RICHT Journal
PublicationAthar
Volume 40, Issue 3 (Fall 2019)
Athar 2019, 40(3): 106-127 |
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Razani M, Ghgasem A. (2019). Recognition and Introduction of Maku Castle Complex (West Azerbaijan Province). Athar. 40(3), 106-127.
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-503-en.html
URL: http://athar.richt.ir/article-2-503-en.html
1- Department of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties, Faculty , m.razani@tabriziau.ac.ir
2- Master of Restoration and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Textures
2- Master of Restoration and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Textures
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The strategic position of Iran and its role as a bridge between East and West Asia has caused numerous wars to occur during different eras through battles between foreign tribes and peoples of this land. One of the most logical solutions to confront and defend themselves against these wars has been the construction and development of various military and residential forts. The historical castles of Iran are mainly located in mountainous areas and some of the significant examples of it are in the region of present-day Azerbaijan. The historical complex of Maku Castle with its strong towers and fortifications overlooking the current city is one of the points in Iran that can be studied in terms of natural, political, historical and cultural history as it has an especial rock-cut architecture and due to being difficult to cross it is still untouched. According to studies conducted about the castle, part of the history of the castle in previous periods have been identified and many parts of its architectural and settlement structures are still under the erosive debris layers of the upstream cliffs and are now buried waiting for excavation in the future. The area of the castle starts from Qīyeh Mountain, under which the castle is located, and continues to Taleghani Street in the new city of Maku. The castle was once the main part of Maku city with fences, tall towers and fortifications, a military barracks and residential and service centers. Maku historical castle complex was nationally registered on 2016, with registration number 31543, and was considered as one of the natural and cultural historical collections of the country.
This research has been done with the aim of introducing the historical complex of Maku Castle as one of the rare examples of rock-cut architecture of the world. This research, which is based on field research and historical studies and the results of an archeological excavation, has historical and geographical features and has also discussed the architecture of the castle. Studies on the body of the castle and readings of existing inscriptions show that this work belongs to the middle centuries of the Islamic period. Although this castle has been formed over time, one can find a designed and cohesive urban structure in which the residential spaces, according to the social, cultural and economic patterns of the inhabitants, are located around the central core of public spaces. It is also important to note that the lack of care for the buildings and the lack of protection operations during the period when the province's cultural heritage and the Maku Free Zone Governor were in charge of their preservation, have further led to more destruction. In addition to these issues, incorrect restorations on the architecture of the castle complex, which has been done irregularly, in an unfinished way, with no regard to historical documents, has faced the body and structure of this building with a new problem of historical identification. However, due to the large number of historical monuments in the vast country of Iran, this matter requires a careful planning along with the reform of the management and organizational system of the organs involved in the restoration of historical monuments.
This research has been done with the aim of introducing the historical complex of Maku Castle as one of the rare examples of rock-cut architecture of the world. This research, which is based on field research and historical studies and the results of an archeological excavation, has historical and geographical features and has also discussed the architecture of the castle. Studies on the body of the castle and readings of existing inscriptions show that this work belongs to the middle centuries of the Islamic period. Although this castle has been formed over time, one can find a designed and cohesive urban structure in which the residential spaces, according to the social, cultural and economic patterns of the inhabitants, are located around the central core of public spaces. It is also important to note that the lack of care for the buildings and the lack of protection operations during the period when the province's cultural heritage and the Maku Free Zone Governor were in charge of their preservation, have further led to more destruction. In addition to these issues, incorrect restorations on the architecture of the castle complex, which has been done irregularly, in an unfinished way, with no regard to historical documents, has faced the body and structure of this building with a new problem of historical identification. However, due to the large number of historical monuments in the vast country of Iran, this matter requires a careful planning along with the reform of the management and organizational system of the organs involved in the restoration of historical monuments.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Various
Received: 2019/12/31 | Accepted: 2020/04/29 | Published: 2020/12/2
Received: 2019/12/31 | Accepted: 2020/04/29 | Published: 2020/12/2
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