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Showing 6 results for Persepolis
The Importance of Documentation in Cultural Heritage: A Report on the Drone Documentation Conference at Persepolis and the Final Declaration
Hamid Fadaei, Ali Eghra,
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.

Conservation and Restoration of an Achaemenid Column Base from the Hundred-Column Palace in the Persepolis World Heritage Site
Hamid Fadaei, Fardin Naseri,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Persepolis is one of the most prominent remaining stone sites in Iran and the world, showcasing the traditions, culture, and customs of ancient Iranians, and is notable for its structural architecture and visual beauty. The Hundred-Column Hall is the largest columned hall in Persepolis after Apadana and was magnificently adorned with a hundred tall columns. Today, mainly the bases of these columns remain in their original place in this palace. Various stone pieces belonging to other column components, such as column shafts, capitals, and floral motifs, are scattered in the open space of the main hall of the palace, exposed to natural damaging elements and thus urgently requiring conservation efforts. This study focuses on one of the column bases (Base 4D) and, through library, field, and analytical studies and the implementation of an emergency conservation plan, aims to slow the degradation pattern of this limestone base. Previously, most restorations at Persepolis were conducted using sand-cement materials, but with changing perspectives and theoretical foundations in stone conservation, cement use has been discontinued due to its different water absorption and evaporation rates, expansion and contraction coefficients, and irreversibility. XRD analyses indicate that calcium oxide is the predominant component in the samples, with traces of silicate, aluminum, and iron also present in the stone composition. Other oxides are found in minimal amounts, and the stones used are high-purity limestone with low silica content. One of the outcomes of this research is the use of hydraulic lime-based materials known as "Ledan," combined with additives and fillers, applied to deficient and actively fractured sections. This protective mortar, highly compatible with limestone, has strengthened the resistance of cracks and fractures against moisture infiltration and significantly reduced erosion rates.

Explanation of the Conservation Plan of the Mudbrick Structures of the Barzan-e Jonoobi Site in Persepolis
Zahra Morovaty Pour Ghalhe Sheykhy, Hamid Fadaie,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
On the slopes of Mount Rahmat, located in the southern section of the Throne of Persepolis, between it and the unfinished tomb attributed to Darius III, lies a complex of structures architecturally similar to those situated on the throne itself, sharing the same axis with a deviation of 20 to 25 degrees westward. This complex, known as the Barzan-e Jonoobi, comprises eight separate structures interconnected by designed pathways and corridors and generally features columned halls and porticos. The measures taken to address various climatic challenges in this area, such as managing the slope of the land,
controlling floods from the mountains, establishing order in the form and structures, access routes, and passageways, as well as architectural and urban design elements, reflect the application of urban planning and design knowledge in its development. Unfortunately, after initial excavation and a few preliminary conservation efforts, the structures in the Barzan-e Jonoobi site have been left unattended. The predominant material used in this area is Mudbrick, and the lack of ongoing maintenance has led to the deterioration and decay of these mudbrick structures. The inherently unstable nature of these mud brick structures highlights the importance and necessity of continuous preservation and maintenance of this valuable site. Therefore, in this study, after examining the factors causing damage, a conservation plan was proposed within the framework of a comprehensive protection plan. This plan aims to reduce the rate of erosion and address the damages caused by the identified harmful factors. The research methodology employed in this article is applied and field-based in terms of its purpose and approach, and the data were analyzed qualitatively based on logical reasoning. Data collection tools included library research (note-taking, maps, sketches) and field methods (observations, interviews, photography).

Evaluation of the Impact of Nano-Absorptive Waterproofing on the Reduction of Water Absorption in Sand-Cement Mortar Used in the Historical Restoration of Persepolis
Habib Meshkinfam Fard, Mohammad Hassan Talebian,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
The structure of Persepolis is subjected to various factors that cause erosion and decay due to moisture. The cement mortars used in past restorations are one of the challenges in preserving this grand stone monument. Over time, these mortars, due to higher water absorption than the stone, have exacerbated the destructive effects of moisture, causing serious but gradual and irreversible damage. Since removing these mortars and replacing the past restorative measures to improve the current situation is extremely difficult and may have damaging consequences for these valuable artifacts, this research aims to evaluate the impact of nano waterproof coatings on reducing the moisture absorption of the used cement mortars through comprehensive studies on the current state of these monuments and the restorations carried out with cement. Therefore, this research aims  to provide a suitable solution without needing to remove the cement mortar and with minimal intervention to protect these artifacts. This study employs an experimental research method and considers theoretical concepts within laboratory studies. In this process, two types of Iranian and foreign nano waterproof coatings named  Zycosil Max and FarazSil were applied on similar cement mortar samples, and their permeability and water absorption were evaluated using water absorption percentage and capillarity tests. The results showed that both waterproof coatings effectively reduced the cement mortar's water absorption. Zycosil Max, with a performance of 60.5%, and Faraz Sil, with a performance of 48.02%, significantly reduced the water absorption of the cement mortar, with  Zycosil Max showing better performance than FarazSil. However, considering that the water absorption percentage did not reach close to that of the stone samples of Persepolis and the more than tenfold difference in water absorption percentage, none of the studied materials are recommended for waterproofing the cement mortar used in the restoration of the Persepolis monument.

Investigation and Analysis of the Technical Methodologies Employed in Creating Stone Reliefs at the Persepolis World Heritage Site Through 3D Modeling and Image Processing
Mohammad Reza Rokni, Hamid Fadaei , Marjan Keyfargir ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Persepolis, as one of Iran's most prominent archaeological sites, symbolizes the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire's culture and art. The stone carving art and architectural ornaments of this era, drawing from the experiences and knowledge of various cultures, created a novel and artistic style that is evident in the stone reliefs of Persepolis. Due to the delicacy and precision of these reliefs, they have attracted the attention of many researchers, raising questions about their artistic values and execution methods. This study aims to analyze the execution techniques of Persepolis' reliefs by documenting examples of these reliefs on the eastern staircase of Apadana Palace and the northern staircase of the Treasury Palace. To document and create 3D models of the reliefs, advanced photogrammetry methods, with a particular emphasis on photo-scanning technology, were employed. Images were processed using specialized software such as Agisoft, 3D Zephyr, and Reality Capture. The results of this study reveal a part of the creation process of these artworks that has been less explored until now. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the photogrammetry-based documentation method in extracting precise technical and artistic data is confirmed. This method not only enables a more detailed analysis of the reliefs' intricacies and geometric proportions but also contributes to a deeper understanding of their artistic values and their place in the history of art. This approach can serve as a valuable model for future research in the field of documenting and extracting technical and artistic data from historical stone reliefs.

 
Research Paper The Major Air Pollutants and Their Sources in the Erosion of Stone Materials in the Cultural Heritage Sites of the Marvdasht Plain
Hamid Fadaei,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the major challenges of modern life, exacerbating environmental crises, particularly in developing countries, and posing a serious threat to cultural heritage. Marvdasht, due to its ongoing development, is among the regions facing this issue. The presence of numerous historical sites registered on national and world heritage lists has made the impact of air pollution—especially considering the region's industrial expansion—a significant concern for cultural heritage specialists. This concern is further amplified by the presence of limestone-based stone heritage sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Persepolis and the Naqsh-e Rostam historical complex. These monuments, composed primarily of calcite, are highly susceptible to direct and indirect erosion and degradation caused by acid rain. This research aims to identify the sources of air pollutants in the region and assess their impact on the erosion of cultural heritage and stone monuments. Through a review of theoretical sources, field investigations, and laboratory analyses, the major sources of air pollution in the Marvdasht plain were identified and evaluated. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. To measure the impact of air pollution, air samples were collected from Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam as key stone heritage sites, as well as from the Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex, the primary pollution source in the area. The concentrations of NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and NH₃ in the air samples were measured using ion chromatography and stoichiometric calculations. The findings of this study indicate a high potential for pollutant-induced damage in the region.

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