measures for ongoing protection, and finally, preventive conservation. Considering the inscription's location approximately 2 kilometers from the village of Saqindel, the following key recommendations are proposed for its preservation and promotion: 1) Community participation in protection efforts, 2) Tourism enhancement and deterrence of unauthorized excavations, 3) Road construction for improved accessibility,4) Site access and signage development, 5) Natural stone staircase construction, 6) Design and insulation of informative signage, 7) Vegetation revitalization in the adjacent valley.

Reuse Adaptive an with Ilam in Castles Historical Five of Redesign Approach (3 Studio Design Architectural: Research Action)
Zahra Bidkhouri, Kourosh Momeni ,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The importance of the historical castles of Ilam province is above all because this region, as one of the government centers, was the site of the formation of prominent castles during the Sassanid period, which introduced the political and social structure of that era.  Over time, a number of these monuments have lost their original function and have become abandoned, making their preservation an inevitable necessity. Adaptive reuse through appropriate change of use is an effective solution for the restoration of these valuable buildings.  The main   question of the research is: "How can we help preserve and restore the historical castles of Ilam with an adaptive reuse (AR) approach?" The research method is mixed and data were collected and analyzed from documentary studies and field observations. The statistical population includes ten students of the sixth semester of the Bachelor of Architecture program at Jundi- Shapur University of Technology in Dezful, and the "Architectural Design 3" workshop was chosen as the research context. The results show that the focus of the designs was on creating new spaces and the strategy of annexation was used more than installation and intervention. Also, the annexations were mainly formed in the form of two groups of space and element and the most extensive changes were in the facade materials. The final result indicates that the adaptive reuse approach not only helps to preserve and restore the historical castles of Ilam, but also, in the form of educational projects, improves students' understanding of how to integrate contemporary design with the historical and physical values of heritage buildings.

Chloride Ions Removal and Stabilization of Archaeological Irons: A Review of Methods, Efficiency, Limitations and Challenges
Elaheh Hajjari, Mohammad Mortazavi, Keyvan Raeissi, Mohammad Hafezi Kahnamoei ,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The inherent instability of archaeological iron objects is due to contaminated with chloride ions from the burial environment, as well as being exposed to oxygen and high relative humidity. Therefore, the removal of chloride ions and the stabilization of active corrosion are essential steps to prevent further deterioration and to preserve these artefacts. Numerous scholars have investigated various methods for the dechlorination of archaeological irons. However, the complexity of the corrosion mechanisms, the varying condition under which artefacts were buried, the specific characteristic of each object, and the ethical principles of conservation and restoration confront conservation scientists with significant challenges. As a result, from the earliest research in this field to the present day, studies in the subjects are still ongoing. A meticulous review of the literature can lead to a better understanding of existing research findings and help identify aspects that more research is needed. The aim of this paper is to review, critique and examine each of the different chlorination methods, while also discussing their disadvantages and limitations. This review discuses different methods of chloride ions removal and stabilization of archaeological iron artefacts, including electrochemical techniques, immersion in alkaline aqueous solutions, application of subcritical fluids, hydrogen plasma, and biological treatment using bacteria. In addition, factors affecting the process before, during, and after dechlorination, as well as the specific challenges of treating large and composite objects are examined. Finally, by reviewing and comparing the studies conducted in this paper, it was found that there are still gaps in this regard, the analysis of which will ultimately lead to the application and optimization of appropriate dechlorination methods tailored to the specific characteristics of each object and its conservation conditions.

An Overview of The Materials Used In The Consolidation of Historical Bricks: Comparison Between Old and New Materials
Leyli Nemani Khiyavi, Hossein Ahmadi , Seyyed Mohammad Amin Emami,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The conservation of historic bricks is considered one of the fundamental components in safeguarding architectural heritage, as brick, one of the predominant materials in Iran’s historic architecture is exposed to a wide range of complex weathering and deterioration processes. Consolidation, as one of the most important conservation interventions, is employed to enhance structural cohesion, reduce vulnerability, stabilize decay, and improve the durability of porous materials (Doehne & Price, 2011). Nevertheless, although consolidation can mitigate the effects of deterioration, it does not necessarily eliminate the root causes of decay, and when improperly applied, it may result in undesirable secondary and long-term consequences (Daniels, 2015; Kumar Ginell, 1997).

Morphological typology of the Karbandi performed in Shikanj and its application in determining authenticity and supporting restoration
Seyyedeh Samira Altaha Bonab, Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi,
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.

A Strategic Framework for Developing National Heritage Conservation Documents for Iranian Archaeological Excavations: A Guide for Stakeholders and Policymakers
Mehdi Razani, Hamid Fadaei,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Archaeological sites, as sensitive areas embodying diverse cultural, historical, and scientific values require coherent policies and mechanisms for their protection. Although in recent decades the importance of conserving such sites has been highlighted in both cultural discourse and professional practice, the absence of specific, coordinated strategic documents has led to various challenges during and after excavations. This article, grounded in field experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists and practitioners, underscores the necessity of formulating a National Conservation Document for Archaeological Excavations. The primary goal of this document is to institutionalize conservation as an integral component of the archaeological excavation process an approach that begins before excavation and continues through post-excavation long-term monitoring. This paper presents a structured proposal aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for defining responsibilities, scheduling conservation actions, and promoting inter-sectoral coordination in conservation and restoration activities during excavations. The principles, objectives, and practical recommendations of the proposed document are presented in the form of eight main articles, each accompanied by relevant clauses and provisions.

Archaeometric and Conservation Study of Early Elamite Mudbricks from the Sofalin Mound, Pishva
Gholamreza Rahmani , Nima Nezafati, Morteza Hessari,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The Sofalin Mound is located north of the city of Pishva, on natural hills formed by early Holocene deposits (alluvial sediments older than 4,000 years). Systematic and continuous excavations at the Sofalin Mound have been carried out over the past several years in seven seasons as part of broader archaeological investigations in the Varamin–Pishva Plain. Cultural materials recovered from the Sofalin Mound in the north-central Iranian Plateau have significantly enhanced our understanding of the proto-literate period, dated between 3500 and 2800 BCE, within the cultural sphere of the north-central plateau of Iran. During the sixth and seventh excavation seasons at the Sofalin site, architectural spaces were uncovered in Trench 20. These spaces were documented as featuring cobblestone floors, mudbrick platforms, and rectilinear architectural layouts. Based on ceramic assemblages (plain and painted), clay sealings, and fragmented clay tablets, occupation during different phases of the Early Elamite cultural period was identified. This research focuses on the technical and laboratory investigation of Early Elamite mudbrick architectural remains from the Sofalin Mound using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, complemented by chemical studies aimed at proposing appropriate conservation strategies. The primary objective of this study is to achieve a semi-quantitative structural characterization of mudbricks from this period in order to enhance our understanding of their mineralogical composition. Such knowledge contributes to the development of effective conservation approaches for the Sofalin Mound as well as other contemporaneous mudbrick archaeological sites.

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