Plan to Remove Scaffolds From Soltaniyeh Dome

The scaffolding installed on the Dome of Soltaniyeh in Zanjan Province that is a nuisance for tourists will most likely be taken down in the upcoming Iranian year and replaced by other modern equipment, a top official at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said.

Scaffolds were erected a few years ago to encase the tomb of Oljeitu (Sultan Mohammad Khodabandehlou) aka the Dome of Soltaniyeh.  

However, the poor aesthetic quality of the structure has met criticism and a demand for a more fine-looking renovation attempt, ISNA reported.

According to Yahya Rahmati, director of the provincial office of ICHHTO, over 60% of the restoration project in the interior space of the dome has been completed and modern tools such as lift trucks can replace the huge scaffoldings now.

"Scaffolds were needed to secure the interconnection of dome's decorations, but with the completion of this stage of restoration, the huge installation will no longer be necessary," he said, adding that alternative methods will be used after feasibility studies next year, provided the required funds are allocated.

  Limited Funds

The official blamed financial constraints for the lengthy renovation process, saying that with timely financing, the renovation will be completed in three years.

To make matters worse, certain areas of the Soltaniyeh's buffer zone are under private ownership making the protection of the World Heritage Site more difficult.

"The owners demand that ICHHTO either purchase their property or allow construction," Rahmati said.

He called on Zanjan's Municipality, Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the city council to join hands in resolving the issue.

The mausoleum of Oljeitu Khodabandehlou, known as the Soltaniyeh Dome, is a unique 700-year-old brick structure located in the western Iranian province of Zanjan. It has been inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.