The Role of Italians in the Architectural Conservation Movement in Iran

The Italian Institute for the Middle and the Far East (IsMEO), founded in 1933, aimed to strengthen cultural ties between Italy, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern countries. Italian professionals affiliated with IsMEO have been contributing to preservation and conservation efforts in Iran since 1959. IsMEO's activities in Iran encompass the establishment of a Restoration Institute at Tehran National University, the initiation of restoration projects on significant monuments in Isfahan, and the development of a model for the restoration and preservation of Iran's historical monuments. IsMEO has also shed light on lesser-known aspects of Iranian architectural history. However, due to the 1979 revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq war, not all restoration projects were completed. Nevertheless, these initiatives marked a significant step towards conserving and preserving Iran's cultural heritage. In this paper, we aim to explore the impact of Italian experts' conservation and restoration efforts in Iran on the preservation of Iranian monuments. Research methods involve gathering information and data from archival sources, books, and documents from both countries. Additionally, on-site assessments, observations, and interviews with professionals who played pivotal roles in the restoration process, including both Iranian and Italian specialists, provide valuable insights and perspectives related to this subject.