logo

Search published articles


Showing 4 results for Afkhami

Reza Reazlou, Esmaeil Marofi-Aghdam, Karim Hajizadeh, Behrooz Afkhami, Leyla Khani, Leyla Sarhadi,
year 4, Issue 13 (11-2020)
Abstract

Abstract
The present descriptive-analytical study and its findings are based on field and document studies, and examines and analyzes the tombstones of the Qajar period of Dar al-Salam Cemetery in Shiraz, and tries to study and understand the designs of the tombstones of Dar al-Salam Shiraz, their symbolic themes, and their traces of mythical and religious beliefs of each historical or cultural period. Studies on tombstones related to the Qajar era of Dar al-Salam Cemetery in Shiraz prove that these tombstones contain various designs of human, animal, plant, geometric, and inscriptions. In general, most of these motifs, while having special meanings and symbols, are influenced by the culture of the region, beliefs, and their temporal and spatial place. On the other hand, due to the predominance of nationalist thought in the Qajar period, the images of these tombstones show a continuation of the motifs of the Sassanid and Achaemenid eras, which were created with a relatively different form and content. On the other hand, due to the predominance of nationalist thought in the Qajar period, the images of these tombstones show a continuation of the motifs of the Sassanid and Achaemenid eras, which were created with a relatively different form and content.
Keywords: Shiraz, Daral-Salam Cemetery, Tombstone, Nationalism, Achaemenid, Sassanian.

Introduction
Fars province, like other regions of the Iranian plateau, has been inhabited by various groups and ethnic groups since ancient times, and in this regard, several cemeteries have been established to bury their dead. Dar al-Salam Shiraz is one of the seven old cemeteries in Shiraz that Moinuddin Abolghasem Junaid Shirazi mentioned in his book. There are tombstones from the early Islamic centuries to recent times, which indicate the importance of this cemetery. There are several designs on the tombstones of Dar al-Salam cemetery. Including human motifs, animal motifs, plant motifs, geometric motifs, calligraphy, and inscriptions. In general, discovering the meaning and concept of the designs created on tombstones and their symbolic nature can unify many of the forgotten secrets and points of regional and national history, art, and culture with more unity and meaning. In this regard, the present study examines and analyzes the tombstone motifs of Shiraz Dar al-Salam Cemetery, especially the tombstones of the Qajar period, and by examining them, in addition to identifying the created motifs and their symbolism, seeks to trace the motifs through periods and among the mythical beliefs and religions of past periods.
Research & Hypotheses Questions: 1- What are the designs of the tombstones of Dar al-Salam Shiraz and what are their symbolic themes? 2- The designs created on the tombstones of Dar al-Salam Shiraz shows which traces of mythical and religious beliefs of the historical or cultural period of Iran?
1. These tombstones contain various designs of human, animal, plant, geometric, and inscription images. In general, most of these motifs, while having special meanings and symbols, are influenced by the culture of the region, beliefs, and their temporal and spatial place. 2. Considering the predominance of nationalist thought in the Qajar period, the images of these tombstones show the continuation of the motifs of the Sassanid and Achaemenid periods, which was created with a relatively different form and content.

Classification of Tombstones of the Qajar Period of Dar al-Salam Shiraz
In general, the images engraved on the tombstones of Dar al-Salam Shiraz, except lines and inscriptions, can be divided into a general category into the following groups: 1- Plant motifs, 2- Human motifs, 3- Animals and birds Motif, 4- Patterns of objects and geometric and abstract shapes

Conclusion
The study of the tombstones of the Qajar period of Dar al-Salam Cemetery in Shiraz proves that these tombstones have various designs, including anthropogenic images, animal, plant, geometric, calligraphy, and inscription. Studying the motifs of this group of works and examining the social, political, and religious situation of the Qajar era, shows that most of these motifs are symbolic and rooted in the history and culture of Iran and are influenced by the region’s culture, beliefs, and temporal and spatial position. Also, the images of these tombstones are a kind of continuation of the motifs of the Sassanid and Achaemenid periods, which have been created with a relatively different form and content. The motifs of cypress trees and lotus flowers are among the main paintings of Persepolis and the human images with lotus flowers in his hands, in a way reminiscent of the role of the Achaemenid kings in Persepolis and palace paintings. Sassanid monuments such as Bishapour Palace, which are among the first examples of images in Iran with a flower in hand. Horsemen and hunting scenes of animals such as lions, which are often seen on the tombstones of the Qajar period Dar al-Salam Dar al-Salam Shiraz; It has its roots in the history and culture of Iran, especially in the Persian region; Such patterns can be seen on Achaemenid seals found in Persepolis and other places, as well as on Sassanid gold and silver vessels. Finally, it should be acknowledged that among the reasons for creating these common themes between the tombstones of Dar al-Salam Shiraz and the remnants of ancient civilizations of Iran such as the Achaemenids and Sassanians, in addition to the rule of nationalist thought in the Qajar period and the influence of the Persian climate (from The cypress tree, which is one of the special trees and vegetation of the region and is found in abundance in the region (especially Shiraz), is the location of Dar al-Salam Cemetery in a place that was once the center of the rule of the Achaemenid and Sassanid states, which itself is the main The most influential factors on the thoughts of the people of the Qajar period and the continuity of the designs of the past.

Sara Sadeghi, Saeed Rahimi, Behrooz Afkhami, Esmaeil Hemati Azandariani,
year 5, Issue 16 (9-2021)
Abstract

Abstract
Perhaps painted rocks are the oldest surviving artifacts of prehistoric humans. Man has painted before the letters would create.  This art has a very ancient history in Iran and especially in the west of the country (Lorestan). This article studies the motifs of newly discovered petroglyph of Bauki village, Azna county in Lorestan. So far, no measures have been taken to record this site. Therefore, the record and study of petroglyph Bauki has the great importance in completing the archeological map of the country and the petroglyph studies. In particular, these motifs are variety and have narrative themes which is different from the style of human or animal motifs of other Iranian petroglyphs. The main study questions are: What motifs has designed on Bauki petroglyph and what style and method have used in designs of motifs? What areas are these motifs comparable to? What was the aim of creating the designs? What historical period do the Bauki petroglyphs belong to? The research method of this article has been did both field and desk study that documentary method were applied on comparative of motifs, anthropology and chronology of the newly discovered area. The research results show this The number of Bauki motifs is 74 which is on interconnected rocks and includes the motifs of human, animal, geometric, plant, and instrumental. According to the studies done, it can be said that in quantity and quality, the motifs of this area are similar and comparable to the petroglyph motifs of different regions of Iran, such as petroglyph of Timura (Khomein), Sungun (Arasbaran), Zarrineh (Qorveh) and abroad with Qobustan (Azerbaijan) and Gagama (Armenia). According to the obtained information from the motifs and the pottery evidence from the area and its surroundings, the surveys of the settlements around the site, comparison of motifs with other dated sites in Iran, pattern style and other historical data, subject to caution, is dated to Iron Age motifs.
Keywords: Petroglyph, Motif, Iron Age, Bauki.

Introduction
Petroglyph is one of the oldest living art traditions in the world, which has lasted for thousands of years. It seems bedrock have been the first surviving surface that man has chosen to record his artworks (Qasimi, 1399: 25). The subjects of petroglyphs are influenced by the geographical, cultural, and environmental conditions of each region. Until 1967 rock carvings were considered insignificant not only in Azna, but in all of Iran, and archaeologists made only minor and transient references to them in reports, but so far many studies have been done and there are many reports on the petroglyph motifs in different parts of Iran. The cultural and historical infrastructure of Lorestan province is so pristine and rich that in any field, especially point of view archaeology, it allows researchers to survey and to study and obtain valuable results. In addition to other archaeological data (pottery, buildings, etc.), other signs, such as the petroglyph motifs left on the rocks are specially worth considering from the point of view of archeology and the cultural-artistic interaction of the ancient tribes living in these areas with the surrounding areas, which points to the necessity and importance of the archaeological position of petroglyph in this part of Iran. The present research has been done both method: a desk study and field. The main objectives of the research include: introduction and study of Bauki petroglyph motifs, classification of motifs based on the type and style of petroglyphs, comparative study and similarity of motifs with other parts of Iran and abroad, the proposed chronology is based on the evidence of the relative chronology of the existing motifs.  In this regard, the authors of this study try to answer the following questions: What motifs has designed on Bauki petroglyph and what style and method have used in designs of motifs? What areas are these motifs comparable to? What was the aim of creating the designs? What historical period do the Bauki petroglyphs belong to?

Discussion
Each of the Bauki petroglyph motifs has a meaning and most importantly, and most importantly, the existence of ancient habitats and hills related to different periods and around the petroglyph are the important and determinative factors to justify the historical and cultural position of these motifs and the time of their creation. Therefore, for this basis, we can say that:
1- About the semiotics and meaning of the selected motifs were pictography and ideography and a limited number of psychography have high concept and were directly related to ethnic-religious faith, beliefs, and environmental conditions which are rooted in the myths and beliefs of the people about animals.
2- The motif of a goat is a symbol of seeking rain and abundance and has long been hidden and preserved among the motifs like a spell. For this reason, the motif of the goat in the rocks was abundant and varied
3- Motifs found in the area include horses, leopards, dogs and deer. The variety of motifs is directly related to animal species in the region. 
4- Some of the animal motifs were native to the area, but today there are no motifs such as leopards in the area. Since the engraved artists of these motifs could not engrave their motifs or paintings except by observing reality. So there is no doubt that in the past, these animals lived in this area.
5- There is a relationship between the method of engraving and the position of the motifs and the variety of motifs in the petroglyph of the study area. In terms of workmanship, they are of the petroglyph type and have used smoother rock surfaces to create motifs, the material of which is composed of hard rocks. 
6- Regarding the style and manner of presenting the motifs from the point of view of artistic representation (aesthetics), it is simple and abstract and only 4 realistic (animal) cases have been mentioned.

Conclusion
The Bauki petroglyphs are very simple and a limited number of realistic motifs. This area contains 74 motifs: animal, human, plant, symbolic and instrumental motifs, most of which are related to animals and humans. The most common method of creating Bauki petroglyphs is engraving and the creating style of the studied motifs has been mostly in an abstract style. All animal motifs are engraved in profile. Ritual dances performed while collecting agricultural products as well as asking for rain. Also, the exaggerated deer antlers are symbolically a symbol of herding and agriculture. Goats are still very important in the lives of people in the region today.
The chronological basis of Bauki motifs in terms of morphology with other Iranian petroglyphs and other motifs has been database tools, method to dig stone, engraving tools for these types of motifs. Therefore, these motifs are based on animal motifs, tools found and the smashing type of impact on the rocks, with caution and condition, it has no history beyond the Iron Age and belongs to the second millennium BC. In terms of quantity and quality, the studied motifs, based on carried out surveys can be examined and analyzed with other motifs found in other parts of Iran such as petroglyph of Timura (Khomein), Sungun (Arasbaran), Zarrineh (Qorveh) and abroad with Qobustan (Azerbaijan) and Gagama (Armenia).

Behrouz Afkhami,
year 6, Issue 20 (9-2022)
Abstract

Abstract
Cultural Heritage is the historical existence of a nation. Cultural heritage has internal, national and international functions and has intrinsic value. Among the most important values is “symbolic hegemony”. The symbolic value of cultural heritage and its transformation into cultural assets in the destination countries has made the superpowers think of acquiring the cultural assets of the countries, especially in the countries with rich cultural heritage, and has formed the “cultural assets conflict”. Cultural heritage is the symbol and manifestation of collective efforts of a nation in the context of time and storage of knowledge and ability of past generations. Therefore, cultural property and its diverse forms are like living beings that can always be restored/reconstructed and protected and have diverse and numerous uses for countries on a continuous basis; Superpowers by taking the cultural property and emptying these countries of cultural heritage; In fact, they drain the symbolic power of countries. Superpowers by taking the cultural property and emptying these countries of cultural heritage; in fact, they drain the symbolic power of countries. . The purpose of this article is to explain the values, especially the value of “symbolic hegemony” of cultural heritage. The theory of “symbolic hegemony and conflict of cultural assets” is a reflection of the story and cultural narrative of imperialism that has taken place around the country of Iran and countries with geo-cultural value. Considering cultural heritage as cultural assets and its geo-cultural values for a land; it is a special narrative type of cultural heritage that does not have much place in Iran’s cultural heritage literature.
Keywords: Cultural Asset, Hegemony, Symbol, Objectivity, Conflict.

Introduction
Today, the history of countries and nations is written based on cultural heritage. Cultural heritage includes a wide collection of tangible and intangible/movable and immovable property that include many places, events, oral and written history, and the lifestyle of people from the past to the present day. Cultural heritage and its diverse forms are the objective manifestation of the geo culture of a land that must always be restored and protected, and due to the possibility of communicating with the masses of people, they have the ability to be displayed and exposed in various places, such as museums or exhibitions, etc. The competition to gain the sphere of influence in the countries with cultural value is realized in different ways and with different means. Geopolitical competitions and the display of power are not achieved only through war and the destruction of modern facilities of a land; Rather, the destruction of the tangible manifestations of the cultural heritage of a land is one of the things that hegemonic countries always do to destroy the geographical values of lands with geopolitical and geo cultural value. Discrediting the cultural background of the target countries and destroying or downplaying the value of geo culture is done at a lower cost, which can be considered as one of the examples of “soft war”. This type of war provides the ground for the expansion of the hegemonic countries in the regions with geo-economic values by destroying the geo-cultural values. This type of approach and paradigm of colonial countries to destroy the geo cultural values that are manifested in cultural heritage can be put forward in the framework of the theory of “Symbolic hegemony and conflict of cultural heritage assets”.

Methodology
In fact, the present research presents a theory “symbolic hegemony and conflict of cultural assets” that, based on this; cultural heritage has been considered as cultural property, which can play a significant role in economic and geopolitical decisions of the country. Initially, it is compiled through library studies of the required information and then adapted to the cases that have been considered in the theory, first with information about the cultural heritage and values, and then in The case of countries that have been destroyed or extinct by American imperialism and the terrorist group of ISIL are cited, and then the theory of is explained.

Discussion
Globalization, emerging phenomena and social developments have increased the importance of cultural assets and day by day the protected of the cultural heritage of the countries in order to sustainable preservation for useable and different goals. The Theory” Symbolic hegemony and conflict of cultural heritage assets” which includes the basis of this article, Based on the conflict, some views have been presented; Destruction of cultural heritage in the Middle East and its protection and diversification in developed countries.  The number and abundance of objects and elements of cultural heritage is a sign of the continuity of civilization in a geographic area and territory, which the abundance of cultural assets is also a proof and objectivity of the spiritual heritage of a nation or country, including; Intelligence, genius and language are rich and... It has been proven today that nations with a strong language have been more civilized throughout history; because the multiplicity of cultural objects also expresses the richness of art and techniques. “Language” is also more complex in places where the number and frequency of cultural heritage elements are greater. For example, where they have lived a pastoral life, they have a simpler language. Every skill is an action. In places with a richer cultural heritage, the verb “to build” is used. Continuity in professions, especially economic professions, has led to skills, and skills have created treasures and knowledge. The location of the museum is the most significant example that can explain the above sentences. What do we see in museums? We actually see various goods of past times in museums. These diverse goods have a geographical origin and production; By the way, you have to think about their places of production. In the next step, the process of their production and the thoughts that designed and made them should be studied. Greece seems to have followed such a path. In Greece, when archaeological evidence, property of art and architecture were discovered, in addition to thinking about several objects and how to keep them; rather, a higher step was also taken, and that thought was about the thought of ancient Greece. A fundamental thought was done about the ancient Greek thought so that the postmodern philosophy was founded on the ancient Greek philosophy. Do archaeologists and cultural heritage custodians think about the places they discover? Is such an approach basically relevant in Iranian archeology literature? Unfortunately, Iranian archeology has not entered into these discussions based on the available written evidence; while basically the benefits of archeology lie in these kinds of discussions. Cultural heritage elements can produce method, technique and philosophy. The importance of the conflict over the acquisition of cultural assets lies in this point, this conflict started with the cover of some wars such as the war of “ISIS” in the region, and in the future, the “acquisition of the cultural assets of nations” will be a source of conflict between the powers.

Conclusion
The cultural heritage of each country is one of the most fundamental pillars of identity consolidation, creativity and national self-confidence. National identity is one of the dimensions of national power. National identity has many social, historical, geographical, cultural and political indicators. The cultural heritage as a symbolic hegemony, which if damaged or destroyed for any reason, That country or nation will lose its real power and there will be no concrete examples and objections to rebuild. Cultural heritage values are not due to their physical existence, but because of the thinking of their creators. The hidden and invisible values of the cultural heritage have pushed the superpowers into wars in the Middle East and probably brought the cultural property of the war-torn countries to the some museums. The cultural heritage is the objective crystallization of human thought that is of today’s contemporary use to society. Western superpowers have good learned to use the cultural heritage as assets. Consequently, wars were launched in the Middle East and sought to plunder the cultural heritage of war-torn countries According to the evidence and documentation, this paper presents the theory of “hegemony and the conflict of cultural property”. It is recommended “Cultural self-awareness” based on cultural heritage should be strengthened at the national and international levels. The powers to acquire the cultural heritage of nations, in addition to having economic and ideological goals in mind; Rather, they empty the nations that own cultural assets from symbolic rhetoric; Just like what ISIS did in Iraq and Syria, they destroyed the cultural heritage of these countries. Superpowers have targeted the existence of cultural heritage. If the “objectivity” of cultural heritage does not exist; Nations will not be able to have an authentic and ontological interpretation of life. Cultural assets, as the cultural wealth of nations and countries, reveal the inner and essential interpretation of nations in the context of time. If the elements of cultural heritage are not available, in addition to the fact that the people of the countries will not be able to interpret the technology and the rational and ontological interpretation and find the path of life in interaction with nature, they will also lose the knowledge and ability of the past.

Behrouz Afkhami, Saeid Sattarnezhad,
year 7, Issue 23 (5-2023)
Abstract

Abstract
Due to the climatic conditions and cutable stones, the cultural landscape of Sablan Mountain is one of the main foci of the formation of Troglodytic Architecture spaces in the northwest region of Iran. In this region, various Troglodytic Architecture spaces have been carved in different cultural periods, one of the most well-known of which is the Troglodytic Architecture collection of Abazar Nair. This collection, in the previous studies of some researchers, generally belongs to the Parthian era with the use of “mehrabah”; or the Islamic era with the use of “Buddhist temples-tombs”. However, the cultural data in this collection rejects the Mehri and Buddhist monastery hypothesis with sufficient and archaeological evidence. This research is fundamental in terms of qualitative objective and it was conducted with descriptive-analytical method, comparative studies and data collection with the help of field studies and documents-library resources and seeks to answer the following two basic questions: 1- Based on the remaining surface data. Mande, the chronology of Troglodytic Architecture Abazar space belongs to which cultural period(s)? 2- What were the functions of Troglodytic Architecture spaces (number 7) of Abazar Nair collection? The results show that the Troglodytic Architecture space in question, like other spaces in this area, had a livelihood function in the Islamic era. Other results of the research determined that the set of enclosed spaces of Abazar is generally influenced by the climatic conditions of the region and is comparable to other cut rock villages in the Sablan and Sahand mountains. The recent archaeological activity of this collection can be useful and open the way in understanding the functional nature and chronology of other cut rock spaces on the slopes of Sablan Mountain.
Keywords: Sablan Mountain, Troglodytic Architecture, Abazar Nir, chronology, Function.

Introduction
Abazar area of Nair city is the first Troglodytic Architecture area in Ardabil province that has been noticed by researchers. However, the remaining cultural materials in this area have received less attention from researchers and the most focus has been on the rocky texture of the spaces (Mohammadi-Far and Hemti-Azandariani, 2015; Azad, 2015 and 2016). This factor has caused the chronology and function of this area not to be determined precisely, and one of the empty spaces of this complex (space no. 7), regardless of the architectural elements and cultural materials left in it, is known as Mehri temple belonging to the Parthian era (Shekari). niri, 2019) and Mughal-Temple (Moradi & Omrani, 2020) of the Islamic era. This is while the main differences between the usage and chronology presented for this collection in general and the space of Troglodytic Architecture No. 7 in particular are seen, on the basis of the need to review the chronology and usage presented for this Troglodytic Architecture collection. There is especially space number 7). By examining the surface of the site and studying its cultural findings, while reviewing its chronology and function, referring to the data of the site, the authors are looking for answers to the following questions: 1- Based on the remaining surface findings, what cultural period(s) does the chronology of Troglodytic Architecture Abazar spaces belong to? 2- Handy spaces (number 7). What functions did the Abazar collection have? Carrying out this research will be an important step in the architectural studies of Troglodytic Architecture in the Sablan Mountain range, so that in future studies, along with the careful examination of the sites and the study of the remaining cultural materials, the chronology and explanation of the function of the Troglodytic Architecture spaces of this area can be achieved.

Discussion
Based on the study of the authors, it was found that the Abazar area consisted of several subsurface manmade spaces (10 units) and surface manmade spaces. These spaces were closely related to each other and all of them formed the fabric of Abazar village. Over time, the man-made spaces on the surface were completely destroyed, and today the remains of the foundations and debris of these structures remain on the surface of the area. The texture of the villages in the mountainous areas of North-West Iran has a similar architectural structure. So that in the analysis of this area, what was obtained is that Abazar area in terms of location pattern (access to water sources, location on the mountainside, proximity to pastures), structure and architectural elements and plan of spaces are similar to many others. It is one of the villages on the slopes of Sablan and Sahand mountains.  These villages were formed in a hand-made way near the water sources and the slopes of the hills. Due to the cold seasons of the year, one of the common patterns in the villages of the Sardsir districts of Azerbaijan region is to have small underground spaces where the families lived next to their cattle during certain days of the year. Such a pattern of settlement has been in place until recent years in the village of Kandavan (Razani et al., 2015), Khatb Maragheh (Starnjad et al., 2016), Ganzeq Sarein (Khanali, 2017), Yai Shahri of Maragheh, Sur Bonab. In these villages, the living spaces are located under the surface man-made spaces. Due to their living use, the subsurface spaces generally lacked complex and special architectural and artistic elements common in ritual-memorial spaces (elements such as inscriptions, altars, artistic motifs). And it only has a long manger, niche and spaces for providing light. Such elements can also be seen in the spaces of Troglodytic Architecture Abazar, therefore Troglodytic Architecture No. 7 cannot be considered separate from other spaces from the point of view of architecture and even the nature of the function. The generality of this space is exactly the same as the other spaces of this collection.

Conclusion
What was discussed in the text of the article, the environment of Abazar, like the fabric of the villages in the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan, Iran, consists of hand-made spaces. Handicapped spaces are carved under the man-made spaces, and in terms of architectural structure, plan and practical elements, many similarities between these villages can be observed. The accuracy of the cultural materials and architectural elements remaining in the hand-built spaces of this collection showed that the spaces have many relative similarities to each other and have followed a single pattern. Based on this, a touch space (space number 7) cannot be considered as a space that is excluded from other spaces. All the architectural elements such as the manger, niche, skylight, porch and the way to access the spaces show that these spaces in general and the architectural space number 7 in particular are designed and carved according to human living, based on that. Due to the lack of decorative and practical elements specific to ritual-memorial spaces (such as inscriptions, artistic motifs, columns, luxurious carving style of spaces, etc.), this complex (space number 7) cannot be considered as a space related to He considered the shrine (mehrabah). On the other hand, the nature of the prayer spaces and Buddhist tombs was also very different from this complex, therefore this complex does not have the characteristics of Mehri and Buddhist temples. The chronology of the site was based on the cultural findings left on the surface of the site. Based on these data, evidences from the historical period (especially Parthian) were not identified. These data show the most important settlement period of the site, which coincides with the Middle Ages of Islam. During this period, a cemetery with prominent tombstones was formed in the vicinity of the village. In general, the comparative study of the texture of this complex with the similar areas of Sablan and Sahand mountain slopes shows many similarities between them. Due to the cold climate of the region and to protect their lives and property, the villages of these areas used to create residential spaces in two ways: hand-made - hand-made. 

Acknowlegment
All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.
 


Page 1 from 1