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Showing 9 results for Inscription

Tahereh Shishehbori, Hossein Ahmadi,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract

Among the artistic and historical works of the Islamic era, architectural inscriptions hold a special place due to their connection with architectural spaces, and they have consistently garnered the attention of specialists and experts. These valuable works, created using various materials, are inevitably subject to damage over time. The protection and restoration of inscriptions have long been a significant concern within the conservation community. Despite numerous conferences, congresses, and the development of various principles and theories in the field of restoration, comprehensive guidelines for this valuable category of written works remain elusive. This gap has led to confusion and the application of inconsistent methods in addressing these works. In this research, the focus is on the restorations carried out on the inscriptions of several buildings in the historic city of Yazd. Specifically, the study examines how the principles of restoration and their theoretical foundations have been applied in the conservation of these inscriptions. Given the prominence of calligraphy and handwriting in these works, the existing principles can serve as a valuable framework for their restoration. The findings of this research indicate that the absence of clear criteria and comprehensive principles for the restoration of such works has caused confusion within the conservation community. As a result, some restorations have been carried out based on subjective preferences or, at times, incorrect methods. This study employs an analytical research method, drawing on library sources and field studies to investigate the topic.

Mehdi Razani,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (10-2017)
Abstract

The Behistun Inscription, one of the most significant historical documents in the world, was commissioned by Darius the Great of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. In 1844, Henry Rawlinson, a British orientalist, along with two others, inscribed their names on this monument. While Rawlinson's identity is well-documented, the identities of his two companions, Captain James Felix Jones and Mr. A. Hector, have remained obscure. This article, through the examination of historical sources and archival records, seeks to uncover the identities of these two individuals. Captain Jones, a distinguished officer of the Indian Navy and a renowned cartographer, participated in numerous exploratory missions across the Middle East and played a pivotal role in producing detailed maps of the border regions between Iran and the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, Mr. Hector, whose name is only recorded as Hester beneath the inscription and in all written sources, has no available information beyond his association with Rawlinson. He likely served as a researcher or scientific companion during this expedition. This research demonstrates that the collaboration of these three figures marked a significant step in deciphering the Behistun Inscription and advancing the fields of archaeology and Middle Eastern history, highlighting the efforts of renowned experts in this historical and cultural endeavor.

Abdolbasir Hosseinbor, Hesam Aslani, Eshagh Mansouri,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract

The rock inscription, which forms the basis of this research, is located in the Pirghar region and was carved on a rock in Deh-Cheshmeh village under the orders of the leaders of the Bakhtiari Constitutional Movement. The current condition of this monument is not optimal; thus, a detailed and accurate study of the inscription, given its historical and cultural significance, is essential for its proper recognition and conservation. Based on topographic and field studies, the inscriptions have been subjected to erosion and deterioration due to surface water flow and frost. Among the most significant surface factors are snow accumulation, precipitation at higher elevations, seasonal flows on sloping surfaces leading to the monument, and frost during cold seasons, which cause erosion, deterioration, and serious damage to the inscriptions. This study is conducted within the framework of a quantitative research approach, utilizing field studies, environmental assessments, and the Geographic Information System (GIS). To this end, the area hosting the inscriptions was identified using field visits and GIS and RS tools, and the obtained data were evaluated based on the direction and extent of damage. Using GIS, the drainage of runoff from the basin, hydrological operations, elevation ratios of each basin, digital elevation model, slope, slope direction, basins, sub-basins, waterway outlets, and water flow direction in the region were determined. These data will contribute to the damage assessment and preventive conservation of the inscriptions.

Leyli Nemani Khiyavi, Alireza Amiri Baghbadorani, Naser Zavari,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract

Historical inscriptions, especially in religious and educational buildings, are considered prominent and unique cultural and historical heritage symbols. One of these inscriptions, located at the entrance of the Talebiyyeh School in Tabriz, is a remarkable example of Iranian Islamic calligraphy and architecture. These stone carvings, with their writings and texts, bear profound messages about their time's history, culture, and social and political status. This paper focuses on the detailed analysis and reading of the inscription on the facade of the Talebiyyeh School, located at the entrance of Tabriz's covered bazaar. The inscription, written in the Thuluth script, offers important information not only on the artistic and architectural values but also on the endowment deeds and governmental orders of the time. The inscription, created in 1216 AH by the order of the ruling authorities of Tabriz and signed by prominent figures of the era, contains significant legal and religious concepts reflecting the spiritual and social dimensions of the period. This study, from the perspectives of linguistics, epigraphy, and the analysis of historical implications, introduces and explains the inscription, aiming to reveal its complex meanings through a deep examination of the actions taken on the monument, including the color harmonization. The main research questions are: What are the texts and writings of the inscription on the facade of the Talebiyyeh School in Tabriz, and what information does it convey? What changes have occurred on the inscription over time? How can the stone inscription be replicated to extract the maximum amount of information from this monument? To answer these questions, historical studies, field investigations, and modern documentation methods, including photogrammetry and digital design of the inscription's text, were employed. After completing these stages, the re-reading of the inscription text and examining its changes over time were accomplished. Preserving and maintaining this cultural heritage can pave the way for future research in the fields of conservation and the history of Islamic art.

 
Maryam Dara,
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.

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.

Mehdi Razani, Leyli Nemani Khiyavi ,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract

This research investigates methods for conservation, restoration, and reinforcement of the Urartian inscription of Seqindel. It also aims to propose feasible recommendations for improving the preservation and stabilization conditions of the inscription and consequently, the historical site itself. The Seqindel inscription was discovered in 1951 CE near the village of Seqindel, beside a complex archaeological site. It stands as a significant artefact from the Urartian era in northwest Iran, dating back approximately 2750 years. Stone inscriptions are inherently vulnerable to environmental factors that can lead to deterioration. To address this concern, the research incorporates structural studies, pathology assessments, and analyses of the inscription's current condition. The results indicate that priority should be given to emergency stabilization and consolidation to prevent the collapse of the inscription, followed by practical measures for ongoing protection, and finally, preventive conservation. Considering the inscription's location approximately 2 kilometers from the village of Saqindel, the following key recommendations are proposed for its preservation and promotion: 1) Community participation in protection efforts, 2) Tourism enhancement and deterrence of unauthorized excavations, 3) Road construction for improved accessibility,4) Site access and signage development, 5) Natural stone staircase construction, 6) Design and insulation of informative signage, 7) Vegetation revitalization in the adjacent valley.

Alireza Amiri Baghbadorani , Leyli Nemani Khiyavi, Mehdi Razani,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract

Reliefs and Inscriptions are among the most important historical documents, serving as carriers of diverse narratives, such as wars, victories, conquests, notable events, or memorials. These artifacts provide a direct and transparent expression of a certain historical moment. Over time, understanding the durability of stone, humans have recorded events on this precious material using various techniques. This practice began with primitive depictions on natural rocks; and evolved into elaborate carvings designed to document contemporary events. Early inscriptions, often executed on natural rocks, using scripts such as cuneiform; gradually along with development of skills and tools, they developed into detailed and artistic engravings, taking the form of decorative inscriptions or reliefs. This article presents a new transcription of the stone on the portal of the Hasan Pādshāh Mosque and School Complex, located in the central district of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, in Sahib-al-Amar Square, within the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Covered Bazaar. The inscription, carved into a stone surface dating back to the late 8th century A.H., features Thuluth script and has suffered damage due to various factors over time. The most important questions of the research are: What is the content of the inscription on the portal of Hasan Padshah Complex, and what information does it convey? What changes have occurred to the inscription over time? How can the transcription of the inscription be conducted to retrieve the maximum amount of information?  To address these questions, historical and archeological studies, were complemented by fieldwork, and advanced documentation methods, including photogrammetry and digital design of the inscription text. Following these steps, a re-reading of the inscription text, along with an analysis of the changes it has undergone over time, was achieved.

Yaser Hamzavi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract

The present research investigates the authenticity and probable date of execution of the dated inscription in the central part of the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia. At first glance, the date 676 AH inscribed on the inscription attributes its origin to this period. However, this research begins by posing the fundamental question of whether the current inscription is the same original inscription belonging to the 13th century CE (7th century AH) or whether it was reconstructed in later periods based on an older inscription that was likely damaged or destroyed. The main objective of this research is to determine or refute the authenticity of the dated inscription of the mihrab of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia. This article will analyze the mihrab inscription of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia using an analytical-historical approach and drawing upon fieldwork and artistic and historical analyses. The results of field investigations and observations of the stucco decorations in various parts of the dome chamber of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia indicate that the inscription in the central part of the mihrab, executed in 676 AH, was sketched and recorded during the Safavid period (likely). Subsequently, the inscription in question was completely destroyed (and possibly some reinforcement work was done on the underlying layer), and then the same original text that had been sketched was transferred onto a new stucco base and the stucco work was carried out. In fact, the construction date of the mihrab is indeed 676 AH, but the inscription under discussion was executed in the late Safavid period. The final section of the inscription, related to Surah Al-Fath, also dates from the restorations of this period. A noteworthy point in the intervention is that the text of the inscription was reconstructed exactly to ensure that the construction date of the mihrab and the artist who created it would not be forgotten. In essence, during a certain period (likely Safavid), a stucco master executed the dated inscription of the mihrab and the final section of the Al-Fath inscription using a specific type of stucco, a particular processing method, and a distinct cutting technique, which differ from the Ilkhanid and Qajar sections.


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