TEHRAN – Technology can play an effective role in the preservation of historical monuments through documentation, conservation and restoration, Iranian historical heritage researcher Hossein Alizadeh said in an interview published on Sunday.

Alizadeh told the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) that modern technologies can be used to document and maintain historical sites, adding that tools such as three-dimensional scanning, material analysis and digital simulations can support restoration and conservation work.

He also stressed the role of public participation in protecting historical heritage, saying awareness among local communities is essential. “If people understand the importance of preserving historical monuments, they can play an effective role in their protection,” he said.

According to Alizadeh, public awareness campaigns are among the most effective ways to safeguard historical sites. He said involving communities in preservation efforts can help reduce damage and neglect.

Alizadeh pointed to budget constraints as one of the main challenges facing the conservation of historical monuments in Iran. He said funding allocated for restoration has been limited in recent years, despite the need for significant investment.

“Special budgets for historical monuments are essential,” he said. “Without sufficient funding for restoration and maintenance, some of these sites may be lost permanently.”

Turning to specific sites, Alizadeh highlighted the Pamenar Mosque as one of the oldest and most valuable historical monuments in Iran’s Khorasan region. He said the mosque was built about 1,000 years ago after being endowed by a wealthy elderly woman.

According to Alizadeh, the mosque was constructed in 266 AH during the reign of Mohammad ibn Tahir, the last ruler of the Tahirid dynasty. He said it served for centuries as a congregational mosque and was also known as the Friday Mosque.

He said the structure, built of adobe and brick, originally had 13 pillars and covered about 934 square meters, while the remaining structure today measures around 350 square meters.

Alizadeh added that the mosque has a 15-metre minaret topped with a Kufic inscription. He said the building has suffered damage from several earthquakes over the centuries but has been repaired and rebuilt through the efforts of benefactors.

The Pamenar Mosque is registered on Iran’s national heritage list under registration number 647 and is under the protection of the Cultural Heritage Organization, he said.

Although the region contains many historical sites, Alizadeh said the Pamenar Mosque stands out as one of its oldest and most valuable monuments, representing Iran’s historical and cultural heritage.

“Our historical monuments are our cultural inheritance,” he said. “Preserving them is a responsibility toward future generations and a reflection of our identity.”

AM