An Analysis of the Significance and Status of the Bagh-Bamid Area Within the Sirjan Plain from the 6th To the 10th Centuries AH based on Potsherd Analysis

Archaeological surveys have pinpointed the Bagh-Bamid area to the northwest of Sirjan. The considerable dimensions and variety of cultural artifacts found there imply its importance in the Sirjan Plain throughout the Islamic era. Therefore, this study seeks to explore and analyze the pottery findings from Bagh-Bamid to better understand its role during the middle Islamic centuries, particularly given the limited documentation available in historical texts regarding the area. The field investigation yielded a diverse array of pottery artifacts that serve as valuable indicators for assessing the status of Bagh-Bamid during the middle centuries of the Islamic period. This research seeks to address several critical inquiries: What role did Bagh-Bamid play between the 6th and 10th AH centuries? What pottery-making technologies were prevalent during this time? Furthermore, an analysis of the evidence will help determine whether the pottery discovered in this area was locally produced or imported. The objective of this study is to investigate the cultural artifacts discovered at the Bagh-Bamid site during the medieval Islamic period, with the intention of assessing the importance of this area during that era. Employing a descriptive-analytical research framework, the study utilized both documentary and field data collection methods to gather relevant information. Findings from the Bagh-Bamid site demonstrate that the pottery can be categorized into two principal groups of glazed and unglazed varieties. The unglazed pottery types feature a range of decorative techniques, including carving, pressing, molding, stamping, and the use of combined designs. The glazed pottery, on the other hand, is available in both monochromatic and polychromatic varieties. Furthermore, the collection features several pieces of imported Chinese pottery, which were brought to Sirjan through trans-regional connections. Archaeological research suggests that Bagh-Bamid was established alongside Qale’h Sang site during the 6th to 10th centuries AH, acting as a crucial link in important commercial and economic pathways to the city of Sirjan.