Tehran, 8 August 2007 (CHN Foreign Desk) – Rushing into Amir Sharlogh hill, located behind Kalpoush under construction dam, right in the advent of the project, archeologists have succeeded in identifying historic sites dating back to Ilkhanid dynastic era (1256-1336 AD) in Semnan province.

 

Announcing this news, Hassan Fazeli Nashli, head of Iran’s Archeology Research Center, told CHN: “Discovery of a residential area and a cemetery belonging to Ilkhanid dynastic era was the first achievement of archeologists during their efforts to save historical sites in Amir Sharlogh hill. It is the first attendance of archeologists in a historical site before a dam project has come into force.”

 

In an attempt to rescue endangered historical sites, this year Iran’s Archeology Research Center is determined to focus archeological excavations mainly in areas which are in a risky situation due to developing projects such as dam construction. “Currently we are carrying out excavations in a large number of historical sites which are located behind dams,” added Fazeli Nashli.

 

According to head of Iran’s Archeology Research Center, archeological excavations in Amir Sharlogh hill has been wrapped up within 70 days before even the initial measures for dam construction come into force.

 

What has made this discovered Ilkhanid cemetery unique, is implementing both ancient Persian traditions and Islamic burial method which was never seen before in any historical site in Iran.

 

 

Soudabeh Sadigh

foreigndesk@chn.ir