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.
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.
