Authorities in Yazd have launched a systematic monitoring program to protect historic monuments across the UNESCO-listed city. The initiative aims to identify damage early and improve conservation, restoration and management planning.
Majid Aloumi, head of the Historic City of Yazd World Heritage Base, announced the program on Saturday. He said specialists would regularly assess historic buildings, public spaces and the wider urban landscape.
The monitoring process includes detailed visual documentation of monuments and assessments of structural and physical damage. Additionally, specialists will examine social, biological and environmental factors affecting the historic urban area.
The first phase includes several important landmarks across Yazd’s historic center. These sites include the Jameh Mosque, Water Museum, Chehel Mehrab Mosque and Sheikh Ahmad Fahadan Mausoleum.
The program also covers the Shah-Abolqasem complex, Vaqt-o-Sa’at Square and Amir Chakhmaq complex. Consequently, specialists will evaluate structures representing different architectural, religious and cultural functions.
Authorities will compile detailed records for individual monuments during the monitoring process. These records will provide important information for future restoration projects and long-term conservation decisions.
The Historic City of Yazd World Heritage Base oversees conservation, restoration and development activities within the protected area. The organization also provides technical training and supervises conservation-related work.
Yazd entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 because of its distinctive desert architecture and urban traditions. The city’s historic development demonstrates how residents adapted successfully to an extremely dry environment.
The traditional qanat water system played an important role in supporting communities and shaping historic neighborhoods. Furthermore, wind catchers, underground courtyards and thick walls helped residents manage the desert climate.
The historic city also contains bazaars, bathhouses, water reservoirs, houses, mosques, synagogues and Zoroastrian temples. Moreover, these sites demonstrate Yazd’s long history of cultural and religious coexistence.
The monitoring program could strengthen heritage protection while supporting sustainable tourism development. By identifying deterioration earlier, authorities can prioritize repairs and potentially reduce future restoration costs.
Looking ahead, officials will use monitoring results to establish conservation priorities and guide restoration planning. Therefore, the initiative could help preserve Yazd’s historic character while supporting responsible tourism and urban management.