The biggest restoration
research center of the Middle East for maintenance and
restoring of the historical-cultural relics and the
related architectural structures opened on December 5 in
Tehran with the attendance of Esfandiar Rahim Mashayi,
director of the Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Organization, Ahmad Masjid Jamei, the former Iran's
minister of culture, Mohammad Beheshti, head of Iran's
Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization Research Center,
UNESCO's representative in Iran, restoration experts and
some of the authorities of the Cultural Heritage and
Tourism Organization of Iran.
"Launching of this
research and restoration center is considered a starting
point for providing new opportunities both at national and
international levels. Research and scientific activities
are our main goals which will provide Iran and other
countries with great opportunities in this regard.
Nowadays maintenance of cultural heritage is regarded a
worldwide phenomenon and does not belong to just one
country" said Mashayi.
Regarding the special
equipments which have been allocated to the research
center by Japan, Mashayi explained "such cooperations
are admirable, but we would rather get cultural
cooperation than economical cooperation. The historical
monuments belong to the whole world and we should
reinforce this kind of attitude. The recent progress in
the field of communication technology has weakened the
geographical boundaries. Maintaining and restoring all
these monuments are considered a world duty; and political
and economical challenges should not have any influence on
cultural aspects."
The building of the
restoration research center is situated behind the
National Museum of Iran and is consisted of 4 floors; two
levels are constructed underground to observe the vicinity
of the National Museum of Iran. The building is consisted
of a library, special workshops, laboratories, an official
department, gathering halls, a storage area for ancient
articles, etc.
The idea for constructing a
restoration and research center goes back to the year
1973. According to Abdolrasoul Vatandoost, an
archaeologist and researcher, in 1973 there was a small
building in the back of the National Museum of Iran which
was allocated to research studies. Since its area was not
proper enough, the thought of constructing a more complete
research center was formed at that time.
Vatandoost believes that
this research center is unique in the Middle East, and is
one of the most equipped research centers of the world.
UNESCO has also expressed its willingness to cooperate
with this research center.
Source: CHN
