Approaches of European Orientalists in Archeological Excavations in Iran during Qajar Era

Archeological studies and studies in Iran, especially the identification and excavation of ancient sites related to pre-Islamic Iran, have been the main issue in the studies of Orientalist and Iranian studies of Europe over the past few centuries. In addition, archaeological and exploratory explorations of Europeans interested in exploring the civilizations of Iran, and in general the Middle East region, included a collection of religious, political, scientific, treasure-finding, and nutritional approaches to major European museums, and for this reason, a wide range of antique vindicators, religious scholars, political agents, and scholars have been active in historical issues in the field of archeological excavations in Iran during the Qajar period. In the present article, using a library research methodology and a descriptive-analytical method, by studying the sources and reports of tourists, Orientalists, and European Iranianologists on ancient works and antique objects [described in the attached letter], as well as archaeological excavations in Iran, the main issue of the study, namely the identification and clarification of the approaches of European Orientalists in the study of archeology and antiquity in Iran during the Qajar period, has been studied. The findings of this study show that Orientalists and Iranianologists, while playing a major role in identifying Iranian artifacts and producing new identity cards for many of these works, provide material documentation for the compilation of Iran's history and change the views towards outstanding historical works of Iran Ancient times. But, by turning Iran's historical and artistic works into commercial goods and creating a market for Iranian antiquities, a large part of Iran's cultural and historical heritage exported illegally to Europe and the rest of the world.