Identification of some wooden materials used in Bam world heritage site

Abstract

Arg-e-Bam is undoubtedly the largest earthen complex in Iran, if not the world. In Bam Citadel, in addition to earthen materials, wood was extensively used by traditional architects across various historical periods. A combination of microscopic and macroscopic techniques was employed to identify ten wood samples collected from various parts of Arg-e-Bam. Thin wood slides were prepared for wood identification and quantitative analysis using transmitted light microscopy and ImageJ software.

The oldest specimen, obtained from the lower layer of the eastern entrance of the governor’s residence and attributed to the Parthian period (247 BCE to 224 CE), was identified as palm wood. Furthermore, the identification of four palm wood samples in the building structure of the governor complex, dating to the Safavid period (1501–1736 CE) indicates the widespread use of palm tree trunks by architects of this period. Additionally, Juglans regia L. was identified in the entrance door of the building from the Safavid period. The use of Populus spp. and Tamarix spp. as a local wood materials in south of Iran in the construction of buildings demonstrates the knowledge of the architects of the Zand (1751–1794 CE) and Qajar (1796–1925 CE) periods by utilizing available native wood materials.

The identification of Tectona grandis L. (teak) wood as a non-native species in Iran demonstrates the importation of timber through historical trade networks.