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.
Tombstones are composed of various stones adorned with different patterns and decorations, and their role in Islam and Iranian culture is considered integral cultural artefacts, with respect to the concept of life after death and their educative function to living people inreminding the concept of death and the eternal abode. In past societies, stones were perceived as the abodes of souls. This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach and library research method by exploring the various types of tombstones and diverse decorations associated with them in different Islamic periods, as well as the methods of conservation and restoration of tombstones. The paper also investigates the Islamic perspective on this matter. Restoration of Islamic tombs and tombstones is seen as a scholarly and practical endeavor, as evidenced by Islamic sources emphasizing the conservation of the tombs of divine figures, including the Imams, as a clear example of venerating religious symbols, a commendable practice and an emphasized aspect of Islam. Additionally, the restoration of the tombs of ordinary deceased individuals is justified due to its prominent role in reminding survivors of the concept of death and readiness for the journey to the eternal abode.
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.
