Archaeological insights from Shahr-e Sukhteh
Shahr-e Sukhteh (Burned City), an ancient treasure located at the easternmost point of Iran, is poised for the resumption of a new season of archaeological excavations following 19 seasons of exploration.
Hossein Sarhaddi-Dadian, head of the Shahr-e Sukhteh World Heritage Site, informed ISNA that the excavations are currently on hold, with a new season yet to commence. Unfortunately, delays have been caused by funding challenges and administrative issues. However, the Cultural Heritage Organization of Sistan and Baluchestan Province is making significant efforts to continue the work.
“We held a meeting with the country’s cultural heritage officials, and commitments were made to secure funding for the project. This funding is set to be included in the annual budget program,” Sarhaddi-Dadian stated, ISNA wrote.
He emphasized the social and cultural significance of Shahr-e Sukhteh, noting its location at Iran’s easternmost point, bordering Afghanistan. This region is not only scientifically and research-wise important but also plays a crucial social and cultural role. Archaeological excavations instill a sense of pride and connection to heritage among local people. When the media discusses Shahr-e Sukhteh, the community feels that the area is vibrant and continues to hold importance, which can have positive psychological effects, helping address some of the social and economic issues in the region.
Sarhaddi-Dadian recalled that 19 seasons of excavations have been conducted in Shahr-e Sukhteh thus far, with six seasons carried out by Italian teams before the revolution, while the remaining excavations were conducted by Iranian archaeologists under the supervision of Seyyed Mansour Seyyedsajadi. Despite these efforts, only about six to seven percent of this historical site has been identified.
Regarding the latest status of conservation and restoration efforts at Shahr-e Sukhteh, he explained that the site comprises various sections, including eastern and central residential areas, memorial structures, industrial zones, and a cemetery.
Given the possibility of rainfall in the last months of the year, three sections requiring urgent restoration were prioritized. One of these was a burnt palace in the eastern residential area, the largest structure excavated by Italian archaeologists before the Islamic Revolution. Another selected area for restoration was the cemetery, along with the northern part of the eastern area. These regions are among the oldest excavated parts that have not received adequate restoration for years.
Shahr-e Sukhteh is located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, along the road from Zahedan to Zabol. With a history of approximately 5,000 years, the ancient city is one of the most significant areas of ancient urbanization on the Iranian plateau.
According to archaeological findings, Shahr-e Sukhteh was inhabited during four distinct periods. Researchers discovered that the city was abandoned about 1,900 years ago without any war or conflict, indicating a peaceful departure.
Excavations in the central part of the city suggest that the inhabitants gathered their belongings and left, though the reasons for this desertion remain unclear. Archaeologists consider this city, which had a complete range of living tools approximately 5,000 years ago, to be one of the most advanced ancient cities in the world.
Significant artifacts uncovered from Shahr-e Sukhteh include a surgically altered skull of a 13-year-old girl, an artificial eye belonging to a woman aged approximately 28 to 32, made from a combination of natural bitumen, animal fat, and fine golden wires resembling capillaries; a 10-centimeter long ebony ruler measuring to a precision of one millimeter; a backgammon board made of ebony with 60 pieces; and a clay cup designed with an image of a moving goat, considered the oldest animation in the world.
Shahr-e Sukhteh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the 17th globally registered Iranian site during the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Doha, Qatar, on June 22, 2014.