Historic prayer niche unearthed at listed Pasargadae caravanserai
Iranian conservators uncovered a historic prayer niche (mihrab) during restoration work at the UNESCO-listed Mozaffari Caravanserai in Pasargadae, opening a new chapter in the study of the site's architectural evolution and religious history, Abdolmajid Abedi, head of Pasargadae's Office of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, said on July 12.
The discovery was made as conservation crews carried out restoration work at the centuries-old caravanserai, part of the UNESCO-inscribed Persian Caravanserai serial property, CHTN reported.
Abedi said the structure was immediately documented under scientific conservation protocols to preserve its architectural and historical integrity.
"This remarkable find stands out for its architectural design, construction techniques and artistic features," Abedi said. "It can provide valuable evidence about the site's religious past, historical transformations and the evolution of its architecture."
He said teams of archaeologists, conservation specialists and architectural experts have launched detailed studies to determine the mihrab's construction period, original function and role within the caravanserai's spatial layout. The work includes comprehensive documentation, condition assessment, comparative research and technical analysis.
Preliminary examinations indicate that the craftsmanship and decorative elements reflect a high level of technical expertise, suggesting the structure once occupied a prominent place within the historic complex, Abedi said.
Emergency conservation, continuous monitoring and scientific documentation are underway in line with national and international heritage conservation standards. The findings of the ongoing research will be released after experts complete their studies, potentially shedding fresh light on the cultural and architectural history of one of Iran's UNESCO-listed heritage sites.