Showing 23 results for Rs
Zeinab Haghighat, Mohammad Sohrabi ,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (1-2019)
Abstract
Stone monuments in open natural spaces (such as statues, monuments, petroglyphs, motifs, rock paintings and carvings, historical monuments and archaeological sites) are usually surrounded by communities of various living organisms. These living organisms choose a place to grow and live according to specific conditions such as the type of rock bed, climatic and geographical factors. This article examines the effects of several examples of the presence of these biological communities (bacteria, fungi, algae and lichen), trees, shrubs, grasses, insects and animals in the Parseh and Pasargadae complexes. Awareness of biodiversity and the type of possible damage caused by these organisms is essential for managing preventive conservation programs and the fundamental restoration of World Heritage sites and their healthy transmission to future generations.
Mehdi Razani,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (1-2020)
Abstract
The Journal of Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration, as a specialized publication in the field of cultural heritage, experienced significant interruptions in its publication schedule between 2017 and 2020 due to structural and operational challenges. In 2017, 2019, and 2020, only one issue was published each year, while in 2018 no issue was released at all. These interruptions resulted in delays in the dissemination of submitted articles. To address these shortcomings, the decision was made in August 2024 to publish compensatory special issues. These special issues were prepared and released with the collaboration of invited guest editors and included a selection of outstanding papers presented at the 10th and 12th Conferences on Conservation and Restoration, along with newly submitted articles. Consequently, from August 2024 to September 2025, the backlog of delayed issues was resolved with the publication of a total of 31 issues, comprising 10 special issues and 21 regular issues. This initiative was undertaken to restore the trust of the scholarly community, disseminate postponed articles, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in conservation and restoration.
Parsa Pahlavan, Hamid Fadaei, Stefania Manzi, Maria Chiara Bignozzi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Abstract
In this study, considerations for design, characterization, and in-situ application of sustainable materials for restorative use in the Pasargadae world heritage site are discussed. Based on some prior studies on sustainable waste-based restorative mortars, air lime mortars were made from lime putty, mixture of stones from the site, and additive sesame oils. The mortar samples were characterized in terms of microstructure, carbonation rate, hydric properties, and durability. The characterization aimed at compatibility assessment of mortars with a real situation. Considering the variety of natural conditions parameters compared to the laboratory, the mortar samples were also characterized in the site conditions. The results suggested the laboratory characterization, if done properly, can provide a promising degree of representation for the field conditions.
Somayeh Noghani,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Macromolecular and hydrophilic networks, with the ability to retain solvents within their hydrophilic macromolecular structures, have been utilized for an extended period in as poultice. These networks are mainly cellulose-based pastes, and the most significant issue associated with their use is adhesion and the potential for residues to remain on the surface of artifacts, and its side effects. Over the past decades, and based on new technologies, novel gels with features such as reversibility, complete removability from surfaces, ease of preparation, and the compatibility with solvent-based nanofluids have been introduced to the field of restoration. Among them, modified cellulose gels, reversible organogels and nanomagnetic sponge gels can be mentioned. This article is a review of the introduction of the structure and applications of new gels in the field of cleaning processes within the restoration of historical cultural objects.
Hamid Fadaei, Ali Eghra,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
The vast expanse of the Persepolis World Heritage site and its three buffer zones, along with the numerous historical remains within these boundaries—including hills, sites, and various historical mines—have presented significant challenges for the registration, documentation, monitoring, and ongoing care of these cultural assets, despite enhancing the region’s historical and cultural capacities. Although the registration and documentation of the artifacts in this area have long been a focus of the Persepolis World Heritage Site, the sheer number of artifacts has highlighted the need for more advanced documentation tools and methods. Drone-based documentation was one of the selected approaches to expand documentation activities in this area, and a three-day conference and workshop were held to discuss related topics. The most important topics discussed at the conference included: the necessity of documentation, the role of documentation in global registration processes, flight regulations and legal aspects of drone-based documentation, and case studies of using drones for studying and documenting cultural heritage. These topics were presented by 20 speakers during the scientific program of the conference. At the conclusion of the conference and workshop, a six-point declaration was prepared, with the text drafted and signed by representatives of the institutions present. This declaration emphasized the need to pay greater attention to documentation as a tool for research, understanding cultural and natural heritage, optimal presentation, and preservation.
Hamid Fadaei, Fardin Naseri,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Persepolis is one of the most prominent remaining stone sites in Iran and the world, showcasing the traditions, culture, and customs of ancient Iranians, and is notable for its structural architecture and visual beauty. The Hundred-Column Hall is the largest columned hall in Persepolis after Apadana and was magnificently adorned with a hundred tall columns. Today, mainly the bases of these columns remain in their original place in this palace. Various stone pieces belonging to other column components, such as column shafts, capitals, and floral motifs, are scattered in the open space of the main hall of the palace, exposed to natural damaging elements and thus urgently requiring conservation efforts. This study focuses on one of the column bases (Base 4D) and, through library, field, and analytical studies and the implementation of an emergency conservation plan, aims to slow the degradation pattern of this limestone base. Previously, most restorations at Persepolis were conducted using sand-cement materials, but with changing perspectives and theoretical foundations in stone conservation, cement use has been discontinued due to its different water absorption and evaporation rates, expansion and contraction coefficients, and irreversibility. XRD analyses indicate that calcium oxide is the predominant component in the samples, with traces of silicate, aluminum, and iron also present in the stone composition. Other oxides are found in minimal amounts, and the stones used are high-purity limestone with low silica content. One of the outcomes of this research is the use of hydraulic lime-based materials known as "Ledan," combined with additives and fillers, applied to deficient and actively fractured sections. This protective mortar, highly compatible with limestone, has strengthened the resistance of cracks and fractures against moisture infiltration and significantly reduced erosion rates.
Pouya Sadeghi-Farshbaf,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to direct attention to the protection of the Einali historical monument located in the Sorkhab mountain range of Tabriz in terms of finding faults with the potential of destructive earthquakes based on the variogram analysis and spatial correlation pattern zoning of data related to recent earthquakes. Therefore, it is possible to protect the structure of the mentioned building by finding protection and strengthening solutions according to the outputs of the article. For this purpose, first, the faults around the Einali historical monument located in the central sector of the North Tabriz Fault (NTF) are identified based on the variograms related to the spatial data of the recent earthquakes. Direct identification of transverse faults in field studies is influenced by the geological environment of the region. For the study case, this environment includes structural complications such as many fractures and joints around the Einali building and the density of residential structures on the slopes of Sorkhab mountain. Therefore, providing an estimator tool in this study in order to identify and locate the fault segment can be helpful and beneficial because it is possible to choose the correct areas for field studies by having estimated positions with less time and cost. Locations according to the methodology presented in this study include the processing of the spatial position of recent earthquake data based on variograms, which results in the estimation of data with high spatial correlation. Therefore, by proposing a spatial pattern of continuous characteristics from variogram models and checking Kriging interpolation and choosing the best experimental variogram, the spatial correlation between observations was predicted for other unknown values. The results of the study showed a very high correlation of the separation revealed with the field evidence and, as a result, the validation of the method presented in this research. Therefore, it is suggested that the maximum amount of seismic damage to the Einali building is caused by the activity of the transverse fault associated with the NTF.
Mohammad Yaghizayi, Mehdi Razani, Atefeh Fazel Najafabadi,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The pathology of pottery works is considered one of the most fundamental pillars of conservation and restoration, as understanding the damage will pave the way for its preservation and restoration. Pottery works are generally more stable than many other materials found in archaeological excavations. However, when these works are buried in inappropriate conditions and unfavorable factors, they can suffer from significant damage. Without proper care in their protection, the result may be complete deterioration of the pottery. Damage to ceramic bodies occurs in two forms: Physical and chemical, along with mechanical factors, can accelerate these processes. In the pathology of clay bodies, it is essential to identify the origins and causes of these damages to implement the effective treatments aimed to enhance the longevity of the ceramics., In the pathology of clay bodies, we can refer to cracks, fractures, crystallization of various salts, damages from firing processes, biological damages, stains, delamination, and more. This research, will provide an overview of the most prevalent damages of clay bodies and the factors that cause them, and the relationship between the formation of one type of damage and its influence on the emergence of other damages. Recognizing these connections can inform more effective methods for the protection and restoration of pottery artifacts.
Maryam Rahsaz, Mohsen Ghaseminezhad Rayeni,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
The present research report describes the rescue operation conservation and restoration of the relief on block No. 4 of the eastern part of the Northwest Gate of the Sad Sotūn (Hundred Pillars) Palace of Persepolis complex that consists of east and west parts. During the years 1980 and 1981, only on western part of this structure, some restoration, anastylosis, reconstruction and consolidation measures were carried out by the conservation specialist office of Persepolis under the supervision of Master Hassan Rahsaz by some traditional masters. Therefore, no actions had been taken regarding the eastern part until 2017. following the monitoring and analysis of the destruction process on the motifs on this part of the gate, conservation and restoration experts decided to run a conservation and restoration workshop and carry-out rescue operations for these motifs. Undertook to act on the basis of modern methods based on new materials and trained by Iranian and Italian expert’s restoration methods. This report will specifically address one of the blocks. The authors hope to describe, analyze, and present a portion of the efforts undertaken to expand modern conservation initiatives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Persepolis.
Negar Raeisnia, Mohammad Haddadi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Environmental factors have a key role in increasing the durability of documented and written heritage. Therefore, in order to create favorable environmental conditions in archives and libraries, it is necessary to determine the goals related to environmental management to meet the preservation needs of these collections; and protective measures (to prevent or slow down the process of deterioration of materials) in these institutions should be planned and implemented. The most important environmental factors affecting the durability of library and archive collections include temperature, relative humidity, light, airborne particles, chemical gases, and biological factors. Control and regulation of these factors is the most cost-effective way to increase the useful life of collections. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the environmental conditions continuously, by recording and processing the data. In this study, the requirements, optimal scope, and preventive protection measures contained in some standards and guidelines for the protection and maintenance of archival and library materials have been investigated. The aim is ensuring the safe preservation of materials and objects sensitive to deterioration. It seems that physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms depend on temperature and humidity which affect the collections in different ways. So, it is impossible to find a safe temperature and humidity range for all collections. Establishing international standards should be recognized as
a long-term strategy that helps to raise the quality of protection processes and improve resource protection knowledge. Based on the studies and experiences gained, the permissible limits can be determined which depend on the material's physical condition, its proper durability over time, and the environmental conditions of storage during the historical period.
Zahra Morovaty Pour Ghalhe Sheykhy, Hamid Fadaie,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
On the slopes of Mount Rahmat, located in the southern section of the Throne of Persepolis, between it and the unfinished tomb attributed to Darius III, lies a complex of structures architecturally similar to those situated on the throne itself, sharing the same axis with a deviation of 20 to 25 degrees westward. This complex, known as the Barzan-e Jonoobi, comprises eight separate structures interconnected by designed pathways and corridors and generally features columned halls and porticos. The measures taken to address various climatic challenges in this area, such as managing the slope of the land,
controlling floods from the mountains, establishing order in the form and structures, access routes, and passageways, as well as architectural and urban design elements, reflect the application of urban planning and design knowledge in its development. Unfortunately, after initial excavation and a few preliminary conservation efforts, the structures in the Barzan-e Jonoobi site have been left unattended. The predominant material used in this area is Mudbrick, and the lack of ongoing maintenance has led to the deterioration and decay of these mudbrick structures. The inherently unstable nature of these mud brick structures highlights the importance and necessity of continuous preservation and maintenance of this valuable site. Therefore, in this study, after examining the factors causing damage, a conservation plan was proposed within the framework of a comprehensive protection plan. This plan aims to reduce the rate of erosion and address the damages caused by the identified harmful factors. The research methodology employed in this article is applied and field-based in terms of its purpose and approach, and the data were analyzed qualitatively based on logical reasoning. Data collection tools included library research (note-taking, maps, sketches) and field methods (observations, interviews, photography).
Morteza Rezvanfar,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Caucasus is the region between the Caspian and Black seas. The Caucasus Mountains divide it into northern and southern parts. The North Caucasus is a part of Russia where has seven autonomous republics and two krais. From the east, the republics are: 1- Dagestan, 2- Chechnya, 3- Ingushetia, 4- North Ossetia, 5- Kabardino-Balkaria, 6- , Karachay-Cherkessia, and 7- Adygea, and the krais are Krasnodar Krai and Stavropol Krai. South Caucasus also includes 3 countries, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. This text describes a research trip to Derbent, Dagestan. The goal was to find and prepare identity card from Persian inscriptions and some buildings with inscriptions in this city. Derbent is a small coastal city that was separated from Iran by the Golestan Treaty. This city has 150 registered artifacts and about 100 Persian inscriptions (Pahlavi and Dari Persian) from the Sassanid, Safavid, and Qajar periods. Juma Mosque in Derbend, after Narin Castle and Hesar, is the most important heritage work in the city of Derbend, which has always been
the focus of regional governments, so it has valuable inscriptions from the Mongol, Turkish, Arab and Iranian governments. The mosque's 1330-year-old age, as well as its architectural style, were the criteria for registering this valuable work under the Derbend World File in UNESCO.
Sayede Elahe Alavi Dehkordi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
The "Illustrated Atlas of Pathology of Historical-Cultural Textiles" by Fatemeh Alimirzaei and Shahrzad Aminshirazi is specially designed for conservators,
restorers, students, museum curators, and collectors handling different categories of textiles. The book is divided into three chapters, addressing the pathology of historical textiles from three perspectives: physical-mechanical, chemical, and photochemical. However, the distinction of photochemical from chemical is rejected as unjustified since photochemical reactions are a subtype of chemical reactions induced by photons. A more suitable third type could be biological effects, which involve harm inflicted with the help of living organisms, including microbes, rodents, and insects.
Habib Meshkinfam Fard, Mohammad Hassan Talebian,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
The structure of Persepolis is subjected to various factors that cause erosion and decay due to moisture. The cement mortars used in past restorations are one of the challenges in preserving this grand stone monument. Over time, these mortars, due to higher water absorption than the stone, have exacerbated the destructive effects of moisture, causing serious but gradual and irreversible damage. Since removing these mortars and replacing the past restorative measures to improve the current situation is extremely difficult and may have damaging consequences for these valuable artifacts, this research aims to evaluate the impact of nano waterproof coatings on reducing the moisture absorption of the used cement mortars through comprehensive studies on the current state of these monuments and the restorations carried out with cement. Therefore, this research aims to provide a suitable solution without needing to remove the cement mortar and with minimal intervention to protect these artifacts. This study employs an experimental research method and considers theoretical concepts within laboratory studies. In this process, two types of Iranian and foreign nano waterproof coatings named Zycosil Max and FarazSil were applied on similar cement mortar samples, and their permeability and water absorption were evaluated using water absorption percentage and capillarity tests. The results showed that both waterproof coatings effectively reduced the cement mortar's water absorption. Zycosil Max, with a performance of 60.5%, and Faraz Sil, with a performance of 48.02%, significantly reduced the water absorption of the cement mortar, with Zycosil Max showing better performance than FarazSil. However, considering that the water absorption percentage did not reach close to that of the stone samples of Persepolis and the more than tenfold difference in water absorption percentage, none of the studied materials are recommended for waterproofing the cement mortar used in the restoration of the Persepolis monument.
Mehdi Abedini Araqi , Abolfazl Nikoobayan, Mohammad Keshavarz Divkolaee ,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Conservation and restoration after archaeological excavations are important steps topics that should be given more attention, especially when a structure is excavated completely and uncovered, it is certainly faced with fundamental weaknesses and destructions. When these structures are unearthed, they are exposed to an environmental imbalance. At this point, the cooperation between archaeologists and restorers is of high importance. One of these protections has been carried out on an architectural work called Espahbad Khurshid arch-structure located on the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains in south of Mazandaran province and in the mountainous part of Savadkouh city. In the summer of 2023, the historical vault of Espahbad Khurshid was excavated for the first time. The C14 dating documents that this architectural work has been used from the 3rd century AD to the 7th century AD and is related to the beginning of the Sassanid era until the beginning of the Islamic period in northern Iran. The large arch structure of this building still remained on the three western, eastern and central sides. The height of the arch opening is 100 meters, and its horizontal length is about 85 meters. Its depth is 5 meters at the lowest parts and 20 meters at the highest part. In total, about 8,500 square meters of the structure remained from this building. On the western side of this arch on the first terrace, an archaeological excavation has been carried out, which provided important finds including numerous pottery sherds, weaponries including arrow heads, glass vessels and sealing clay. Important architectures were also revealed. Among them were some arches with Sassanid style and decorations which were immediately protected and restored after excavation, since the upper parts of the arch, which were visible under the rubble, were badly damaged. This restoration was done in cooperation with a large group of climbers and volunteers interested in history, archeology and nature tourism. This group has carried the needed materials for restoration including water, sand and plaster to the first terrace. The restoration style was based on the theory of the Venice charter. In this article, we present the description of the architectural structure in the natural arch of Espahbod Khurshid and its archaeological and conservation measures.
Mohammad Reza Rokni, Hamid Fadaei , Marjan Keyfargir ,
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.
Talhe Ghodousiyan, Mehdi Razani, Amir Hossein Mehdikhani, Arash Keshtkar, Ali Kh Mirzaie, Alireza Mansouri, Ali Akbar Kiaei , Hossein Shirazi , Mustafa Dehpahlavan, Abdolbasir Hosseinbor,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2024)
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as transformative tools in preserving, analyzing, and representing cultural heritage and arts. This article provides a systematic and comprehensive review of AI applications in this domain, exploring their potential to address longstanding challenges such as natural degradation, limited accessibility, and complex documentation. By integrating classical and advanced ML algorithms, we examine case studies including the Time Machine Europe project, the Ithaca model for ancient Greek texts, and metaverse-based heritage digitization. These initiatives demonstrate AI’s capacity to enhance precision, speed, and interactivity in heritage tasks, from virtual reconstruction to multimodal data analysis. However, limitations such as data quality, ethical concerns, and computational complexity pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. Emerging technologies like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), prompt engineering, and quantum AI are highlighted as future directions that promise further innovation. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical frameworks to ensure sustainable advancements, offering a roadmap for researchers and policymakers in the digital era.
Hamid Fadaei,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the major challenges of modern life, exacerbating environmental crises, particularly in developing countries, and posing a serious threat to cultural heritage. Marvdasht, due to its ongoing development, is among the regions facing this issue. The presence of numerous historical sites registered on national and world heritage lists has made the impact of air pollution—especially considering the region's industrial expansion—a significant concern for cultural heritage specialists. This concern is further amplified by the presence of limestone-based stone heritage sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Persepolis and the Naqsh-e Rostam historical complex. These monuments, composed primarily of calcite, are highly susceptible to direct and indirect erosion and degradation caused by acid rain. This research aims to identify the sources of air pollutants in the region and assess their impact on the erosion of cultural heritage and stone monuments. Through a review of theoretical sources, field investigations, and laboratory analyses, the major sources of air pollution in the Marvdasht plain were identified and evaluated. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. To measure the impact of air pollution, air samples were collected from Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam as key stone heritage sites, as well as from the Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex, the primary pollution source in the area. The concentrations of NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and NH₃ in the air samples were measured using ion chromatography and stoichiometric calculations. The findings of this study indicate a high potential for pollutant-induced damage in the region.
Eskandar Mokhtari Taleghani,
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.
Hamidreza Bakhshandeh-Fard,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
In the educational system of conservation, the main focus has always been on the transfer of technical and specialized knowledge regarding structures, techniques, and conservation interventions. Although this scientific foundation constitutes an inseparable part of training in this discipline, recent developments in the field of cultural heritage conservation demonstrate that social competencies, soft skills, teamwork, and professional ethics also play an effective role in improving the quality of specialists’ performance. The Isfahan University of Art, with a long-standing tradition in higher education in the arts, is one of the pioneering and influential centers in the country in the field of safeguarding and revitalizing cultural and historical heritage. Established in 1977 with the foundation of the “Isfahan Campus” affiliated with “Farabi University,” this academic institution has, from the outset, aimed to train experts in the conservation and restoration of historical monuments and traditional architecture, and has become an unparalleled center at the national level. This paper reviews the history of the establishment of the Faculty of Restoration as well as the current structure of conservation education in specialized faculties, emphasizes the necessity of integrating technical training with complementary domains, and proposes strategies for revising educational programs in order to train responsible and competent conservators.
