Experts
from the Japanese University of Sanyama have taken samples
of ancient mud bricks from Bam Citadel (Arg-e Bam) for
examination to determine the antiquity of the cultural
heritage structure part of which collapsed during a strong
earthquake on December 26, 2003.
Following the collapse of the fortress, international
organizations drew attention to the historical
significance of this cultural heritage and UNESCO
registered Bam Citadel as a global cultural heritage site.
Director of the project to save Bam Citadel Eskandar
Mokhtari told CHN that Dr. Watanabe, Osada and O. Guchi
from the Japanese university are visiting Bam Citadel with
the aim of examining its construction materials including
the mud bricks.
The visit took place pursuant to earlier exploration of
the site by the Japanese university team.
Bam Citadel is a well-known relic from the Sassanid
dynastic era, but, the exact date of its construction is
not yet known.
Mokhtari said that Japanese professors took samples from
the site to determine the resistance of the construction
material.
“According to an agreement, the Japanese group will
cooperate in reconstructing the citadel by sharing its
experience with Iranian architects. Preliminary
examinations by Japanese experts indicated that mud at the
site could solidify 10 days after being applied. It will
take time to obtain the final results,“ Mokhtari said.
Bam Citadel is 2,000 years old. UNESCO registered it as
international heritage after a meeting of International
Council on Monuments (ICOMOS) held in China last July.
