درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The purpose of this research is to investigate the architectural index elements in local and Jame Mosques. “Mosque” is an allusion to a place of worship, which should be able to induce a sense of worship in its audience. The forms and roles in the building are the shapes that are influenced by the content and affect the human sensory perception and are directly related to people's beliefs and religion. Therefore, the main issue in its design is the suitability of the architecture of the mosques with their dignity and functional content. When Islam emerged, there was no idea of the principles of building a mosque and the only pattern was the Prophet's house. Iranian architectural styles have changed and evolved during different periods of history, in accordance with governments, religions and beliefs, and with the arrival of Islam, the Iranian architectural style underwent many changes. In general, several prominent elements are used in the architecture of the mosque: the courtyard, the porch, the shrine, the mihrab, the dome and the minaret. However, some mosques lack elements or some have several elements of the same element. So, in this research, by examining the historical (local and Jame) mosques of Zanjan, their architectural index elements which are unknown aspects of this research, as well as to determine the factors influencing the design of these mosques that take the ambiguous dimension of the research, it was revealed through library studies and the descriptive/analytical method of existing documents and research.

From a temporal perspective, we observe the presence and distribution of beveled rim bowls in Iran and Mesopotamia from the mid-fourth millennium BC until the beginning of the Bronze Age. The large production and specific shape of this pottery, alongside its extensive distribution, have prompted many archaeologists to study this subject. Beveled rim bowls is categorized into two types: Uruk and proto Elamite, based on their shape and structure. The geographical conditions in Iran have differentiated the distribution of this pottery compared to Mesopotamia. During this period, the Uruk type gradually changed in structure and transformed into the proto Elamite type. The regions of Khuzestan, Central Zagros, and the Central Plateau have the highest density of sites and pottery in Iran, connecting these centers through intermediary areas. According to the studies conducted, this distribution in Iran has been exported to various other regions by local elites or specific groups of people. Perhaps, this group consisted of local merchants who, through migration, spread the proto Elamite culture in Iran, while the Uruk type of beveled rim bowl was produced and distributed for economic or political purposes in significant sites such as Susa, Chogha Mish, Tepe Yahya, Sefalin, and Godin Tepe.

Achaemenid architecture is distinguished by its columned halls and porticoes, which can be found in the empire’s major capitals, such as Pasargadae, Susa, and Persepolis. Column bases are one of the most essential parts of a column, and square and bell-shaped column bases were frequently used during the Achaemenid period. During a 2018 survey conducted in Hannā, Semirom County, Esfahan Province, the authors discovered two square-column bases that showed a striking resemblance to other column bases found in the Achaemenid Empire. The column bases, along with several partly carved slabs, were found by a bulldozer during the digging process. If these column bases and carved slabs are indeed from an Achaemenid period construction, it serves as a strong indication of the importance of the Hannā site in Semirom. An additional indication of the significance of these findings is the lack of palaces or buildings with columns from the Achaemenid period in the region of Esfahan. Furthermore, it is essential to take into account the continued use of square-column bases in post-Achaemenid structures, as well as the fact that the masonry tools employed during this period remained unchanged throughout the following centuries. By analyzing the presence of carved stone slabs and columned bases of pillared buildings and halls from the Achaemenid period and beyond, we may determine that we are dealing with a prestigious structure that is associated with the elite of society. After the decline of the Achaemenid Empire, pillared structures and this type of square and stepped column base were used.

Among the significant and yet controversial archaeological remains of the Sasanian period are the Chahār Tāqis and fire temples of this era. Chahār Tāqis reflect historical and architectural engineering points that, despite their simplicity in construction, have managed to endure for many years. Although the primary function of Chahār Tāqis was mainly religious, in some cases, they could also serve as commemorative monuments or guideposts. Despite being constructed over a long period and scattered across a vast geographical area throughout the Iranian plateau, Chahār Tāqis exhibit very similar characteristics in construction techniques and spatial positioning. The abundance, distribution, and expansion of Chahār Tāqis in the studied region necessitate multiple research topics from architectural, functional, and religious perspectives. Given the prevalence and spread of Chahār Tāqis in the Isfahan region, this study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to compare the architectural elements of Sasanian fire temples and Chahār Tāqis in Isfahan province, as well as the metric dimensions of each architectural element. In addition to studying the architectural and decorative elements used in prominent Chahār Tāqis of the region, such as those in Niasar, Shirkuh, Nakhlak, and Qal'eh Dar, the reasons for their abundance in this region compared to other areas during the Sasanian period and their potential uses in the early Islamic period are also explored. Furthermore, the positioning of these structures in relation to nearby natural and unnatural phenomena has been carefully examined. Based on the dimensions and surface distribution of the mentioned Chahār Tāqis, it can be concluded that these structures were likely sites for the Aduran or Dadgah fires.

The preservation of invaluable cultural heritage assets, including ancient artifacts and historical sites, remains a critical global concern. Existing perimeter protection methods, such as CCTV systems, infrared sensors, and conventional surveillance technologies, often exhibit significant limitations in terms of spatial coverage, sensitivity to subtle intrusions, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions. This paper presents an innovative and highly effective solution utilizing fiber optic sensor (FOS) technology, which offers numerous advantages, including lightweight construction, immunity to electromagnetic interference, ease of installation, high sensitivity, and reliable performance across a broad range of applications. Specifically, the study introduces novel designs for distributed acoustic FOS systems based on Michelson, Mach-Zehnder, and Sagnac interferometric configurations. Through comprehensive theoretical analysis, simulation modeling, and experimental validation, the research explores their practical utility in protecting cultural heritage. Two detailed case studies—focused on the Louvre Museum in France and the ancient archaeological site of Persepolis in Iran—demonstrate the implementation, functionality, and real-world efficacy of the proposed systems. The findings highlight how these FOS networks, particularly when combined with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, can effectively detect, classify, and localize human-induced acoustic disturbances such as walking or digging, while minimizing false alarms caused by environmental noise. This enhanced discrimination capability not only improves overall security but also significantly reduces the need for extensive human surveillance. Moreover, these systems enable precise, continuous, and real-time 24-hour monitoring over vast indoor and outdoor areas. In conclusion, the integration of FOS technology offers a scalable, intelligent, and transformative approach to addressing the complex and evolving challenges associated with the long-term preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites around the world.

Understanding the philosophy behind the stucco motifs in the tomb tower of Semiran, Qazvin, can provide insights into the cultural unknowns of northern Iran. This study examines these motifs through library-based and documentary evidence. It appears that the decorative stucco motifs of the Semiran tomb tower can be seen as a continuation of the stucco art styles from the Sasanian period and the early Islamic centuries. This research comparatively studies the remaining motifs and decorations in this tomb tower, seeking to revisit Iranian stucco art and its integration with religious and cultural concepts of northern Iran. Moreover, it aims to examine the artists’ decorative and functional techniques to meet the specific demands of rulers and the aristocracy. Findings indicate that the Semiran Citadel reached its peak of growth and prosperity between the fourth and eighth centuries of the Islamic era. The surviving structures, particularly the tomb towers, significantly reflect the historical prominence of this citadel city during the Islamic period. Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests a flourishing social and cultural life in the central part of the Semiran Citadel City during the Timurid and Safavid eras. Collectively, archaeological and historical evidence suggests the prosperity and expansion of the Semiran Citadel City during the early and middle Islamic periods, especially under the rule of the Musafirids, Seljuks, and Mongol Ilkhanates. Despite its historical significance, the Semiran Citadel gradually lost its vitality and eventually fell into decline and oblivion

The collection of faunal remains considered in this study was obtained from excavations at Qara Tepe, Sagzabad, in 2013, 2014, and 2015, with a particular focus on the Iron Age II and III. A large part of the faunal assemblages was successfully identified. The collection is formed by a range of species, among them being small ruminants (Capra aegagrus, Ovis Aries, Gazella subgutturosa), large ruminants (Bos Taurus, Cervidae, Equidae (Equus caballus, Equus africanus asinus), Carnivora (Canis lupus familiaris, Sus scrofa), Rodentia, Muridae, Lagomorpha, Aves, and Camelidae (Camelus dromedarius). The total of 1200 identifiable pieces belongs to 16 discrete species. The most frequent category is small ruminants, i.e., goats and sheep, a fact indicating that a climate favorable for the breeding of these species characterized the region during the Iron II‒III. The observation also highlights the significant role these animals played in the local subsistence economy during the relevant period. Related remains are profusely associated with human skeletal remains and cemetery burials at Sagzabad. Some are pretty complete, lacking any indications of cutting or butchery. Potential reasons for the abundance of these species were their adaptation to the landscape and their ease of breeding.