نشریه پژوهش های باستان شناسی ایران
پیاپی 43 (زمستان 1403)

The Chalcolithic period in the Northwest and Central Zagros region commenced around 5500 BC and is recognized as a significant prehistoric era in Iran. Spanning from 5500 to 3000 BC, this period exhibited distinct characteristics when compared to the preceding Neolithic Period. The relatively simple rural communities that emerged during the Neolithic underwent substantial development, evolving into more complex societies during the Chalcolithic. Notable settlements from this era include Qeshlaq and Sufian, located within the study area. The onset of the fifth millennium BC is associated with Dalma culture, which is regarded as one of the most intricate prehistoric cultural traditions due to its extensive cultural reach. Despite extensive research aimed at elucidating the cultural dynamics of the Dalma across various locations, this tradition remains one of the most enigmatic archaeological phenomena, not only in the Northwest region of Iranian Plateau but also in Central Zagros, the Caucasus, and Anatolia. This raises numerous inquiries, particularly regarding the cultural connections of the inhabitants of the Caucasus, Northwest, and Central Zagros with adjacent regions. This article aims to explore and analyze the cultural landscape of the early fifth millennium BC, focusing on the interrelations among the areas influenced by the Dalma culture through an examination of cultural artifacts.

In the present study, multi-proxy climatic records—including palynological, sedimentological, and geochemical data—were employed to reconstruct palaeoenvironmental changes in the Halil Rud cultural zone from 4 to 2.9 ka BP, based on a 2.5-meter sediment core retrieved from a peat bog near the excavation site at Konar Sandal, located near Jiroft in southeastern Iran. The relatively low abundance of desert shrubs in the Konar Sandal sediment core indicates a humid/semi-humid climate from approximately 4 to 3.4 ka BP. Tepe Yahya shows occupation during this period (IVA, ca. 4.0-3.6 ka BP), followed by several centuries with no evidence of sedentary settlement in the region. A similar pattern is observed in the Lut Desert, Sistan, and Bard Sir Valley. However, in highland southwestern Iran, whereby the Kaftari period represents a peak in sedentary occupation in the Kur River Basin. Subsequently, in the later 4th millennium BP (Qaleh/Shogha-Teimuran periods, ca. 3.6-2.9 ka BP), there was a significant decline in population at the Kur River Basin. The high abundance of desert shrubs and the dominance of Amaranthaceae and Artemisia in the Konar Sandal sediment core signify dry environmental conditions alongside reduced agricultural activities in the Halil Rud cultural zone between 3.4 and 2.9 ka BP. This period, particularly around 3.2 ka BP, was characterized by severe droughts that coincided with a decline in settlements in the region. In southeastern Iran, occupation is currekntly not attested in Sistan, the western Lut, the Bard Sir Valley, or the Bam region before 2.8 ka BP. However, recent studies have recorded early Iron Age settlements (around 3.3-3 ka BP) at Tom-e Gavan and Konar Sandal North, partially filling the long settlement gap and aligning with the gradual rise in Cerealia-type pollen recorded in the Konar Sandal sediment core. The Kur River Basin witnessed a significant decline in settlement during the Qaleh/Shogha-Teimouran periods.

The processes of mining, metal melting, and the creation of metal artifacts represent a significant intersection of industry and art that has captivated researchers throughout history. The Iranian Plateau has historically been a pivotal area for these activities and continues to be influential in the field. Excavations in southeastern Iran, particularly at sites such as Tape Yahya, Tel Iblis, and Shahr-i Sokhta, indicate that the production and trade of metal objects have thrived since the 4th millennium BCE. Notably, during the third millennium BCE, the Hirmand civilization, with Shahr-i Sokhta as its focal point, emerged as a prominent center for the production of copper and bronze artifacts. Archaeological investigations have successfully pinpointed various manufacturing locations. To educate archaeology students at Zabul University, the author conducted excavations at Tappe Graziani over three seasons. The objective was to gain insights into the social, economic, and cultural attributes of the region during the Bronze Age. The excavations yielded evidence of industrial production. This article endeavors to examine the archaeometallurgical techniques prevalent in southeastern Iran, drawing upon the findings from this excavation. In line with this objective, the article poses the following questions: What was the significance of Tappeh Graziani in the metallurgical sphere of Bronze Age? Additionally, at what scale—industrial, semi-industrial, or domestic—was metallurgy practiced at this site? Throughout the excavation, a variety of metal artifacts and slags were uncovered. Given that metal slags are typically associated with production facilities and are not intended for trade, the slags found at this site can be interpreted as indicators of metal production. It appears that while metal extraction occurred in a different location, the actual fabrication of metal objects took place at Graziani.

The establishment or decline of settlements is significantly shaped by environmental conditions. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for uncovering the social, economic, and spiritual aspects of historical human societies. Indeed, the core of archaeological inquiry revolves around exploring the relationships between human communities and their environments, alongside the technological innovations developed by these groups to thrive within their surroundings. The Varamin Plain, situated on the Jajurod alluvial fan, has offered favorable conditions for the development of human settlements. The sedimentation process of the alluvial fan, characterized by its agricultural viability, has contributed to the fertility of the region’s agricultural landscape. In combination with a hot and arid climate and other favorable environmental conditions, these factors have enabled human populations to establish and sustain themselves in this plain from the Paleolithic era to the present. This research aims not only to identify settlements from the Sasanian period, but also to examine the environmental and geographical factors that explain the settlement patterns in the Varamin Plain during that time. Consequently, the primary inquiry is: How do climatic and environmental characteristics influence the establishment of Sasanian settlements in the Varamin Plain? This study employs a descriptive-analytical method. The research utilizes objective observation, detailed description, and comparative analysis as its data collection techniques. The analysis and conclusions are derived through two approaches: fieldwork and library research, supplemented by geographic and remote sensing software. A significant finding from the archaeological survey is the identification of settlements from the Sasanian period, which will facilitate an assessment of the distribution of these settlements in the region, thereby providing a precise and comprehensive understanding of the social life of the people during that era.

The establishment, location, and physical growth of human settlements are heavily influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Essentially, these settlements represent the initial spatial configurations of human interaction with the natural world, reflecting the impact of the geographical environment on societal structures. This study seeks to explore and assess the Sasanian settlements located in the Namdan Plain, situated in the mountainous region of northern Fars Province, specifically within the vicinity of Eqlid city. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this research incorporates statistical analysis to identify ten natural factors that determine the degree of dependence of Sasanian sites on their surrounding environment and landscape. These factors include the proximity of ancient sites to communication routes and rivers, land area, elevation, soil type, land use, slope orientation and gradient, vegetation, and climatic conditions, all of which play a crucial role in the establishment of human settlements. The sites from the Sasanian period were systematically evaluated and ranked based on the influence of geographical and environmental factors, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical techniques, including the TOPSIS hierarchical analysis method in Excel. The findings indicated that, among the environmental variables, the proximity of the sites to rivers and roads, as well as elevation, exhibited the most favorable conditions. Other significant factors, such as slope degree, also played a crucial role in influencing the Sasanian period sites. Conversely, climate, land use, soil, and vegetation were found to have the least impact. The hierarchical analysis revealed that the NS330 site ranked highest among the assessed natural indicators, followed by NS317A in second place and NS326 in third. In contrast, the NS210 site was identified as the lowest in ranking, with NS222 and NS211 following as the next weakest sites. The remaining sites were categorized as relatively prosperous.

The strategic communication position of Lorestan Province, located in western Iran, has historically facilitated the passage of significant and active communication routes. One notable route that traversed Lorestan during the Islamic period was the thoroughfare linking Khuzestan and Hamadan. This route flourished during the Islamic era, serving as the primary connection between Khuzestan and the western regions of the Iranian Plateau. To date, this communication route has not been the subject of dedicated research, resulting in a lack of comprehensive information regarding the quantity and quality of archaeological findings associated with it. This gap underscores the need for independent research aimed at identifying and documenting this communication route and its archaeological significance. This study addresses two primary inquiries: 1- What archaeological evidence remains from the route connecting Shapurkhasat to Khuzestan during the Islamic period, and which areas of Lorestan did this route traverse? 2- How did the development of this road progress throughout the Islamic era, and what transformations took place during this time? The research adopts a historical approach, with data collection derived from both fieldwork and library research. An analysis of archaeological artifacts and historical documentation indicates that the communication pathway linking Shapurkhasat and Khuzestan in the Islamic era passed through the Balagriveh region, situated in central Lorestan, as well as the area referred to as Nomkoh/Miankoh. This road has been associated with a range of architectural elements, such as a castle, a bridge, a caravanserai, a tomb, settlement areas, and a mill. The data indicates that the road maintains a historical continuity, reflecting an ancient route that saw minimal alterations and relocations throughout the Islamic era, with its stations continuing to function with few modifications into the modern age.

Old Qaen stands as a prominent city in Quhistan (South Khorasan), having undergone significant transformations during the Islamic period. Although the city is frequently mentioned in historical chronicles, accurate information regarding its ancient location has been sought through archaeological excavations. The analysis of pottery recovered between 2012 and 2016 by Rajab-Ali Labbaf has provided archaeologists with essential data concerning the founding and various historical phases of the old city of Qaen. The objective of this analytical research was to identify the pottery types present in the area, establish the settlement chronology, and examine its connections with other regions. To achieve this, 177 potsherds from the excavations were initially classified, and subsequently, 55 representative pieces were selected for detailed typological and chronological study. Research findings concerning pottery reveal that Qaen was established in the early Islamic centuries and persisted through the mid-Safavid period, with the Seljuk period identified as its most prosperous era. The quality of pottery produced in this region was on par with that of other notable pottery centers in Iran. However, the lack of golden pottery (zarrin fam), silhouette, and enamel (Mina’i) ware points to a shortfall in the expertise of Qaen’s potters regarding these types. Additionally, Qaen has established significant trans-regional links with regions including Khorasan, Sistan, and Jazmurian.

This research primarily aims to explore the political activities of the city of Estarabad and their repercussions in Greater Khorasan, utilizing archaeological and numismatic analyses, particularly focusing on the surcharge coins minted in Estarabad. The methodology employed is descriptive-analytical and historical, with a specific emphasis on numismatics. Data was gathered through extensive library research and a visit to the Astan Quds Razavi Museum, where a direct examination of the coins was conducted. The investigation was carried out in two phases: initially, the authors compiled essential information and evidence by reviewing relevant historical, geographical, and artistic literature, followed by a direct exploration of the coin collection at the Astan Quds Razavi Museum, which included 12 surcharge coins identified by their museum numbers, as the following: Surcharge 673; Row 164; S 778; R 7; S 778; R 8; S 778; R 12; S 778; R 13; S 778; R 15; S 778; R 18; S 778; R 19; S 778; R 20; S 778; R 24; S 778; R 25; S 778; R 27). Data sourced from the Astan Quds Razavi Museum was utilized for a descriptive-analytical study. The analysis demonstrated that the minting of surcharge coins in Estarabad was largely a response to the unstable political conditions in Khorasan and adjacent border areas. The primary objective of producing these coins was to publicly declare changes in leadership in Khorasan by Shah Ismail I and to mitigate the risk of ongoing civil unrest.

The site of the Anahita temple in Kangavar is regarded as one of the most significant and notable archaeological locations in western Iran. It has consistently attracted the interest of historians, Islamic period geographers, European tourists, and archaeologists alike. The existence of a large stone structure in this area has drawn considerable attention from archaeologists, often overshadowing other findings at the site. Thus, artifacts such as painted glazed pottery recovered from this site have received comparatively less scholarly focus. This article examines fifty examples of both plain and painted glazed ceramics, which were collected during recent site investigations and are currently housed in the pottery repository of the Anahita Temple. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of information concerning the context and provenance of these artifacts, primarily due to the lack of an archaeological report and the researchers’ sole focus on the stone structure. The employed research methodology is descriptive-analytical, drawing upon data obtained from both fieldwork and library investigations. The central inquiries of this study include: What categories of indicator types do the plain and painted glazed pottery at the site represent? To which historical period can the prevalence and diversity of painted glazed pottery be attributed? Investigations into plain and embossed glazed ceramics from the Islamic era in Kangavar revealed that the majority date back to the middle Islamic centuries, specifically the sixth to eighth AH centuries. The collection encompasses various pottery types, including those featuring splashed glaze, black-painted underglaze turquoise, luster underglaze decoration, as well as Sgraffito and Champlevé techniques. Fragments of these pottery styles can be traced back to the Safavid period and extend into the late Islamic era, specifically from the 10th to the 13th AH centuries. These ceramics exhibit significant diversity in their firing degrees, glazing, and painting styles. Furthermore, an examination of the glazed and painted artifacts from this site reveals a notable resemblance to painted pottery from the Islamic period found in different areas of the Hamedan region.

The study of houses has captivated researchers, primarily due to their functional significance, with many regarding them as the most crucial structures constructed for human habitation. Houses serve as a reflection of societal identity, values, and cultural beliefs, while also fulfilling the security and practical needs of families. Consequently, an exploration of the evolution of residential architecture can enhance our comprehension of historical culture and architectural practices. However, there exists a notable deficiency in research concerning the traditional houses of Kermanshah, resulting in an inadequate examination of their semantic values, functional attributes, and cultural origins. Understanding these elements could facilitate the redefinition of contemporary architecture that honors the esteemed architectural heritage of the past. This research aims to investigate the influences of local culture, modernization, and Western architectural styles on the design and structure of Qajar houses in Kermanshah. The present study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a descriptive framework. The statistical population encompasses an examination of ten Qajar houses located in Kermanshah, alongside a targeted selection of 18 experts in architecture and cultural heritage. From this group, a theoretical saturation was achieved with 11 individuals. Data collection was facilitated through interviews and the application of Delphi questionnaires, while the analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The resulting thematic network model comprises 14 fundamental themes, organized into three overarching categories. The findings of the study indicate that the interplay of native culture, modernization, and Western architectural influences significantly shaped the design of Qajar houses in Kermanshah. This influence is manifested through various elements, such as the incorporation of traditional Iranian principles, the adoption of French or European styles, the design of extroverted and staircase-oriented residences, as well as the implementation of English and French landscaping characterized by expansive lawns. Additionally, features such as French columns and capitals, clay tiles, Haftrang, decorative brickwork, and prominent facades that mimic Western aesthetics have played a crucial role in this architectural evolution.