Laser Mapping of Bam Fortification Underway

22 January 2005

The laser mapping of the 1800-meter fortification around the famous historical Citadel of Bam has started, aiming at its detailed documentation and the identification of the damages it sustained due to the devastating earthquake of the 26th of December 2003.

Bam Citadel, located in the central province of Kerman, is one of the largest mud brick structures of the world, the origins of which the scholars date back to the Achaemenid time (6th to 4th century BC).

Head of the restoration team of Bam, Eskandar Mokhtari, told CHN that laser mapping, which is considered the most accurate form of mapping and documentation, is critical for the restoration of the wall, which will give the Citadel back its identity and previous form.

The team had already prepared the preliminary maps of the fortifications and taken some photos of them, which along with the laser maps would help rebuild the wall more precisely, added Mokhtari.

Bam Citadel, which collapsed like a sand castle on 26th of December 2003 due to a large earthquake, was added to UNESCO’s List of Heritage in Danger in 2004. Today domestic and foreign experts are undertaking different projects to restore and revive the great mud brick heritage of the world.

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