Pit Graves of Bronze and Iron Cultural Period of Khaneqah Cemetery in Gilavan

Khaneqah Cemetery, located in Gilavan village in Khalkhal County of Ardabil Province, is one of the most unique cemeteries in the country. Based on burial findings, this cemetery is one of the most significant cemeteries in northwestern Iran, because it presents graves from the three cultural periods of the Middle Bronze Age, Iron Age and Parthian period. Four-season scientific excavations have been carried out in Gilvan cemetery. In the present study, the graves excavated in the third season have been studied. During this season, four ancient graves have been excavated and identified by numbers 30, 33, 34 and 35. Graves 30 and 33 has been dated to the Middle Bronze Age and graves 34 and 35 has been dated to the Iron Age I. The graves of this cemetery are of the type of pit graves in which burials have been done as single and double person in grave pit. The present study has been studied qualitatively in a descriptive-analytical manner and with a comparative approach, and has been compared with the works of other simultaneous sites in the north and northwest of Iran in terms of burial data. The results indicate the cultural relationship with the sites of Middle and New Bronze Age and Iron Age I and II. There is a lot of evidence to date the tombs of Khaneqah Cemetery. The burial method, shape and structure of the graves and the typology of the pottery and objects obtained indicate that this cemetery belongs to the Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age I and II.