Hamid Fadaei, Majid Ayasi , Parisa Babar Shams Mogouei, Masoud Bater, Kazem Borhani-Ahang, Elahe Khakbaz Alvandian, Mohammad-Saeid Saedi , Roozbeh Shamseh, Reza Sheykh-Al-Eslami, Majid Oloumi , Mahdi Koliaei, Nahid Harati-Ardestani , Reza Hormehr , Soheila Zakavi ,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (Spesial Issue 1.4 2019)
Abstract
Archaeological excavations at the ancient site of Haft-Tepe commenced in the winter of 1965 under the direction of Dr. Negahban and continued for fourteen seasons until 1978. These excavations led to the discovery of a significant assemblage of architectural remains and diverse historical artefacts. Among the finds were various ceramic vessels and objects, a collection of clay tablets, seals and seal impressions, a range of bronze artefacts, numerous fragments of painted mud plaster, coffins, stone objects, clay busts, as well as decorative items such as necklaces, plaques, glass vessels, and bone tools. A considerable portion of these artefacts is today preserved in the Haft-Tepe Museum. In response to the quantity and importance of the discoveries, the idea of establishing a museum adjacent to the archaeological site was raised during the second season of excavations. Construction began in 1970 and, upon completion, the museum was inaugurated in the spring of 1973. With the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War in 1980, the museum was closed; part of its prominent collection was transferred to Tehran, while other objects remained in situ. In the spring of 2001, research and conservation activities were resumed under the auspices of the Chogha Zanbil - Haft Tepe Cultural Heritage Base. One of the first major undertakings during this period was the reorganisation of the museum’s collection, carried out in collaboration with graduate students of conservation from the University of Art, Esfahan. In this process, artefacts that had previously been kept in unsuitable and scattered conditions were collected, classified, recorded, documented, and systematically arranged. This initiative laid a crucial foundation for the long-term preservation and safeguarding of the invaluable heritage of Haft-Tepe.
Masoud Bater, Malieh Saberniya ,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Mosalla of Paein Khiaban of Mashhad is one of the largest and most beautiful historic mosallas in Iran, built at the order of King Suleiman I during the Safavid era. according to inscription on the tile of the central porch, the date of construction and completion of the building is 1087 A.H. The architectural structure of the building consists of a high central porch in the middle and two domed porticoes on the sides. Both the internal and external surfaces of the building are decorated with various architectural elements, such as stucco work, tile work, painting and muqarnas. Among the various decorative employed in this structure, the mosaic tiles of the mihrab are unparalleled in terms of beauty and sophistication. Laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of the glaze of the altar tiles using SEM-EDX method demonstrated strong agreement with findings from other researchers, indicating a continuity of the tile-making tradition and glaze production with similar technology throughout the Safavid era across various r regions of Iran. A petrological study of the mineral composition of the body of the tiles also revealed the use of a similar and appropriate mineralogical composition, paired with good firing in their production, which contributed to the strength and durability of the tiles. The pathology of the building and its decorations indicated that a combination of different physical, chemical and human factors caused the destruction and erosion of the structure and its decorations, including the mosaic tiles. Among these, human activities and irregular urban development surrounding the building, along withimproper and careless restorations, played the main role in the destruction and erosion of the tiles. Considering the importance and sophistication of the mosaic tiles of the altar, following laboratory studies, the tiles of this part of the building were conserved and restored. For this purpose, after the primary conservation measures through cleaning and consolidation, the missing parts were restored according to the principles and theoretical foundations of restoration in the method of complementary restoration through color-matching.
Mehdi Razani, Masoud Bater,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Documentation and recording of cultural and historical artifacts are among the most critical stages in their conservation and restoration. However, this essential aspect is often overlooked by conservators, museums, and collectors. This article aims to familiarize students and practitioners with the fundamental principles of documenting historical ceramics. Unlike resources that focus on teaching photography, lighting, or technical drawing, this work emphasizes practical and essential guidelines for the accurate documentation of ceramic objects during the conservation and restoration process. In the documentation of ceramics, the importance of recording information as the first step in conservation and restoration is emphasized. This process includes documenting the object's current condition, recording interventions performed, and providing a comprehensive report for future research and operational use. Additionally, this study presents a background on the development of documentation in the field of conservation, illustrating how this process has evolved into a global standard. Another section of this research examines the stages and details of documentation, including the recording of physical, chemical, and pathological characteristics of artifacts. This process assists conservators and restorers in performing more effective and precise work in their projects. Moreover, the documents produced during documentation serve as reliable and credible evidence, enabling more accurate reconstruction of the object's history, analysis of manufacturing techniques, and technologies used in the production of historical artifacts. These records can also serve as a foundation for future research in the understanding and preservation of cultural heritage. This article seeks to enhance the knowledge and skills of documentation so that professionals can prepare comprehensive, accurate, and scientific reports for the future while carrying out restoration operations. The ultimate goal is to establish a foundation for sustainable conservation and valuable research in the field of cultural heritage.
Mehdi Razani, Masoud Bater ,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
This paper analyzes the evolution of the undergraduate curriculum in historic monuments restoration in Iran, from its initial approval in 1985
to its comprehensive revision in 2022. Adopting an analytical-comparative approach, the study first explores the theoretical, historical, and practical contexts of the discipline's emergence within Iran's higher education system. It then provides a structural and content-based critique
of the earlier curriculum. The findings reveal that the original curriculum, which emphasized religious principles, cultural heritage, and basic technical training, gradually became less effective due to scientific developments, shifting field requirements, and the rise of new technologies. The 2018 revision resulted from a collaborative effort by university scholars and restoration professionals aiming to modernize the program, enhance practical training, eliminate redundant courses, add applied content, and align the curriculum with international standards. Key features of the revised curriculum include a purposeful reduction in course units, content standardization, improved integration of theoretical and practical learning, and a focus on technological competencies. Furthermore, the paper addresses the implementation challenges and resource shortages of the previous curriculum and proposes strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of restoration education. Overall, this study emphasizes the necessity of dynamic educational planning, underlines the critical role of restoration in preserving cultural identity and strengthening social capital, and provides a framework for future curriculum reforms in the field of conservation of cultural and historical artifacts.