Volume 8, Issue 3 (11-2025)                   KCR 2025, 8(3): 64-77 | Back to browse issues page

‎ ‌10.66224/kcr.8.3.64

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Amanollahi H, Karimian H, Sheikh Ahmadi F. Environmental Studies and Their Role in the Conservation of Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Takht-e Soleyman. KCR 2025; 8 (3) :64-77
URL: http://journal.richt.ir/kcr/article-1-397-en.html
Environmental Studies and Their Role in the Conservation of Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Takht-e Soleyman
Hamid Amanollahi * , Hassan Karimian , Fatemeh Sheikh Ahmadi
PhD student of Archaeology, University of Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (47 Views)
Takht-e Soleyman, located in a mountainous area of northwestern Iran, is one of the country’s most important historical and cultural centers and has been studied from various scientific perspectives. This research aims to identify the environmental characteristics influencing human settlement and to examine the impacts of climatic and environmental conditions on the preservation of historical monuments. Findings indicate that the large spring of Takht-e Soleyman and several karst springs, by providing mineral-rich water, have played a significant role in the formation of settlements and the chemical composition of the soil, thereby affecting the region’s biodiversity and vegetation cover. Adequate precipitation has further enriched the vegetation and created favorable habitats for various animal species. The main objectives of this study include identifying the environmental potentials that contributed to settlement formation and proposing adaptive strategies to local climatic conditions for the conservation, restoration, and management of the complex. Given Takht-e Soleyman’s specific climate—characterized by long winters and heavy snowfall—the key question is how to ensure effective preservation of its historical assets. The research methodology is historical and descriptive-analytical, combining library studies with field observations. Comparative analysis of climatic parameters such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and solar radiation against international standards revealed that, if properly managed, certain climatic indices can help mitigate physical deterioration of the monuments. Accordingly, practical strategies based on quantitative and qualitative indicators have been proposed to reduce adverse environmental impacts. By integrating historical, architectural, and environmental data, this study highlights the critical role of environmental studies in safeguarding archaeological sites—particularly Takht-e Soleyman—and offers scientific and practical solutions to ensure the sustainable preservation of this valuable heritage.
Keywords: Takht-e Soleyman, Interdisciplinary Sciences, Physical Geography, Environmental Archaeology, Conservation and Restoration.
     
Type of Study: Research, Original, Regular | Subject: Conservation and restoration of historical-cultural architectural objects and decorations.
Received: 2025/05/17 | Accepted: 2026/01/20 | Published: 2025/12/21
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