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Hefazat va Maremat
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Parsa Pahlavan, Hamid Fadaei, Stefania Manzi, Maria Chiara Bignozzi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (6-2020)
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.
Hamid Fadaei, Ali Eghra,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
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.
Monina Meyhami , Danial Harandi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Photographs are significant documents for visual recovery of past cultures and civilizations in contemporary history. Structural changes in historical photographs, influenced by various factors over time, lead to numerous damages that may result in aesthetic alterations. Accordingly, this report aims to present the conservation process undertaken on three photographs dating back to the Qajar era. The photographs suffered from damage such as dirt and water stains, degradation of the gelatin layer, tears, and high acidity. To address these issues, distilled water, alcohol, and acetone were used to clean the surface contaminants. Additionally, calcium hydroxide was applied in two forms: dry and in the distilled water, for deacidification of the cardboard substrate. Acid-free cardboard and specially treated tissue paper were also used to cover for the missing parts, along with Klucel-G polymer. Finally, to ensure better protection, all photographs, they were mounted in passe-partout boards.
Fezeh Rahimi, Nasrin Noohi,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Volume 4, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
Biological contamination of paper artifacts is a significant threat, causing not only damage to the paper itself but also posing health risks to conservators and restorers who are in close contact with them. Therefore, identifying the type of contamination is crucial for effective preservation and restoration. This article focuses on identifying biological contamination in a collection of paper artifacts from the Imamzadeh Mohammad in Tafresh, Iran. Preliminary examinations revealed evidence of biological contamination, including stains resulting from biological activity. These stains are a consequence of biodeterioration, leading to a reduction in the structural and artistic quality of the artifacts. To investigate the biological contamination, samples were taken from areas suspected of contamination and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (for fungal contamination) and nutrient agar (for bacterial contamination). After incubation, the grown colonies were examined and identified. The results of the identification of isolated fungal and bacterial showed contamination with various fungi, including Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and yeasts, as well as bacteria belonging to the Actinomycetes and Bacillus genus.
Maryam Dara,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
An Urartian cuneiform rock inscription was reported in March 2021 in Gharejelou, close to Shahverdi Gheshlagh village, Eastern Azerbaijan Province, Iran. This site has been previously surveyed and also the legal excavations took place. The epigraphy of the inscription belongs to the first years ofUrartian reign and the last half of it. As the close by Urartian inscriptions belong to Argishti II it is possible that this inscription as well was written in the same era. The inscription is badly damaged mainly by sediment. The damages make the actual reading of the inscription almost impossible. This contribution is also presented at the Conference of Van Museum as Urartu and Beyond and will be published in the conference book.
Aminallah Kamali,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Yazd Province, with its diverse mineral resources and long history of metallurgical activities from prehistoric to contemporary times, is considered one of the primary centers of ancient metalworking in the Central Iranian Plateau. The Dehneh Lashkar metal smelting site, located near Robat Posht-Badam village, was identified during regional geological surveys and studied for the first time. From this site, covering an area of 140 square meters, 10 slag samples were collected, with 4 samples subjected to petrographic analysis and 4 samples analyzed chemically using ICP-OES. The examined samples exhibited distinct macroscopic characteristics, including dark green to black coloration, irregular morphology, porous to dense textures, and dimensions ranging from 2 to 7 cm. Petrographic studies revealed that the slags primarily consist of fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄), pyroxene, and glassy phases, with spinifex and porphyritic textures indicative of rapid cooling and incomplete melt crystallization. Polished section analyses further confirmed the presence of copper sulfide phases, including bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), covellite (CuS), and native copper (Cu) within the slags. Chemical analyses indicated an average copper concentration of 1.96 wt% and zinc concentration of 0.88 wt%, suggesting the use of Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic ores as the primary raw material. The average calcium oxide (CaO) content of 24 wt% points to the use of carbonate rocks (likely limestone and dolomite) as fluxes to adjust viscosity and lower the melting temperature. The chemical composition of the slags suggests an average smelting temperature of 1100–1200°C, consistent with the use of siliceous and carbonate fluxes to enhance metal separation. This study provides evidence of an ancient metalworking industry at the site based on petrographic and chemical analyses of the slags. The main research questions addressed the types of metals extracted and the metallurgical processes employed. Based on the findings, the site was primarily exploited for copper extraction. Although insufficient surface evidence was available for precise dating, petrographic and chemical studies indicate the use of advanced metallurgical technologies capable of achieving temperatures of 1100–1200°C and employing combined siliceous-carbonate flux systems to optimize the reduction and metal separation processes.
Helia Shokripour , Hamideh Saderi Osguie , Sajad Ferdowsi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Geological heritage, as a valuable part of natural heritage, requires a perspective that goes beyond technical interventions and should be based on understanding the values attributed to it. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for geological heritage conservation grounded in a value-led management approach. To achieve this, through logical reasoning and a review of relevant theoretical literature, key concepts such as value, significance, cognitive dissonance theory, and principles of value-based management were examined. The findings indicate that geological heritage encompasses a set of scientific, aesthetic, cultural, ecological, educational, and economic values, which together shape its perceived importance. Since a gap often exists between stakeholders’ attitudes toward the significance of this heritage and their actual behaviors, the theory of cognitive dissonance is employed to identify and analyze these discrepancies. Accordingly, the proposed framework introduces three core principles of value-led management—clarifying, communicating, and aligning values—as strategic mechanisms to reduce cognitive dissonance and enhance coherence among various stakeholders, including local communities, tourists, and experts. In this framework, conservation is not merely a physical act but a process shaped by value-based, cognitive, and behavioral interactions. This perspective is particularly effective for complex and multifaceted domains such as geological heritage, allowing conservation efforts to be not only scientific and expert-driven but also inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. The proposed framework can serve as a foundation for policy-making, educational program design, and the enhancement of social participation in geological heritage conservation at tourism destinations.
Atefe Fazel, Vajihe Avay ,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
A large group of Islamic-era ceramics consists of splashed ware and sgraffito pottery, which are of significant historical and technical importance. This study aims to reconstruct the production technology of splashed ware during the Islamic period in Iran by examining its formation process and technical fabrication stages. This research seeks to answer the following questions: What was the process of splashed glaze formation in Iran? How can the technical stages of splashed glaze reconstruction be achieved based on the study of samples? To this end, 100 studied samples were examined, and 10 specimens were purposefully selected for experimental reconstruction of splashed ware. The research methodology is applied, utilizing historical analysis and experimental testing to produce samples of splashed ware ceramics. The study samples were carefully analyzed to understand the materials and manufacturing processes involved in splashed ware technology.
Ali Shahabinejad , Hadi Lookzadeh ,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The timekeeping device of the Rokniyeh school complex, known as Rasad-e-vaght o saat, was built in 725 AH in the current vicinity of the Vaght-o-saat square in Yazd, at the request of Sayyed Rukn al-Din. This mechanical device was a type of tower for determining time (annual calendar) and hours (daily timekeeping) based on the gravity energy of water fluid, and it is considered a significant achievement in the history of science and technology in Iran. Although this device existed until the Timurid era and during the compilation of two important local Yazd historical books, History of Yazd and new History of Yazd, after this period, the Rokniyeh complex and its famous Rasad declined, and no trace of it has remained from the Safavid era to the present day. However, what the local history books of Yazd describe about this building indicates the grandeur, complexity, and notable technical details of this device for displaying times and hours. With regard to the importance of this device, numerous researchers have referred to it in their studies, but this device had not been recreated until now, and no image or document of its appearance and functional components had been prepared. For this reason, in 2022, the project for the recreation of this device was undertaken with the support of the Yazd Regional Water Company, and it was completed in 2024 through the joint cooperation of Mazdabad Company and Yazd University. In the recreation of this device, for the first time, the overall appearance of the device along with all its main functional elements was recreated, and the operational mechanism of each component of the clock for displaying times and hours, including the wooden wheel, day and night hour houses, the ball and cymbal and pot mechanism, the minaret of metal sign, and the rooster minaret, has been shown. In addition, a small-scale replica of this device, capable of displaying all the main functions of the clock in accordance with its historical mechanism, has been built and is displayed at the Yazd Water Museum. This article present a description of the research process and the recreation of the device, along with explanations of the functioning of the chronological elements in this clock, while also introducing the historical documentation of the research.
Orineb Nazarian , Mohammad Mortezayi , Arman Shishegar , Reza Shabanisamghabadi ,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Coins are among the most significant archaeological and historical data, which—beyond their economic value-can play a crucial role in resolving historical ambiguities, understanding economic conditions, political structures, and even trade and cultural relations of the studied period. Through systematic analysis, coins also provide precise scientific information regarding production processes and the technological capabilities embedded in their structure. Among these, gold coins hold a special status due to their high material value, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
During the Ilkhanid period-one of the most pivotal historical eras in Iran-this study aims to conduct detailed and systematic field, laboratory, and archaeometric investigations on three selected samples from a collection of 105 gold coins attributed to Sultan Abu Sa'id Bahadur, discovered in the Jameh Mosque of Tabriz and currently housed in the National Museum of Iran. To authenticate the historical identity of the samples, the external surface of the coins was first examined through documentation procedures including weighing, dimensional measurements, and photography. Iconographic and epigraphic readings were conducted to identify minting details and inscriptions. The coins under study date back to the reign of Abu Sa'id Bahadur (716–736 AH), with minting dates ranging from 724 to 729 AH. Weight measurements revealed that the coins deviate from the standard weight norms of the period. Surface analysis showed that the coins fall into the category of geometrically patterned coins. Two samples (Registry Nos. 12530 and 12546) feature common circular and square-in-circle motifs. The third sample (Registry No. 12544) displays an innovative design with a Quranic verse (Surah 2:137) inscribed around the edge, framed in a mihrab-like structure, along with the names of the four Sunni caliphs—emphasizing religious themes. The reverse side features an octagonal geometric pattern filled with Quranic phrases, with inscriptions referring to victory over enemies. Table 1 presents detailed information on the minting location, date, weight, imagery, and design of the three studied coins. In the second phase, elemental analysis was conducted to obtain microstructural and chemical composition data. Given the importance of non-destructive laboratory methods for identifying the elemental structure of coin metals, PIXE (Proton-Induced X-ray Emission) was employed. This powerful technique enables the detection of major and trace elements as well as impurities. PIXE allows for high-resolution analysis of microstructures and is capable of identifying a wide range of elements from sodium to uranium under optimal conditions. However, like XRF, its main limitation is surface -level analysis.
Since impurity levels significantly affect the purity grade of gold coins, the elemental composition of the samples was analyzed, and the results were interpreted based on the concentration of metallic impurities. Statistical analysis focused on purity variations across coins from three different mints. PIXE utilizes micron-scale proton beams for high-precision, multi-elemental analysis. Under suitable conditions, the minimum detectable concentration ranges from 0.01 ppm to 11 ppm. Although PIXE offers deeper analytical penetration (up to several millimeters with high-energy protons), its standard depth (~70 microns) is generally less than that of XRF (~100 microns). Corrosion and sample heterogeneity may introduce uncertainty in elemental analysis, especially in copper or bronze coins.
The three coin samples were analyzed using the accelerator and endograph facilities at the Physics and Accelerator Research Center of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The elemental composition of major and minor elements-including Fe, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti—was determined with a precision range of 10-100 ppm. Based on the obtained data, the primary microstructure, purity level, and the highest impurity concentrations among the samples were identified. Following the acquisition of analytical data, quantitative analysis of major and minor elements, microstructures, and impurities was performed. Impurity elements were statistically processed using SPSS software through descriptive and inferential methods. To ensure high accuracy, differences in descriptive indices were evaluated using post-hoc tests such as Tukey’s test. The final results are based on impurity concentration data and provide valuable insights into the metallurgical composition and purity of the studied coins.
During the Ilkhanid period-one of the most pivotal historical eras in Iran-this study aims to conduct detailed and systematic field, laboratory, and archaeometric investigations on three selected samples from a collection of 105 gold coins attributed to Sultan Abu Sa'id Bahadur, discovered in the Jameh Mosque of Tabriz and currently housed in the National Museum of Iran. To authenticate the historical identity of the samples, the external surface of the coins was first examined through documentation procedures including weighing, dimensional measurements, and photography. Iconographic and epigraphic readings were conducted to identify minting details and inscriptions. The coins under study date back to the reign of Abu Sa'id Bahadur (716–736 AH), with minting dates ranging from 724 to 729 AH. Weight measurements revealed that the coins deviate from the standard weight norms of the period. Surface analysis showed that the coins fall into the category of geometrically patterned coins. Two samples (Registry Nos. 12530 and 12546) feature common circular and square-in-circle motifs. The third sample (Registry No. 12544) displays an innovative design with a Quranic verse (Surah 2:137) inscribed around the edge, framed in a mihrab-like structure, along with the names of the four Sunni caliphs—emphasizing religious themes. The reverse side features an octagonal geometric pattern filled with Quranic phrases, with inscriptions referring to victory over enemies. Table 1 presents detailed information on the minting location, date, weight, imagery, and design of the three studied coins. In the second phase, elemental analysis was conducted to obtain microstructural and chemical composition data. Given the importance of non-destructive laboratory methods for identifying the elemental structure of coin metals, PIXE (Proton-Induced X-ray Emission) was employed. This powerful technique enables the detection of major and trace elements as well as impurities. PIXE allows for high-resolution analysis of microstructures and is capable of identifying a wide range of elements from sodium to uranium under optimal conditions. However, like XRF, its main limitation is surface -level analysis.
Since impurity levels significantly affect the purity grade of gold coins, the elemental composition of the samples was analyzed, and the results were interpreted based on the concentration of metallic impurities. Statistical analysis focused on purity variations across coins from three different mints. PIXE utilizes micron-scale proton beams for high-precision, multi-elemental analysis. Under suitable conditions, the minimum detectable concentration ranges from 0.01 ppm to 11 ppm. Although PIXE offers deeper analytical penetration (up to several millimeters with high-energy protons), its standard depth (~70 microns) is generally less than that of XRF (~100 microns). Corrosion and sample heterogeneity may introduce uncertainty in elemental analysis, especially in copper or bronze coins.
The three coin samples were analyzed using the accelerator and endograph facilities at the Physics and Accelerator Research Center of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The elemental composition of major and minor elements-including Fe, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ti—was determined with a precision range of 10-100 ppm. Based on the obtained data, the primary microstructure, purity level, and the highest impurity concentrations among the samples were identified. Following the acquisition of analytical data, quantitative analysis of major and minor elements, microstructures, and impurities was performed. Impurity elements were statistically processed using SPSS software through descriptive and inferential methods. To ensure high accuracy, differences in descriptive indices were evaluated using post-hoc tests such as Tukey’s test. The final results are based on impurity concentration data and provide valuable insights into the metallurgical composition and purity of the studied coins.
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