Volume 3, Issue 8 (11-2025)
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vaisi J, vaisi S. A Proposed Model for the World Heritage Nomination of Historic Gardens Based on a Comparative Analysis of UNESCO-Inscribed Dossiers. , JORS. 2025; 3 (8) : 4
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-86-en.html
URL: http://jors-sj.com/article-1-86-en.html
1- University of Kurdistan, vaisijamil@gmail.com
2- University of Kurdistan, svaisi@uok.ac.ir
2- University of Kurdistan, svaisi@uok.ac.ir
Abstract: (1279 Views)
The Persian Garden, as one of the oldest examples of cultural landscapes in the world, represents a sophisticated synthesis of intelligent geometry, complex water-engineering systems, deep cultural layers, and advanced adaptation to Iran’s diverse climatic conditions. Despite the existence of general guidelines in UNESCO documents, the preparation of World Heritage nomination dossiers for Iran’s historic gardens continues to face significant challenges, including inconsistencies in documentation, weaknesses in the articulation of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), the absence of a coherent management framework, uneven levels of protection among gardens, and increasing environmental and urban pressures.
Adopting a qualitative research approach based on documentary analysis, comparative analysis, and thematic analysis, this study examines the official World Heritage nomination dossier of the nine Persian gardens (UNESCO Nomination File 1372) alongside the ICOMOS evaluation report (2011) to identify shared success patterns and the underlying causes of nomination challenges. The findings reveal that the core factors contributing to the successful inscription of Persian gardens are rooted in four fundamental pillars: (1) precise documentation of water systems, geometry, and spatial structure; (2) clear analysis and justification of cultural criteria C(i)–C(vi); (3) recognition of the relationship between the garden, the urban context, and the broader territorial landscape; and (4) the provision of an integrated management and conservation plan.
Based on these findings, the present research proposes a context-specific and operational model for the preparation of nomination dossiers capable of bridging the gap between UNESCO’s general guidelines and the specific conditions of Persian historic gardens. By standardizing documentation, strengthening OUV argumentation, integrating ecological and historical knowledge, and proposing a coherent management framework, this model enhances the efficiency of preparing new World Heritage nomination dossiers and increases the likelihood of successful inscription for Iran’s historic properties. Drawing on the practical experience of the nine inscribed Persian gardens, this study offers a coherent framework that constitutes an effective step toward improving the processes of conservation, management, and World Heritage inscription of Iran’s historic gardens.
Adopting a qualitative research approach based on documentary analysis, comparative analysis, and thematic analysis, this study examines the official World Heritage nomination dossier of the nine Persian gardens (UNESCO Nomination File 1372) alongside the ICOMOS evaluation report (2011) to identify shared success patterns and the underlying causes of nomination challenges. The findings reveal that the core factors contributing to the successful inscription of Persian gardens are rooted in four fundamental pillars: (1) precise documentation of water systems, geometry, and spatial structure; (2) clear analysis and justification of cultural criteria C(i)–C(vi); (3) recognition of the relationship between the garden, the urban context, and the broader territorial landscape; and (4) the provision of an integrated management and conservation plan.
Based on these findings, the present research proposes a context-specific and operational model for the preparation of nomination dossiers capable of bridging the gap between UNESCO’s general guidelines and the specific conditions of Persian historic gardens. By standardizing documentation, strengthening OUV argumentation, integrating ecological and historical knowledge, and proposing a coherent management framework, this model enhances the efficiency of preparing new World Heritage nomination dossiers and increases the likelihood of successful inscription for Iran’s historic properties. Drawing on the practical experience of the nine inscribed Persian gardens, this study offers a coherent framework that constitutes an effective step toward improving the processes of conservation, management, and World Heritage inscription of Iran’s historic gardens.
Article number: 4
Keywords: Persian historic gardens, UNESCO, nomination and conservation guidelines for gardens, cultural heritage, environment
Editorial: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/6 | Accepted: 2025/11/3 | Published: 2025/11/22
Received: 2025/09/6 | Accepted: 2025/11/3 | Published: 2025/11/22
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