Saheb Qaraniyeh (Lord of the Centuries) Palace, also known as Niavaran Palace in a cultural complex in the north of Tehran will soon go through restoration after 2.5 years of closure.
According to Rahmatollah Raouf, head of the complex, preliminary studies have now come to an end and heritage experts are ready to start renovations, ISNA reported.
Earlier in 2010, a crack appeared on the ceiling of Hozkhaneh hall and later in 2013 one of the chandeliers fell down. The incidents were considered trivial and were ignored.
Later in 2014, cracks also appeared on the northern wall of Talar-e Aineh (Mirror Hall), worrying the officials about the safety of the building.
With signs of decay appearing in the building, "the huge bulk of tourists and film crew entering the palace could possibly pose a threat, therefore the palace was closed," Raouf said.
Since then, heritage experts have been carrying out archaeological studies on the structure of the palace and examining possible restoration techniques.
Final Consultations
A meeting will be held with First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri and the head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Ali Asghar Mounesan, in a couple of days to make final decisions for the launch of the restoration project, according to the official.
"Renovation should be carried out delicately using traditional techniques to avoid further destruction, for the palace's inaccessible location does not allow the use of machinery," Raouf added.
Reportedly, the operation will be funded by National Iranian Oil Company, which under the state budget law, has been committed to allot 3% of its monetary resources to restoration of cultural spaces. Dating back to Qajar dynasty (1785-1925), the palace was built in a garden by the order of Nasereddin Shah. It was initially referred to as Niavaran, and was later renamed to Saheb Qaraniyeh.
Hozkhaneh, Korsikhaneh, Jahan Nama and Mirror halls adorned with beautiful and valuable paintings and carvings are among the highlights of the palace.
