مجله مطالعات باستان شناسی پارسه
پیاپی 25 (پاییز 1402)

Terminology is a group of specialized words and respective implications in a specific field, additionally, the consideration of such terms and their utilization. Terminology is one of the most essential aspects of any field of study. This gives an understanding of the concepts and contextual information to how you will be using those concepts. In archaeology, like all other sciences, we need to create and revise some concepts. This article proposes to establish a universal definition of the phenomenon of Domestication. Domestication is the adaptation of a plant or animal from a wild or natural state to life in close association with humans. In this research, the etymology and definitions of the phenomenon of Domestication are considered, followed by its evolution across the literature. This article defines some specialized terms of the Neolithic process in domestication, which is the driving force behind the dynamics of archaeological patterns and the transition from historical-cultural archeology to processual archaeology following the change from threshold to process and long-term formations. However, Iranian archeology has not yet kept pace with this dynamic. The picture provided for the users of archeology is a static image of science, and it is implied that science is a fixed and unchanging reality. This essay aims to demonstrate the difficulties and flaws in archaeological information transmission when scientific language is not prepared. The need to disseminate new knowledge and technology is one motivation for solving this problem. Archaeological research in Iran is now undergoing a crucial shift from traditional to processual methods. Studies of the Neolithic process are only starting in many locations, and terminology-related issues must be addressed. The result of this research is the ascertainment that adopting a universal definition of the phenomenon of Domestication is absolutely paramount in order to progress on all animal and plant-related matters.

The central plateau and southwestern Iran were two pivotal points to begin social and economic developments during the second half of 5th millennium BC, which played an important role in commercial exchanges and cultural interactions between the east and west of the Iranian plateau in the 4th millennium BC. Technology and industry were the main indicators of complexity in the central plateau, while in the southwestern of Iran, agriculture, animal husbandry and water resources were important in this sense. The level of complexity, the appearance of management technique, and pottery production in the key excavated sites in a range from the central plateau to a part of the eastern plains of central Zagros and the and southwest of Iran, was evaluated and studied. The structural analysis of the interactions between the two regions with a cultural ecology approach and based on five paradigms including assimilation, specialization, synchronization and self-organization, condensation of geo-economy, and concentration of power has shown that some societies during the second half of the fifth millennium BC, based on these five principles, they strengthened each other and created complex societies. We have achieved some results in the framework of economic-sociological indicators which include the creation of production and distribution systems, efficient families, pyramids of power and super elites, the destruction of public consensus and expanding elites.

Although seals are considered in more studies of art history, they can be an essential source for studying the socio-economic situation of ancient societies. The seal studied in this article was found during the Authors survey Gohargoosh Tepe with one of the local guides from the village of Fattahabad, Delfan County, Lorestan province, in the soil from looter digging part of the Tepe. Stylistically, the cylinder seals comparable to this seal were previously found in various areas in the western part and even in central Iran. This article attempts to answer questions concerning chronology and stylistics by studying and comparing the stylistics and iconography of the Gohargoosh seal with comparable samples. The other goal is to investigate the role of Ellipi in the first half of the first millennium BCE in Pish-i kuh and the potential relevance between their appearance in the region and the Assyrian seal case study in this article. By studying the Gohargoosh seal from various aspects, this seal likely belongs to the Iron Age II and from the ninth to the seventh centuries BCE, and its style is related to the Neo-Assyrian era, which can reflect the increased interaction between Iran and Mesopotamia after a dark and obscure period in the Iron Age I.

Scholars have been reading Assyrian texts for over a hundred years to locate the toponymys mentioned in the inscriptions. Some of these toponymys are located on the eastern borders of the territory of the new Assyrian empire in western Iran, one of which was the Ellipian kingdom. Inscriptions of the Neo Assyrian Period from Ashurnasirpal II (866 B.C) to Ashurbanipal (639 B.C.), had referring about 250 years to the Ellipian kingdom. Most archaeologists have located the Ellipian kingdom north of Pish-Koh in Luristan and south of Kermanshah. Over the last two decades, after the attribution of Genre of Luristan ware (Baba Jan III painted ware) to the kingdom of Ellipi by Louis Levine and later Yana Medvedskaya, researchers have tried to analyze the different cultural finds such as this type of ware in the context of the kingdom. The reason of researchers for attribute Genre of Luristan ware to Ellipian kingdon is the concurrence and distribution of this type of ware in the territory considered for kingdom of Ellipi. This study seeks to use the Historical archaeology approach, which relies on interpreting historical textual information in the context of archaeological data to provide an accurate and comprehensive analysis of this issue. This research indicates that attributing the archaeological findings of the early first millennium BC such as Genre of Luristan ware, to the kingdom of Ellipi is not valid. This attribution should be considered a hypothesis; basing it on analysis of findings will lead to misguidance and inaccurate results. On the one hand, there is no actual historical evidence for the exact location of the kingdom of Ellipi in the Pish-Koh of Luristan. On the other hand, according to the existence of nomadism in this region, adapting the distribution range of archaeological data such as Genre of Luristan ware with the historical information in Assyrian texts is problematic.

The Bisotun bridge was built across the Dinavar Ab River, flowing on the eastern outskirts of the present-day town of Bisotun. The construction of the bridge’s substructure was initiated in the late Sasanian period, but the program was abruptly terminated, as is the case with other Sasanian projects in Bisotun. Subsequently, the Ḥasanwayhids, a local Kurdish dynasty in western Iran, completed the construction of the bridge. High traffic and natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes have inflicted damage upon the bridge in subsequent periods, i.e., from the Saljuq era to the first Pahlavi period. Consequently, governments made considerable efforts to restore or reconstruct various parts of the bridge. Workshops were established at a short distance northeast of the bridge to provide construction materials for the restoration and reconstruction of the damaged parts. To the northeast of the bridge, there exists a low mound measuring 50 m in length and 40 m in width. The mound was excavated in 2002 under the direction of the present author, revealing four distinct archaeological strata. The earliest layer (I) includes a seasonal settlement from the Qajar period. Layer II contains a cemetery from the same period. Layer III encompasses several brick and lime kilns, dating back to the Ilkhanid and Qajar periods. Layer IV yielded parts of a stone-cutting workshop from the late Sasanian/ Ḥasanwayhid period. This article aims to provide the first comprehensive description of the findings within each archaeological stratum, using historical and descriptive-analytical research methods. We will also propose a chronological framework for the excavated materials based on archaeological evidence and thermoluminescence dating analysis. Furthermore, the article will delve into the production processes of brick and lime produced in the excavated kilns. Moreover, we will provide insights into the process by which the stone blocks were produced in the stone-cutting workshop.

One of the most important commercial ports of Iran in the Islamic period was the old Hormoz (Hormuoz). This port was part of Jiroft area in the early to middle centuries AH. In the fifth century AH and after the decline of the commercial prosperity of Siraf port, Hromouz was one of the most important and active maritime trade centers of Iran in the northern margin of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman; And was associated with most of the important economic, commercial, and industrial centers of the ancient World. At the end of the seventh century AH, following the local conflicts and insecurity in the region, the establishment of Hormoz was transferred from the coast to an island in front of it called “Joron”. According to historical texts, after this relocation, the coastal port was called “Old Hormoz” and the island was called “New Hormoz”. The most important period of prosperity was the establishment of old Hormoz from the fifth century to the end of the seventh century AH. The aim of the present study is to identify and locate “old Hormoz” based on archaeological evidence and historical sources, and the research is on the question of where the port of old Hormoz was based on archaeological data and historical sources? For this purpose, basic information has been collected in two ways: field and documentary. Based on historical texts, the location of old Hormoz in the city of Minab can be traced. While there is no ancient city or site called old Hormoz on the coast of this city. Written sources, on the other hand, do not have an organized structure in old Hormoz, and the location of the port and the residence of the merchants are not located in the same place and are far apart. Based on this, it seems that among the 36 sites of the Islamic period that have been identified in the studies of the archaeological city of Minab, the site of “Chakha” next to the estuary (gulf) of Chakha has been the remains of the old port of Hormoz.

Tomb buildings are one of the most important types of Islamic architecture. Studying such a building in a geographical context gives us a meaningful understanding of these works. The vast region of Tabas, despite having a rich capacity of magnificent historical and cultural monuments, has been neglected by officials and archaeologists due to its desolation and difficult geographical conditions. In the archaeological study of the Jokhah section of Tabas, which was carried out in 2015, several buildings were identified, including a single tomb. So far, this building has not been the subject of detailed and methodical research on how the structure of architecture and dating is based on comparison with other mausoleum buildings, so the need for this research was provided. In this research, the construction method of the building has been considered according to the dome, the execution of the dome and the type of materials and the type of decorations used. The present research is based on a descriptive-analytical purpose and its nature is based on historical approaches. The methodology of accumulations is based on field studies and citation of library resources. This article tries to analyze the identity and date of construction of the tomb of Jokhah Tabas, based on archaeological findings, comparative studies and also citing written sources of the Islamic period. The results of studies show that the construction pattern of this tomb is derived from the square design of tomb buildings in Greater Khorasan in the early centuries of the Islamic period. However, by comparing material culture data and building elements with other similar works, the date of its construction can be attributed to the late sixth-early seventh century AH.

City of Karaj Abu-Dolaf is one of the important cities in Islamic period which formed in early Islamic period then got prosperity in middle centuries. Knowledge about this city was limited to written resources till three decades ago. At present, we have more information about its location and remains through enough archaeological surveys as well as study of texts. One of the most important remains of it are Khanqahs. Khanqahs were constituted as centers for teaching the bases of religious learning and the principles of the Sufi orders from the fourth century in Islamic lands. Besides the city of Karaj Abu-Dolaf had several Khanqahs, so the aim of this research is to investigate those through archaeological survey then documents and texts. This research has three questions as following: 1. what time is supposed to formation and development of Khanqahs based on written documents and historical evidence? 2. What role documents and archaeological evidence has in coincidence of Karaj place with Astaneh city? 3. What were the location of Khanqahs in spatial structure of Karaj city? The approach of this article is historical-descriptive-analytical and information was obtained via documentary and field researches. Till now, no research has done about Karaj Khanghahs and based on documents and archaeological surveies, in addition to coincidence of current location of Astaneh city with old city of Karaj Abu-Dolaf, we can state Khanghahs of Karaj city were parts of spatial structure of city and sustained its functional relations with the architectural structures and remains after city’s decline.

One of the shortcomings of this field is the study of architectural remains individually and without considering the text layers and textural changes affecting it. This study described intertextuality connections of architectural and urbanization collections of Tabriz during the Il-khanate period in two levels: micro (Tabriz city) and macro (regional and international) through discourse analysis and using historical and archaeological data in order to reveal the evolutions and implicit semantics of text layers (architectural and urbanization collections). It is question that how intertextuality connections of the mentioned remains from point of view layer semiology have been and how have manifested semiotic systems. In this study in order to understand data is used qualitative method in the form of descriptive-analytical. Findings show that the use of intertextuality reading of layered semiology leads to the understanding of hidden layers of meaning in architectural remains and involves the effect of broader paradigms in study. In the intertextuality connections of different layers of architecture and urban planning of Tabriz in the Il-khanate era at micro and macro levels, codes such as the main elements of government, including political power, cultural-religious power and economic power, the layers (temporal, spatial, cultural-social) are entered into a syntagmatic and paradigmatic connections and have become a semiotics.

In the present research, the gravestones of the Islamic period in the Borkhar region, located in the north of Isfahan have been studied with the aim of identifying and classifying the types of species, in order to answer the following questions, in a descriptive-analytical way and with a typological approach.1- From a morphological point of view, which types of carved and inscribed tombstones existed in Borkhar? 2- What are the structural and temporal characteristics of these species in comparison with each other and in comparison with common species in other regions? 3- What is the quantity and distribution of types of gravestones in the settlements of the region and what information does it contain? Based on the results of this research, 404 tombstones were identified in the settlements and ancient sites of Borkhar. This tombstone belongs to the Safavid to Qajar periods and includes 5 species, 7 main subspecies and 29 subspecies. Although the placement in this typology has been considered; Despite this, the shape structure is the most important criterion for this division, and in the next levels, criteria such as the methods of composing the arrays, the type and the manner of the dimensions and volumes have been considered. The main species include Varaghei, Sandoghi, Ketabi (including 4 main subspecies), horizontal Mehrabi (including 3 main subspecies) and Motbagh and correspond to samples obtained from other regions of Iran. The most common species are the Balindar, the Ketabi-e Bozorg, the Mehrabi-e Jonaghi and the Sandoghi, respectively, and the two types of Mehrabi-e Helali and Motbagh have the least use. The Sandoghi species was the most common species in the Safavid period and the the Balindar species and the Ketabi-e Bozorg was the most common species in the Qajar period. According to the results obtained between the identified species and the temporal, geographical and spatial conditions of the settlements in the region, close relationships can be seen. Vertical types are more prevalent in mountainous areas and horizontal types are prevalent in low and flat areas of the region.

While the Qajar era was in a recent past, little independent research has been done concerning the architecture and urban engineering of the first half of this era (1795 – 1847). The main reason behind such negligence might be that this period of Iranian architecture occurs between the golden age of architecture in Safavid Iran and the modern period in which Western architectural models infiltrated Iranian architecture and urban construction. In the present research, the aim is to identify the process of constructing architectural works and urban renovation in the first half of the Qajar period by drawing on historical evidence, written sources, and on top of that, archeological evidence. To do so, it is necessary to identify the factors that contributed to strategic policies of Qajar rulers vis-à-vis urban developments and renovations. Given that details of many civil constructions of the Qajar period are not available, this paper rests upon the assumption that archeological studies might be effectively drawn on to know the national strategy of these rulers in the development of cities. The research finds that factors, such as giving legitimacy to the Qajar government, attracting and seeking support of clergy and religious scholars, as well as attempts to achieve economic and civil development of the country for purposes of promoting the political power, played major parts in civil constructions by the Qajar dynasty. Other factors include military and defense policies, the question of succession and rivalries among senior Qajar princes, archaism of Qajar rulers, and their religious beliefs.

Nusratabad Farmstead was built in 1264 AH by Aqamirza Nasrullah Sadr al-Mamalik around Qom and was dedicated to his two male children. This farmstead was active until the Pahlavi period and after that, the remains of the farmstead called Sadri castle were registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 2001 with the number 4868. there are written documents such as historical maps and endowments related to the year 1270 AH about this farmstead. The mentioned documents provide useful information about the characteristics of the farmstead and qualities such as why it is made, the formation process, various physical elements and agricultural products. The research problem is the low familiarity of the communities with the subject of “farmsteads architecture” and also the possibility of reviving Nusratabad and Sadri Castle in the future. The aim of this study is to introduce a Qajar farmstrad and to achieve them two questions are asked: 1. What are the physical and functional characteristics of Nusratabad Farmstead? 2. What was the role of these characteristics in the survival of Nusratabad farmstead? this study tries to approach the subject with an interpretive approach and historical interpretive strategy and uses the three main formats of document research, interviews and field studies. Studies show that Nusratabad farmstead has two physical and functional characteristics and their subsystems. Positioning, formation of physical elements and farmsteads monitoring methods are related to its physical characteristics and the functional characteristics of Nusratabad farmstead also refer to the type of crops, social pyramid and related cultural issues. The architecture of Nusratabad Farmstead have been the product of a combination of physical and functional characteristics over time and Sadr al-Mamalik was able to protect the farmstead with these measures and hand it over to the current supervisors.

Persian literature, either in its oral or written forms, is full of pure myths which arise from the depth of human nature. And in order to understand human civilization better it is required that Iranian myths which have gained universal form today. Therefore, Jamšid’s myth (including Freydun’s era) has been considered as Iranian paradigm-myth In Persian literature domain and has been compared to its Egyptian and Indian equivalents. Narrative style of Jamšid’s myth is significantly similar to that os Osiris’s myth. Also its narrative Equivalent could be fragmentarily found in the fight between Indra and Veritra and also between Trita Aptya and višurpe. In this study, instead of a mere narrative comparison, it has been tried to consider the formation aspect of these myths regarding the centrality of the Iranian myths and based on the nature-mythology Approach. So, these myths have been studied in three parts, namely water, the sun, and water and light with regard to elements of nature, in particular the natural phenomena so that their common formation aspects could be properly cleared.

Today, architectural heritage management faces many challenges due to the extent of assets, limited financial resources, development threats and change in concepts and social values. Accordingly, comprehensive principles are essential for integrated management and conservation prioritization. Most developed or developing countries in the region have reached a logical framework for the classification of immovable cultural heritage as an instrument for management and conservation, But in Iran, an independent policy and approach in this field has not been presented yet. This study tries to develop theoretical concepts in the field of classification system by reviewing the constitutions, national guidelines and experiences of countries of the common cultural field of Iran in East and Central Asia. The main question is the types of approaches, Classification levels and how to evaluate the assets in the decision-making process in the countries of the region. Due to the subject, the research approach is qualitative and with the method of documentary study, first, policies and actions are reviewed and regulated and then the content analysis done by descriptive-interpretive and comparative. According to the research findings, achieve an appropriate mechanism to prioritize the level of conservation for the implementation of integrated policies in order to raise awareness of local communities and economic participation, respect the rights of private owners and facilitate future decisions, has been the main aims of classification. Architectural heritage classification in case countries is done with a Managerial- Conservative approach in a specific system. In this process, after comprehensive identification and listing, based on criteria of Cultural Significance, Historical and Architecture importance, Outstanding Values, Uniqueness, Authenticity and Integrity, Aesthetic features and at risk, by the advisory committee in the presence of government officials, experts and stakeholders, level of assets is evaluated and determined. Finally, classification is considered as a tools to explain the management approach and level of conservation.

The risk of deterioration and destruction threatens valuable traditional housing in the historical texture of villages. Identifying the architectural types of historical houses and analyzing their sustainability are necessary to protect traditional architectural values and use them in contemporary housing designs. While there are many studies on the typology of traditional houses and the sustainability of rural housing, the analysis of architectural types of houses has been less considered. Also, the architectural types of the valuable houses in the historical texture of Yase Chai Village have not been still extracted and analyzed. Therefore, the main research questions are, what are the architectural types of historical houses in Yase Chai Village? And what is the priority of the architectural types of historical houses in Yase Chai village regarding sustainability? This study also aims to identify the architectural types of houses in the historical texture of Yase Chai Village, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari Province and to prioritize them based on sustainability. The rural housing sustainability indicators were extracted to achieve the purpose of the research, first by reviewing research and using the qualitative content analysis method. Then, the similarities and differences of the houses in terms of macro-, meso-, and micro-scale characteristics were examined and based on them, six types were identified. In the next step, the identified housing types were compared and ranked based on sustainability using the analytical network process (ANP) method. The dominant architectural type of the village’s historical texture with the highest frequency has the third-highest rank for sustainability. According to the results, the greater frequency of a particular architectural type in a historical context does not necessarily indicate a preference for using that type in the construction of contemporary houses. In addition, the form and manner of establishing the living spaces and their porches on the first floor, and the number and length of the yards were the most important architectural features that distinguished the types from each other. To improve the sustainability of types and use them in contemporary housing designs, suggestions have been presented, such as granting financial facilities to create living spaces in historical houses and checking the compatibility of the rules of the village guidance [Hadi] plan with the architectural types of housing.