Ancient underground city unveiled in Dolatabad village of Isfahan Province
The first underground city of Tiran and Karvan was discovered in the village of Kurd-e Oliya, Isfahan Province, in 2016. It was a hand-carved site with an area of over 20,000 square meters and 80 entrances. Studies have shown that its history dates back to the pre-Islamic era. One interesting fact is that a part of this underground city is now open to tourists.
But the discovery of another underground city in Dolatabad village, located in Tiran and Karvan, in the current year has grabbed everyone’s attention. This city, which has likewise been hand-carved, is situated beneath several houses of the village and is believed to date back to the pre-Islamic era.
Head of Tiran and Karvan’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department Mohsen Mazaheri said that this hand-carved site has been expanded to an area of 10,000 square meters, ISNA wrote.
Throughout time, the villagers of the rural area engaged in diverse activities within this vicinity. They utilized it as a storage facility, or a shelter for their livestock. Occasionally, the entrance doors remained closed and went unused.
“Dolatabad village is situated five kilometers from Kurd-e Oliya village. Upon receiving information about the discovery of intriguing hand-crafted structures in this village, we promptly delved into the matter. A thorough examination of the site revealed its historical and ancient significance, leading to its recognition as an underground city,” he said.
He added that this site has entrances in the houses or beneath, with a well located next to the entrance. Chambers and rooms are also seen in its discovered tunnels. Overall, the complex’s structure has given it a resemblance to a city, leading experts to introduce it as an underground city.
Mazaheri noted that there are different theories regarding the purpose of these structures. Some theories suggest that they were used for residential purposes, while others emphasize their role as sacred places. In some theories, the use of these structures for defensive purposes has also been mentioned. However, a precise understanding of their intended use requires further research and investigation.
He said that the site encompasses about 25 houses. All parts of this underground site are interconnected, and the people living above them are aware of its significance and try to protect it.
Moreover, he gleefully added that the village’s council has received guidance on preserving the site. Additionally, the supervision of the city’s Cultural Heritage Department ensures that the area is given proper attention.
“Considering that the people of Dolatabad village are the owners of these ancient structures, we hope to establish a union or cooperative as soon as possible, with the participation of the rural people. Once archaeological measures are completed in this area, we aspire for this underground city to become a tourist attraction,” he concluded.