Search published articles


Showing 6 results for Type of Study: notes, article critiques and opinion
Iranian Stone Architecture: The Necessity of Re-examining Its Evolution and Stylistic Development
Mehdi Razani,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2017)
Abstract
Building materials, particularly stone, play a fundamental role in shaping architectural styles and identity. Despite the long history of stone usage in Iranian architecture, this material has seldom been studied independently and analytically in stylistic research. Stone architecture—from early natural spaces such as caves to hand-carved dwellings across Iran, and from prominent governmental and religious structures throughout various historical periods up to the contemporary era—provides a valuable context for understanding the relationship between materials, construction technology, and stylistic evolution. This brief article aims to introduce a systematic classification framework for Iranian stone architecture, emphasizing the necessity of re-examining this field from a stylistic perspective. In addition to exploring the reasons behind the relative neglect of this subject, the study examines how different forms of stone contribute to the remarkable diversity of building materials. Furthermore, it investigates the various applications of stone in architecture to analyze the stylistic features of Iranian stone architecture, independent of ruling dynasties and historical periods

Note: The Profession of Restoration, Past, Present, and Future
Behnoud Goharbin,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Restoration has evolved from humanity's need to repair and reconstruct the objects and structures around them, and it has played various roles throughout history. What we recognize today as the practice and term of scientific restoration in Iran dates back approximately 52 years ago. This was when the first scientific laboratory for restoration was established at the Museum of Ancient Iran, and a few years later, in 1977, experts and professors from the National Organization for Conservation of Antiquities, in collaboration with Farabi University, founded the field of historical artifacts restoration in Isfahan. The first graduates and specialists in restoration were employed by governmental institutions and gradually, the profession became recognized among the cultural and artistic community. However, there was still a long way to go before scientific restoration would be fully accepted as a profession in society. After the Islamic Revolution, along with an expansion of university programs and various branches of restoration studies, there was a marked increase in graduates entering this field. While this created job opportunities within cultural heritage for some individuals. Over time due to various reasons, the cultural heritage sector could not absorb all graduates. As a result, since the late 1990s, unemployment rates within the field of restoration have significantly risen. This article reflects on past experiences within this profession based on numerous accounts from individuals working in related fields of restoration. The aim is to highlight both challenges and opportunities regarding career prospects for restorers working with historical artifacts and objects both now and
into the future.

Note: the Challenges of Preserving and Restoring Historical Coins in Private Collections
Shiba Khadir,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Historical coins, as invaluable material documents, not only hold financial significance but also serve as vivid evidence of the history, culture, art, and economy of past civilizations. In Iran, with a rich heritage spanning over 2,500 years, coins play a pivotal role in reconstructing national and cultural identity. However, the preservation and restoration of these historical treasures, particularly in private collections, face numerous challenges. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and a sense of responsibility among collectors, conservators, and governmental institutions. Raising awareness and providing education on scientific methods of preservation and restoration, along with fostering trust between
conservators and collectors, are essential strategies for safeguarding this valuable heritage. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts (MCTH) and the Research Centre for Conservation- Restoration of Cultural Relics (RCCCR) can play a significant role by offering specialized training and necessary support. Ultimately, historical coins, as an integral part of national and cultural identity, require meticulous and responsible preservation, maintenance, and study to endure as a lasting legacy for future generations.

Editor’s Note: An Explanation on the Compensatory Special Issues of The Journal of Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration
Mehdi Razani,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (11-2021)
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.

Consolidation of Paper Documents with Using Tragacanth gum Nanoparticles
Azam Soheilipour, Mehrnaz Azadi Boyaghchi ,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
The purpose of this innovation is to evaluate the nanoparticles of Katira (Tragacanth gum), to optimize for reinforcing agent to restore mechanical strength and stability of historical paper documents. The method and approach of the research is practical study and it is an analytic-comparative method involving gathering information through the relevant tests to the research topic, such as pH tests, mechanical strength, SEM analysis, zeta potential analysis to check the depth of penetration and high stability. Katira nanoparticles with different weight percentages were extracted and calcium hydroxide was added for increasing its pH and glycerol was added for increasing flexibility. The treatment was sprayed on the paper samples and then it was done for humidity-temperature aging according to ISIRI-4706 standard number for 12 days and light aging according to ASTM D-3e02-6819 standard number for 6 days. The results obtained from the pH analysis, the pH of the treated samples before and after aging increased compared to the blank sample about 40%. SEM analysis showed the physical synthesis of the broken fibers. Mechanical strength Analysis in the newspaper samples, before and after aging, showed an increase in strength of 3 to 15% depending on the amount of gum that was used. The result of colorimetric analysis showed no change in the color and opacity of the reinforcing material. In the zeta potential analysis, the size of the material was found to be 4.5 to 5 nm, which shows high penetration depth and stability in its resistance.

A Note on the Book :The Interaction of Restoration and Architectural History in Iran
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.

Page 1 from 1