Rabe Rashidi archaeologists to return to 14thcentury educational ruins in northwest Iran

Rab’-e Rashidi: archaeologists to return to 14th-century educational ruins in northwest Iran

TEHRAN--Plans are on the agenda to continue excavations in Rab’-e Rashidi area, an educational complex dating back to the 14th century, in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan province.

Announcing this, Vahid Navadad, East Azarbaijan province’s deputy director for cultural heritage, said on Monday that archaeological excavations, restoration projects and study programs are being pursued in Tabriz and other parts of the province, ISNA reported.

Referring to the status of excavations and research projects, he also said that recently, an emergency excavation was conducted in one of the mosques located in the historical texture of Tabriz Bazaar, which has been completed.

“In addition, studies have been conducted in the field of protection and restoration of the historical area of Tabriz, and we are waiting for allocation of the funds so that these measures can continue.”

Regarding the status of historical monuments in the province during the recent rains, he said that fortunately, no reports of destruction or serious damage to the province’s historical monuments have so far been received, and surveys show that no special damage has been caused to the historical monuments.

He said that some of the projects will be launched before the start of the new year, adding: “With some funding, a number of projects are starting again and their preliminary measures are being taken. Among these are programs related to Azarbaijan Museum (a regional museum in Tabriz focusing on the history, archaeology, and culture of Azarbaijan and northwestern Iran) and the emergency restoration of historical buildings and sites.”

After the current year funds are announced, the projects will be pursued within the same framework based on the five-year development plan that began in 2024, he pointed out. Referring to the continued activity of restoration workshops, he said that a significant part of the restoration workshops is active with the participation of the private sector throughout the year. “Especially in the Tabriz historic bazaar complex, these measures are carried out with the direct participation of the owners and owners of goodwill, and their technical supervision is the responsibility of World Heritage Site of Tabriz historic bazaar and East Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage Department.”

In addition to Tabriz Bazaar, there are several nationally registered historical monuments owned by the private sector in Tabriz and some cities of the province, for which operational guidelines have been defined and restoration operations are underway with the participation of the owners, he said.

Referring to the changing approaches in recent years in the historical texture of Tabriz, he stated: “In recent years, a positive approach has been formed and even intensified in the field of investment and economic flow in historical textures and monuments. This has increased the interest of economic activists and local residents in the restoration and exploitation of historical monuments, and in addition to protecting the cultural heritage, it has also contributed to the economic prosperity of these regions.”

Navadad added that the increase in these interests has led to a much greater number of participations and many owners of houses and historical monuments directly applying for restoration projects.

East Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage Department also supports the projects to the extent of its ability, both technically and in form of credit and financial support, he pointed out.

Referring to the projects implemented last year, he said: “A large part of the projects that were defined in form of this year's credits have passed their temporary delivery stages and have been completed in accordance with the contracts. Of course, many restoration projects, due to their specialized type and dependence on the amount of credit allocation, are implemented in several phases and over several years, and after the end of each phase, the next stages are re-planned.”

In the end, Navadad referred to the current study and conservation programs and said: “Currently, studies related to the Urartian inscriptions of Sarab county, including Razliq inscription, are being carried out, and along with the research studies, conservation and restoration measures for these works will also begin soon.”

The city of Tabriz, known for its rich history, warm hospitality, and the UNESCO-listed Grand Bazaar, remains a key gateway for visitors, particularly those entering Iran from Armenia and Turkey.

Tabriz has a long and rich history, but saw many of its historic buildings destroyed by invaders or earthquakes. Tabriz became the capital of the Mongol Il-Khan Mahmud Gazan (1295–1304) and his successor. Timur (Tamerlane), a Turkic conqueror, took it in 1392. Some decades later the Kara Koyunlu Turkmen made it their capital, it was when the famous Blue Mosque was built in the ancient city.

The city retained its administrative status under the Safavid dynasty until 1548, when Shah Tahmasp I relocated his capital westward to Qazvin. During the next two centuries, Tabriz changed hands several times between Persia and the Ottoman Empire. During World War I, the city was temporarily occupied by Turkish and then Soviet troops.

KD

source: tehrantimes.com