Nowruz Land Cultural Archive
The "Ketabkhaneh" project, an integral part of Nowruzgan, is dedicated to the preservation and publication of diverse archives that illuminate the cultural life within the Nowruz Land. The project spans both historical and the contemporary eras. It features a wealth of materials from photographs and maps to manuscripts and vintage publications, each selected for its historical and cultural significance. Beyond preserving historical materials, "Ketabkhaneh" also collects modern visual and textual documents, capturing the evolving cultural landscape of this vast geographical area. It serves as a comprehensive gateway to multiple archives, each chronicling different facets of the region's cultural heritage.
Prioritizing quality over quantity, “Ketabkhaneh” employs a rigorous selection process, steadfastly excluding documents that lack comprehensive identification and detailed metadata. This intentional strategy ensures a meticulous and deliberate publication process, where each document undergoes thorough cataloging, enriched with meaningful metadata that enhances accessibility and research value. Priority is extended to documents previously hidden from public view or those that acquire significance through their connection to other Nowruzgan projects.
Launched in October 2021 by nowruzgan, "Ketabkhaneh" houses approximately 8,000 documents across two archives thus far. Plans are underway to further broaden its collection, continuing its role in preserving and illuminating the region's diverse historical and contemporary narratives.
Adel Farhangi, a Master's graduate in architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, has a profound passion for cultural heritage. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the preservation and restoration of historical buildings, notably collaborating closely with Baqer Ayatollahzadeh Shirazi and Mohammad Mehriyar. Over the years, Farhangi has held various directorial roles, overseeing conservation and restoration projects for both government and private entities. His roles have included leading the Cultural Heritage Administration of Qom and advising the former head of Cultural Heritage. His extensive photo archive stands as a vivid testament to his dedicated exploration and restoration efforts within Iranian architectural heritage.
Abbas Abdollah Garrusi (1919–2014) was an Iranian writer, researcher, Iranologist, ethnologist, and anthropologist. This collection is the culmination of his meticulous observations of Iran from 1961 to 2013.