From EIAH
Digital Encyclopedia of Architectural History of the Iranian World
[edit] Introduction
The Iranian World contains a collection of some oldest human settlements dating back to ten millennia ago. Few of these properties have remained today. This remaining heritage amounts to approximately one million historic buildings and sites. The properties within this region are not only numerous, but also extremely diversified. This is due to the varied natural environment of the region.
The history of Iranian architecture has mostly been limited to the western fringes of the desert. Thus studies conducted reflect neither the environmental nor ethnic diversity of the Iranian world. Despite periods of political instability, the architecture of this Territory has nevertheless witnessed a constant evolution. This requires research approach in its own right.
Ironically, the documentation available on this huge patrimony is very limited. Furthermore, what is already available is not only incongruent, but the validity and reliability of the documentation is also not clear. To do further research on history of architecture and urban development in this Territory would therefore require an initial classification of available data to prepare the ground for further research.
For this purpose, a comprehensive database has to be established which would include all information on the history of architecture and urban development since seven thousands years ago. The database will not only collect, preserve and present but will also prepare data and will thus facilitate research in this area.
The comprehensive database will be established under the title “Digital Encyclopedia of Architectural History of the Iranian World” to present its vast database on a website.
[edit] Subject and Definitions
[edit] Subject
Collecting all relevant information from all parts of the world
[edit] Definitions
a) Data Collection: Much information necessary for the Encyclopedia (text, map, document, image, and audio) has already been prepared. ‘Data Collection’ means collecting copies of this information while fully respecting the copyrights.
b) Data Preparation: Some of information necessary for the Encyclopedia (text, map, document, image, and audio) has not yet been prepared and has to be prepared by the encyclopedia. ‘Data preparation’ means preparing such information.
c) Entry: entry is a word about which information is collected or prepared. Users can access information through ‘entries’. In a dynamic data organization, the entries are numerous and diverse. Data collection phase focuses on some entries, however. Theses entries are of two major types: ‘property’ and ‘document’.
d) Property: property means immovable historical cultural property or all types of ‘built environment’ within its natural context.
e) Document: Document is a piece of text, map, document, image, or audio which will be treated separately from a certain ‘property’ in the course of data collection or preparation. A document might be a subject of research per se (authentic or primary document) or be the result of research on a property or first grade document (secondary document).
[edit] Objectives and Purposes
[edit] Objectives:
The main objective of creating this encyclopedia is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of information on Iranian and Islamic culture in order to facilitate the recovery of vernacular identity, as well as presenting the joint heritage of the countries in this region for further interaction and focusing on cultural unity. This objective will be realized through planning for operation objectives (purposes).
[edit] Purposes:
To achieve the above aim, the purpose of this project is to establish a center for managing information on history of architecture and urban development. Linking with other centers with similar information, the center will serve the purposes of
a) Contributing to improvement of research quality by providing rapid, accurate easy access to information
b) Preparing the ground for quality research in the activities related to architecture and urban development in the Iranian world by drawing the attention of professors, students and professionals to values inherent in the vernacular architecture
c) Enhancing the linkages between various parts of Iranian world, helping the recovery of a mutual identity, approaching Iran as part of the , and thus enhancing national identity
d) Participating in creating an appropriate environment for extensive quality in-depth research about the History of Architecture and Urban Development in the Persian Territory, inducing an increased attention in academic circles by facilitating access to various documents and paving the ground for research in the area of History of Architecture and Urban Development in the Persian Territory
[edit] Strategies, Policies and Methods
[edit] Strategies:
a) Collecting all relevant information from all the world
b) Expansion of the effort beyond current political borders of Iran (Iranian world or the Region of Persian Civilization)
[edit] Policies:
a) Establishing a database with its management mechanisms
b) Data organization and accessibility
c) Facilitating access to relevant information for researchers
d) Encouraging researchers to add to the database
e) Networking between researchers throughout the world
f) Distribution of work among relevant authorities and organizations and minimizing the management structure to the level of planning, monitoring and supervision
[edit] Policies:
a) Designing an appropriate software for accepting all sorts of information with extensive dynamic search possibilities
b) Organizing and standardizing information
c) Data quality control and assessment
d) Providing access for individuals/institutions appropriate to their needs and capacities, with different access levels according to copyright laws
e) Dynamic data classification according to the user inquiry
f) Designing projects for production of information through contracting individuals/institutions
[edit] Scope
[edit] Geographical scope:
Geographical scope will include all the cultural Persian territory:
- North: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia to the Russian border; Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan to the Kazakhstan border
- East: Afghanistan to the Chinese border; Pakistan to the Indus River
- South: South Persian Gulf States, including Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia on the coast of Persian Gulf
- West: Iraq to the Euphrates River; Turkey to the Tigris River
Note: the properties influenced by Persian culture outside this territory are included as a second priority.
[edit] Historical scope:
The historical scope includes the earliest human artifacts found in the Iranian world to the end of the Pahlavi I period (1941 AD).
Note: the information on properties created after this date is included as a second priority provided there is a historical reference (evolution or link to the past).
[edit] Classification and Documentation
- The Encyclopedia is similar to other conventional encyclopedias in that it provides primary documents and background information for each entry. The difference is that instead of presenting a single article for each entry, it enables any researcher in any part of the world to undertake a personal research and produce a new paper, book, etc.
- Data classification will be done according to the dynamic organization with respect to user needs, but a general classification is also used for facilitating data entry and collection, based on two types of ‘property’ and ‘document’.
- Any document or entry will have a standard identification form.
- Data will be entered in a specific standard systematic method defined in the Project.
- There would be a possibility for free data entry (Wiki) in addition to the standard method.
- Basic data will be collected in three methods: (i) data collection; (ii) preparation of required information; (iii) data entry by users, which is similar to (i).
- All information will be available to users according to the defined access levels and copyright. The information approved will be marked, however.
- It is planned to collect the information already available in sources in and outside Iran (universities, libraries, archives, museums, etc.)
[edit] Target groups and Beneficiaries; Language
- The main target audiences are researchers whose main interest is the history of Architecture and Urban Development within the Iranian world throughout the world, especially Iranian world, specifically the current Iran. All interested users may have access to the database, however.
- Different access levels are defined based on copyright; the possibility of entry, editing or evaluating the data; and exclusive use of available information.
- There is no linguistic limit in data collection; all data will be entered in its original language. The information produced is in Persian or English languages, however.
[edit] Phases
[edit] The project is in two phases:
a) Development In this phase the database structure; the criteria for data collection and entry and search engine options are established. Databases and websites are launched, and minimum information (5000 entries) are entered and made accessible to users.
b) Operation and Maintenance: In this phase the data is continuously expanded and updated, while the cataloguing and search methods are constantly improved.