The cultural significance of the Zahir-ol-Islam House in Tehran, Iran, and its preservation

Understanding significance before deciding how to conserve

This case study examines the cultural significance and conservation of the Zahir-ol-Islam House in Tehran. Drawing on archival records, direct observation and physical evidence, it explores how international conservation principles, particularly the Burra Charter, can be applied within an Iranian context. The findings highlight the need for flexible, context-sensitive approaches to heritage conservation and adaptive reuse.

The contribution is not a universal restoration recipe. It is a case-based examination of how heritage values, a building’s development and international guidance can inform conservation decisions in a specific local setting.

Explore the related restoration project · Mohammad Saeed Azarshab’s ORCID

Published abstract

Purpose

Heritage buildings are living witnesses of past traditions, carrying cultural and historical values into the present. International charters have been developed to codify principles and processes aimed at preserving these values. However, the localization and practical application of these charters in diverse contexts remain a subject of debate. This study examines the monumental preservation process of the Zahir-ol-Islam Mansion, a national heritage site that required extensive conservation efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a qualitative, descriptive and analytical methodology, using the mansion as a case study to localize international conservation principles. The study uses multiple data sources, including archival records, documents, direct observations and physical artefacts. The conservation and restoration process were structured according to the Burra Charter framework, each step critically assessed against international standards by a restoration specialist to ensure the protection of the site’s heritage values.

Findings

In this article, we have studied to understand the cultural significance of the building, according to the Burra Charter process and discovered different phases of the building process despite the limited available information. This case study demonstrates the limitations of universal conservation models and highlights the need for more flexible, context-sensitive approaches.

Originality/value

This study is innovative in the application of Eurocentric conservation charters within the Iranian context, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. It also identifies gaps in international guidelines when faced with real-world challenges, advocating for a context-sensitive planned approach.

Keywords: Restoration · Conservation · Heritage value · International charters · Adaptive reuse · Monumental restoration

Where this case study can inform your research

This study is relevant to research on cultural significance, the application of the Burra Charter in Iran, and context-sensitive heritage conservation. It combines archival records, direct observation and physical evidence from one historic house in Tehran.

Use it as a documented case study when discussing these questions, not as a universal restoration method or evidence of BIM performance. Read the published article before citing its findings.

Cite this research

Azarshab, M.S., Sohani, H. and Azarshab, A.M. (2025), “The cultural significance of the Zahir-ol-Islam House in Tehran, Iran, and its preservation”, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, pp. 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2025-0919

Citation metadata checked against Crossref on 11 October 2026; no volume or issue is currently assigned.

Permanent article link: doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2025-0919

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Published article and DOI