Restoration flaws lead to collapse of historic walls in Shahr-e Belqeys, Iran

Recent structural damage to the ancient mudbrick walls of Shahr-e Belqeys, a historically significant city located in northeast Iran, has raised concerns about the preservation of its remaining heritage. The collapse of a section of these walls has prompted urgent calls for restoration efforts to safeguard the city’s rich cultural legacy.

Restoration flaws lead to collapse of historic walls in Shahr-e Belqeys, IranCity of Belqeys. Credit: Tehran Times

Belqeys, known as the “City of Belqeys,” thrived from the late Sᴀssanid era through the early Islamic period, with its origins dating back approximately 6,000 years according to archaeological findings. Situated in Esfarayen county of North Khorasan province, the city’s prominence is underscored by its status as one of Iran’s largest mudbrick fortresses, second only to the UNESCO-registered Bam citadel.

Hossein Rahmani, director of the National Cultural Heritage Base in Shahr-e Belqeys, expressed deep concern over the recent collapse of a significant portion of the restored walls. Rahmani emphasized that this incident was not isolated, as worries regarding the stability of the walls had persisted for the past two to three years. The collapse, spanning approximately 160 square meters, has highlighted critical flaws in the restoration process.

Attributing the collapse to improper restoration methods, Rahmani pointed out discrepancies in the restoration depths, ranging from 10 centimeters at the bottom to 70 to 80 centimeters at the top of the walls. He criticized the use of raw clay and straw during the restoration, deviating from the historical construction practices of the Safavid, Ilkhanid, and Seljuk periods.

Restoration flaws lead to collapse of historic walls in Shahr-e Belqeys, IranCredit: Tehran Times

Moreover, Rahmani highlighted the builders’ historical awareness of termites in the region, a threat compounded by the use of inappropriate materials during restoration. The combination of factors including expansive soil, erosion, and structural weight contributed to the collapse.

The lack of allocated funds for restoration work in recent years, primarily directed towards employee salaries, has exacerbated concerns about the preservation of Shahr-e Belqeys’ heritage. Rahmani estimated that approximately 1.2 billion tomans (approximately $20,000) would be required for a new restoration effort.

The significance of the Sᴀssanid era in Iranian history cannot be understated, it was characterized by a flourishing of Persian art and architecture. Notable architectural achievements from this period, such as the palaces at Ctesiphon, Firuzabad, and Sarvestan, serve as enduring reminders of the era’s cultural richness.

Efforts to excavate Shahr-e Belqeys have unearthed various artifacts, including family quarters, irrigation channels, and remnants of the citadel. Despite its age and the challenges it faces, the legacy of Shahr-e Belqeys remains a testament to Iran’s rich cultural heritage.

Related Posts

Bremenium Fort excavation uncovers remarkable Roman artifacts and structures in Northumberland

Bremenium Fort excavation uncovers remarkable Roman artifacts and structures in Northumberland

Archaeologists have completed the fifth and most fruitful excavation season at Bremenium Fort in High Rochester, Northumberland National Park, and have uncovered the largest range of artifacts…

1,400-year-old ice storage from Baekje Kingdom unearthed beneath Busosanseong Fortress in South Korea

1,400-year-old ice storage from Baekje Kingdom unearthed beneath Busosanseong Fortress in South Korea

Archaeologists in South Korea have uncovered the first ice storage facility ever recorded from the Baekje Sabi period (538–660 CE) at the Busosanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World…

Iron Age Iberian DNA reveals deep roots and high maternal lineage diversity

Iron Age Iberian DNA reveals deep roots and high maternal lineage diversity

A genetic study has now reconstructed the maternal ancestry of Iron Age Iberians in north-eastern Spain, revealing a population deeply embedded in local continuity but influenced by…

The Whispering Chambers of the Red Cliff

High upon a red sandstone cliff, where wind carves the air into whispers and time itself seems to hesitate, stand a series of perfectly squared windows cut…

Ancient hominin Paranthropus boisei had human-like grip and may have used tools, fossil study reveals

Ancient hominin Paranthropus boisei had human-like grip and may have used tools, fossil study reveals

A recently analyzed set of 1.5-million-year-old Kenyan fossils has provided the most complete view yet of the anatomy of Paranthropus boisei, an ancient hominin known for its…

Skeleton-filled well in Croatia reveals lost Roman soldiers from a forgotten battle

Skeleton-filled well in Croatia reveals lost Roman soldiers from a forgotten battle

Archaeologists in eastern Croatia have unearthed a horrific scene from the Roman Empire’s turbulent past — a mᴀss grave of seven men, likely Roman soldiers, interred deep…