Digital Archaeological Documentation of Iranian Monuments – DADIM

Recording and Monitoring Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The intentional destruction of well-known archaeological sites such as Palmyra in Syria or Hatra and Nimrud in Iraq has vividly shown the impotence of the modern world against ideological deception of extremists but at the same time made us also aware how vulnerable cultural monuments are in the Near East as elsewhere. In fact, archaeological monuments such as old settlements, monumental architectural buildings, sanctuaries and graves are not only largely destroyed by systematically organized illicit diggings or illegal building activities but also severely affected by climate impact and tourism especially when located far outside in vast unprotected but nevertheless easily accessible landscapes. Frequent touching of the objects, often only due to ignorance of the sensitivity of cultural monuments, but sometimes also due to deliberate chopping in order to get “precious” souvenirs of the unforgettable monuments, led to irreparable damages.

The poor state of preservation of the objects, caused by natural and human factors, often requires quick action to protect cultural heritage. The Digital Archaeological Documentation of Iranian Monuments - DADIM aims at digital recording of large and small monuments in Iran in order to secure them as digital copies that can serve both as basis for research purposes as well as for the cultural authorities for monitoring and preserving cultural heritage for posterity