Ancient City of Sirjan during 7th-8th Centuries AH Citing Historical Evidence and Pottery Findings

During the 7th-8th centuries AH, Sirjan was one the most important and valid cities in the Kerman region which was ruled by local states known as Qarakhtaian and Al Mozafar. Not only Sirjan is mentioned in many historical sources but also multiple excavations have been done in the city's old historical context. Most of the archaeological studies on this city are limited from early Islamic era until Saljooghi era and the middle centuries especially 7th-8th centuries AH are less concerned. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to evaluate the city's status during 7th-8th centuries AH based on historic and archaeological facts. In this research we used descriptive-comparative approach, historical analysis and in order to gather the essential data, we applied field studies and valid documents to answer this question: What were the most important historical and archaeological transformations in Sirjan during 7th-8th centuries AH? As a result of our studies, we found that between 6th and 9th centuries AH the old city was relocated and expanded towards west to the current Ghal-e Sang region. Nevertheless, the city was still considered by several governors and because of this matter, numerous defensive structures was built all around the city. Also by studying various types of potteries in this era of Sirjan, we found that the city enjoyed social-economic dynamism and the residents used diverse types of potteries; manufactured inside and outside the region. This point indicates the existence of an extensive commercial relations with other domestic urban centers and possibly with foreign cities. Some of the remarkable types of potteries in this era of Sirjan are Zarin Faam, Sultan Abadi, Lajevardineh and Seladon.