Identifying the Caravan Routes of the 5th-12th Centuries (AH) in the Center of Iranian Plateau (Based on Islamic Epigraphs and Rock Inscriptions in Isfahan and Central Provinces)

There are several rock inscriptions in Iran. Related Studies indicate that the carving of inscriptions on rocks have continued from prehistorical times until now. Several inscriptions have also been created during the Islamic period, some of which bear a date as well. A noticeable number of inscriptions on rocks are located along the roads in Central and Isfahan provinces, and the study of caravanserais and inns demonstrates that these roads were used in previous periods. In this study, while examining the contents of existing Islamic epigraphs and inscriptions, the writers have also dealt with the concept of carvan routes in relation to the roads near such works. In order to study the intended inscriptions, they have been divided into four groups, and each group has been introduced independently. The images of the caravans which have been carved on the rocks in the mentioned regions could indicate that the adjacent roads were used as caravan routes.