Publications
The Cultural Landscape of the Persian Qanat
The Persian qanat, an ancient underground water extraction system, has sustained arid landscapes and cultural development for over 3,000 years. This study highlights its role in shaping human settlement patterns, agrarian traditions, and social structures in regions like Bam, Yazd, and Khorasan. The qanat's design reflects advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, including hydrology, geotechnics, and community cooperation, while its maintenance demands ongoing adaptation to environmental changes. However, modern infrastructure is replacing traditional qanats, threatening their cultural significance. The research advocates for qanat tourism as a means to preserve this heritage while generating revenue, emphasizing its potential as both an economic and conservation strategy.
Mohammad T. Atayi, Shahram Zare’. “A new Achaemenid building-complex in Kerman, Evidence from Mahdiābād-e Oliā (Rigān-Kermān)”
Researchers have identified a previously unknown Achaemenid building complex at Mahdiābād-e Oliā, Rigān-Kermān, Kerman, Iran. The discovery stems from satellite imagery analysis conducted as part of the Bam Cultural Landscape Project, which examined an area devastated by flooding in 2017. The complex, spanning approximately 90 hectares and featuring a prominent quadrangular structure within a larger architectural ensemble measuring 120 x 60 meters, provides new evidence of Achaemenid-era occupation in the region. Surface ceramic findings further support the significance of this site, contributing to our understanding of ancient urban planning and architecture in the Kerman province.
The role of intangible assets in the conservation of Bam and its cultural landscape as a World Heritage site
Bam's Citadel, the world's largest mud-brick structure, retains its authenticity and integrity even after surviving a devastating 2003 earthquake, contributing significantly to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its tangible architecture, Bam's intangible heritage—such as the legend of Haftvad, Silk Road connections, and rituals tied to Imam Zaman and Ashura—plays a crucial role in its cultural significance. While traditional conservation focuses on pragmatic restoration of physical structures, preserving intangible elements requires more nuanced approaches. This study highlights the interplay between Bam's architectural heritage and its intangible assets, emphasizing the need for sophisticated methods to safeguard both aspects to fully appreciate the site's cultural importance.
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