Introduction of Conference

Architectural heritage, embodying historical, cultural, and identity value, is today facing more widespread threats than ever before. From systematic destruction due to armed conflicts to erosion caused by climate change, as well as severe damage from natural disasters and managerial negligence, a significant portion of historical structures is at serious risk of loss. The architectural heritage of the Islamic world—from Andalusia to Southeast Asia—represents a unique and irreplaceable treasury of art, culture, technology, and history. This heritage, encompassing historical monuments, urban fabrics, and traditional construction systems, reflects the cultural, religious, and historical identity of the peoples of these regions. In recent decades, numerous valuable heritage sites in Islamic countries such as Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, and even Iran have either been destroyed or are currently under significant threat. Given the vital role this heritage plays in shaping the identity and unity of the Islamic world, the organization of this conference constitutes a scientific and cultural necessity. Focusing on the valuable architectural heritage of the Islamic world, this conference aims to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and cultural managers to analyze the current challenges and offer solutions for the protection of this shared legacy.
 
Conference Research Themes


Section 1: War and Armed Conflicts

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Armed Conflicts on the Destruction of Architectural Heritage
(Case studies of endangered cities and monuments)
Digital Documentation and Preservation of Valuable Architectural Sites
(The role of emerging technologies such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, and virtual reality)
Post-War Reconstruction and Architectural Authenticity
(Theoretical and practical challenges in the restoration or rebuilding of war-damaged urban fabrics)
The Role of Local Communities and Civil Society Organizations in the Protection of Architectural Heritage During and After Conflict
(Grassroots resistance to destruction, community-based reconstruction efforts, etc.)
Field Archaeology in War and Post-War Zones
(Security and accessibility challenges for archaeological teams operating in conflict-affected areas)
The Loss of Architectural Heritage and Its Impact on Historical Memory and Cultural Identity
(Comparative studies on the consequences of destruction and national responses across the region)
Rescue Policies and Resilience Strategies in War-Impacted Heritage Management
(Analysis of successful post-war reconstruction models and frameworks)
Emergency Protection and International Collaboration in Crisis Zones
(The role of global institutions such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, and ICCROM in safeguarding architectural heritage)

 
Section 2: Earthquakes and Natural Disasters

Structural Vulnerability of Historical Buildings in Earthquakes
(Engineering analyses with a focus on conservation and structural strengthening approaches)
Traditional and Indigenous Mechanisms for Disaster Risk Mitigation
(Exploration of vernacular knowledge and historical resilience strategies in the face of environmental hazards)
Modern Technologies in Seismic Retrofitting and Restoration of Architectural Heritage
(Application of innovative materials and engineering methods for structural reinforcement)
Post-Earthquake Documentation in Historic Urban Fabrics
(Utilization of advanced tools and technologies for recording and monitoring damage)
Reconstruction Experiences After Major Earthquakes: Lessons and Challenges
(Case studies from Tabriz, Bam, Mosul, İzmir, and other affected heritage sites)
Challenges in the Protection of Archaeological Sites Threatened by Natural Disasters
(Damage assessment and development of preventive and responsive strategies)
Archaeology of Disaster-Affected Heritage: Floods and Earthquakes
(Rescue techniques, post-disaster investigations, and interpretation of damaged historical layers)
Climate Change and Architectural Heritage in the Middle East
(Impact of drought, temperature rise, and extreme weather events on the erosion, cracking, and vulnerability of built heritage)
Ethnography of Space and the Role of Collective Memory in Post-Disaster Architectural Reconstruction
(Emphasis on architectural authenticity, cultural continuity, and identity restoration)
 
Section 3: Mismanagement and Institutional Neglect
 
The Conflict Between Urban Development and Architectural Heritage Preservation
(Analysis of damages caused by infrastructure projects, commercial expansion, and unregulated tourism development)
Ineffective Policies in Registration, Conservation, and Restoration of Historical Structures
(Legal and institutional critiques of current heritage management systems)
Unbalanced Tourism and the Physical Erosion of Architectural Heritage
(Challenges of overtourism and undertourism in historic urban contexts)
Unscientific Interventions and Their Impact on Archaeological Evidence Within Architecture
(Neglect of authentic archaeological layers and the consequences of non-professional restoration and reconstruction)
The Role of National and Local Institutions in Heritage Protection and Its Shortcomings
(Accountability, inter-agency coordination, and financial resources for heritage management)
The Political Economy of Heritage: Privatization, Speculation, and the Threat to Authenticity
(The dual impact of commercial investments on the growth or degradation of historic environments)
Challenges in Education and Knowledge Transmission in the Field of Heritage Conservation
(Critical review of training programs and the need for updated technical curricula in restoration)
Adaptive Reuse of Architectural Heritage in Response to Contemporary Needs
(Balancing authenticity with functional transformation and cultural continuity)
 
Important Dates of the Conference

• Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 5, 2025
• Paper Submission Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025
• Date of the Conference: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Organizers
Tabriz Islamic Art University and Rab’-e Rashidi Scientific, Cultural and Historical Complex