Mohammad Hassan Moheb Ali Information

Mohammad Hassan Mohebali (born August 12, 1942) is a distinguished Iranian architect and restorer who has played a significant role in the preservation and restoration of Iran’s historical and architectural heritage. With his education in architecture and extensive work with the National Organization for the Protection of Historical Monuments, particularly in cities like Shiraz and Azerbaijan, he has profoundly impacted the safeguarding of Iran’s cultural legacy.

 Life

Mohammad Hassan Mohebali was born on August 12, 1942, into a family that held art and geometry in high esteem. His father, an expert in traditional geometry, nurtured an early interest in drawing and architecture in him and his brothers. Mohebali began his education at Marvi School in Tehran, where his geometry teacher, Mr. Eshraghi, encouraged him to pursue architecture. He was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the National University of Iran (now Shahid Beheshti University) and graduated in 1969.

 Professional Activities

During his studies, Mohebali became familiar with modern architectural principles but was drawn to Iran’s historical architecture, inspired by his professors and the cultural value of perseverance. In 1965, as a fourth-year architecture student, he began collaborating with the newly established National Organization for the Protection of Historical Monuments. That summer, he traveled to Tabriz with Engineer Motamedi to document the structure of Stepanos and spent 45 days studying the interplay between architecture and the natural landscape. Later, he was sent to Maragheh to document the Red Dome, where the strength and beauty of Iranian architecture, particularly its intricate brickwork, left a lasting impression on him.

In 1969, after graduating, Mohebali joined the Institute of Restoration, established in 1967. He studied there for two years (1970–1971) under prominent professors such as Dr. Kasaei, Dr. Saint Paulzi, Dr. Dietrich, and Mgrdichian, completing his thesis on the Soltaniyeh Dome. During this period, he worked alongside peers like Motamedi and Daneshdoust.

After completing the restoration program, at the suggestion of Dr. Mahmoud Mehran, director of the National Organization for the Protection of Historical Monuments, Mohebali was sent to Shiraz. From 1971 to 1973, he worked in southern Shiraz, in cities such as Gerash, Fasa, Ooz, Khonj, and Jahrom, restoring structures like the Lar Delight Garden, the Lar Bazaar, and several historical water reservoirs in Gerash and Khonj. He also conducted studies on the earthquake-resistant architecture of the Lar Bazaar. In Shiraz, he was tasked with restoring landmarks such as the Khan School, Vakil Mosque, New Mosque, Khwaju Kermani Tomb, the Bazaar, Atigh Mosque, and Zinat al-Molouk House.

In 1975, following financial misconduct by the then-director of the organization in Azerbaijan, Dr. Mehran appointed Mohebali as the director of the Technical Office for Historical Monuments in Azerbaijan. Despite his family’s concerns and the harsh climate, he moved to Urmia. There, he established a new office and, over four years (until 1979), set up 17 to 18 restoration workshops in cities like Khoy, Takht-e Soleyman, and Mahabad, collaborating with restorers like Marten, a French stone restoration expert. Mohebali’s strict oversight prevented financial irregularities, and he fostered strong professional and personal relationships with his colleagues.

Mohebali remained in Urmia until the fourth month of 1979. During the Iranian Revolution and clashes in Urmia, he witnessed damage to the dome of the city’s Grand Mosque and proposed preserving the damaged section as a historical symbol.