Maremat & Me'mari-e Iran

Studies of Iranian architectural history have often been focused on the history of architecture per se, while people involved in creating architectural monuments have usually received less attention in research. Looking at the resources about Iranian architecture, it can be said that most of the structures in Iran were built and repaired by masons, craftsmen, or builders. On the other hand, apart from the formal patrons, masons have as well contributed remarkably to the Iranian architecture. Similarly, masons and traditional restorers had an important role in conservation of Iranian architecture throughout the history. There is no doubt that the evolution of society particularly in modern age have had fundamental effects on the way that traditional builders and architects used to work. Academic education and modern material and architecture are some of the reasons for this change. Modern development (after the introduction of academic education in Iran) and its consequence needs is one of the reason for dramatic changes in masons' practice.

This paper brings into attention the importance of the knowledge that contributed by traditional masons/builders and stress the significance of their skills for a better understanding of the traditional Iranian architecture. Furthermore, the paper highlights the factors that led to the ignorance of masons in Iran today's restoration practice. These factors will be provided by the pathological view in this study and for discussing the causes of this situation, employs qualitative and historical approach as methodology of study. It seems the subsequent changes in society and the influence of modern architecture has led to the gradual loss of position of traditional architects in the design and supervision process. Nonetheless, in the conservation field, Te hands-on experience of the traditional architects was regarded an advantage, and attempted to be employed.