Northwestern Iran is one of the key regions in the archaeological researches, especially during the Iron Age. Tepe Hasanlu is an important ancient site due to its long-term occupation and extensive excavations, with relatively complete studies. This paper dealing with the results of recent archaeozoological researches of Hasanlu, to complete the lack of studies on the subsistence economy of the site. The studied faunal remains of Hasanlu derived from campaigns of 1970, 1972 and 1974, which are housed in the Osteology Department of the National Museum of Iran. This paper intends to examine the subsistence economy and animal exploitation patterns during the Iron Age in Tepe Hasanlu. The faunal remains of Middle and Late Bronze Age and Historic period also evaluated to better perception of changes and evolutions in subsistence strategies of Iron Age. The results of studies pointed to the developed animal husbandry during all periods of Hasanlu, which domesticated sheep and goats, and cattle were the most important exploited resources. Equids also allocated the considerable portion of the collection which especially bred in Iron Age. The same pattern identified in contemporaneous sites such as Haftavan Tepe and Dinkhah Tepe in northwestern Iran.

The study of archeological documents during archaeological excavations has always been a means to discover the relationships, solidarities, and interactions of prehistoric peoples and tribes. As we know, the first empires in human history were established at the beginning of the first millennium BC, when the civilization of the Iron Age of Guilan took place. The three Near East countries i.e, the Urartu, Ilam and Assyrian Empires in the first millennium BC, were the first ones claiming the "World Empire". Urartu was partially succeeded in unifying all of the Armenian plateau (eastern Anatolia) and part of the Transcaucasian. We have very little knowledge of Ilam. However, we have much to learn about Assyria, which was at its peak as the first "world empire" to encompass much of the civilized world of the age. The attempt in this article is to respond to two basic questions by studying and analyzing the shape and visual characteristics of the metal cups discovered from two given basins, namely Marlik and Hassanloo. First, what are the common aspects of Hassanloo's and Marlik's metalwork, and second, what kinds of effect do the specific characteristics of these dishes reflect from the adjacent tribes and contemporary neighbors of Iran. The method of gathering resources has been library (inductive), In so doing, the researcher in this descriptive-analytical research classified and examined twelve samples (two from Hassanloo and ten from Marlik) And he explains the ways they share and differentiate and presented the results into the tables. In this regard, these cups are first identified and presented in terms of form and content and then body decorations are comparatively shown and identified. Iconic decorations can be examined in two categories: iconic-abstract and iconic-natural. The decorations of the containers studied in this paper are divided into two iconic-abstract including plant, animal, human, and pure abstract motifs consisting of geometric and non-geometric designs. One of the most important findings of this research is the study and comparison of the discovered metal cups from the excavations of south of Caspian Sea and Lake Urmia in terms of visual structure, executive technique, method of construction and content of their designs reveal unity and correlation in ethnic, cultural and inter-ethnic roots among inhabitants of the ancient hills of Marlik and Hassanloo in the late second millennium and early first millennium BC. Further reflection on the design of these cups traces the connections and influences of these ancient regions with the northern Caspian basin and ancient hills located in contemporary southern Russia and the present Caucasus and areas around Lake Van and the northwestern region of present Iran; i.e., the Urartu. It also explains the culture of Lorestan and Silk Kashan from the south and west. Drawn upon the artistic findings and characteristics taken from the discoveries of the Marlik Cemetery, it can also be claimed that these works were influenced by the features of Assyrian art as well as Urartu’s, especially in Hassanloo and Mannea, one of its allies.

One of the most important pottery of the Iron Age of northwestern Iran is triangular containers, first obtained from the Hasanloo hill, and most scholars attribute its history to the Achaemenid period. According to archaeological investigations of Silveh Piranshahr dam basin, 39 archaeological sites were identified in total. Triangular dishes are one of the most important findings of this study. Mostly imprinted containers are mostly in bowl, jar and pulp forms. In this regard, the following questions arise: what is the area of distribution of these types of containers? The main hypothesis in this regard applies to areas including western and northwestern Iran, eastern Turkey, the Caucasus and Pakistan. Do the triangular containers obtained from the Silveh Dam surveys show similarities with these areas? According to studies, it shows similarities both in terms of freckles and in terms of roles. And as a final result we can say that among the pottery of the Silveh Dam sites and other areas of northwest, western Iran and Anatolia, the similarities are more closely related to the pottery form. Keywords: Triangular Dishes, Silveh Piranshahr Dam, Iron Age III, Northwest of Iran, Regional Similarities. Do the triangular containers obtained from the Silveh Dam surveys show similarities with these areas? According to studies, it shows similarities both in terms of freckles and in terms of roles. And as a final result we can say that among the pottery of the Silveh Dam sites and other areas of northwest, western Iran and Anatolia, the similarities are more closely related to the pottery form.

Obsidian artifacts is frequently used materials in prehistory and found widely in archaeological sites. Provenance studies of obsidian has been an issue of intense research and debate between archaeologists and geologists. Since different provenance studies has been carried out from 1960s up to 2015 in Anatolia and Caucasus but obsidian studies in Iran is in very early stage and consider as terra incognita. Recent research on obsidian mines in Iran accompanying by prehistoric obsidian provenance studies give this opportunity to establish of a database, as well as outlining a horizon and perspective for obsidian studies in Iran. This paper will try to discuss about old and new researches on obsidian studies in Iran. After a brief introduction of obsidian studies in Anatolia and Caucasus by Renfrew, Cann and Dixon, the paper addresses some recent researches that took place concerning obsidian provenance studies in Iran. Additionally this study also look for have a review and survey on obsidian sources in Iran as well as obsidian artifacts from sites like Kul Tepe Hadishah, Dava Goz Khoy, East Chia Sabz, Choga Gholan, Tepe Boinou, surveyed sites of East of the Lake Urmia, Typical sites like Yanik, Hasanlu, Pisdeli, and relationship and comparison of ancient obsidian artifacts with known sources in order to studying obsidian sources and provenance of obsidian artifacts in Iran. This research proved that most of the analyzed obsidian artifacts of Iranian archaeological sites originated and imported from Caucasus and Anatolia in line with long-term inter-regional trade, although a handful of obsidian mines and sources have been brought to light in NW Iran that could be considered as second part of the raw material to supply the demands of local and indigenous communities of the prehistory of Iran. The implications of the findings will discuss along with limitations and future research directions.

Among the ancient motifs from Iran and Mesopotamia, some pictures showing special shaped beakers can be seen but unfortunately no explicit comment has been made on the nature and function of these forms by researchers. Recently, 7 pottery beakers have been found in a Mannaean cemetery (Mala Mcha) and and Iron Age grave (Kani Koter) in northwestern Iran and authors are believed that their shape and possible function are compatible with some of these ancient motifs dating back from the third millennium B.C. to the Achaemenid period. A glazed beaker from Tepe Hasanlu which belongs to Iron Age II also has the same characteristics as the Mala Mcha and Kani Koter examples. Considering the symbolic meaning of the Lotus flower in ancient cultures, as well as their form and decoration, it seems that the Mala Mcha, Kani Koter and Hasanlu pottery beakers have a special application. Previously some researchers in some cases have interpreted these motifs as a Barsom (Barsam) or flower (often lotus). The authors propose that these objects that can be seen on ancient reliefs or ivories are simple or painted beakers equivalent to the clay beakers unearthed in these sites. Probably this type of beaker was not used as normal container, but it seems to have been utilized by high-level people during special events and banquets perhaps for drinking prized liquids. In addition, it seems that the samples of the Mala Mcha, Kani Koter and Hasanlu in terms of shape and possible there function, are comparable with some of the patterns of the motifs discussed in this paper. The grave of Kani Koter is rich and belonged to a warrior of high status. Also the graves of Mala Mcha which had pottery beakers were richer than other graves, and it seems that the users of them have superior position over others. The glazed beaker of Hasanlu was as well as obtained from a room with local and Mesopotamian specimens in a special room. In ancient motifs, users of these objects have a superior social position than others. In this paper, in addition to comparing the shape of the beakers of Mala Mcha, Kani Koter and Hasanlu with the remaining ancient motifs, Chromatography experiments were carried out which unfortunately, did not receive any laboratory data on its application.

Interpretation of human’s old behaviors in the past and paying attention to complex and interactive processes between humans and the environment to be understood in terms of their dependence on the components of the natural and ecological environment is the center of modern archaeology’s attention.  Archaeological surveys and analysis of settlement patterns are considered well-known methods in archaeology to help identify these interactive processes.With the studies of the Archaeological Board of the University of Pennsylvania on Hasanlu Hill and the Sandus Plain, the southern basin of Lake Urmia became one of the most important archaeological sites and a basis for chronology in northwestern Iran. Meanwhile, Piranshahr plain on one hand due to its proximity toHasanlu area in the north and Rabat area in the south and on the other hand due to the neighborhood of this area with great powers such as Assyria, Urartu and Mana in the first half of the first millennium BC, Is one of the important areas in terms of archaeological studies of the Iron Age in northwestern Iran. This study examined the Piranshahr plain, assuming that the Iron Age settlements of the Piranshahr plain follow a specific settlement pattern. In this research, using field and library studies and geographical analysis models, a methodical and appropriate interpretation of the distribution of Iron Age areas and the first millennium BCPiranshahr plain was presented. Studies have shown that the Iron Age settlements in the region are most affected by two geographical factors, altitude from sea surface and access to rivers, and this has led to the creation of linear networks in the course of rivers resulting to a suitable choice of height relating to the plain. It was also found that the Iron Age settlements of this plain, following the shape of the roughness and natural geography of the region in the first half of the first millennium BC, by creating a specific settlement hierarchy, tended to form an independent local political unit. The existence of this political unit in modern Assyrian writings as Xubuskie could be identified.

The Achaemenid architecture is famous for its columned halls; however such halls were common prior to the Achaemenid Period in Iran. Buildings with columned halls dated to Median Period were discovered in Nush-i Jan and Godin. Similar buildings were also present in Baba Jan, Ziwiye, Hasanlu, Kordlar and Bastam as well. Among these buildings, the oldest example of columned hall belongs to Hasanlu, where seven buildings including columned hall were constructed in three successive periods of Hasanlu V, IVc and IVb, dated to ca. 1250-800 B.C. The main common characteristic of these buildings is their central part, which was constructed in form of a columned hall, along with other common components and elements, such as: a portico and an anteroom in entrance, a stairway passed around a central column on a side of the anteroom, ancillary rooms situated along the sides of the hall, benches constructed on sides of the hall, columns added at the sides of the hall, raised hearth in the center of the hall, and a platform opposite the entrance of the hall. Use of these common characteristics in Hasanlu continued for about four centuries and led to formation of a particular architectural tradition. In regards to the origin and the prototype of this architectural style, as well as its continuity and subsequent changes until the Achaemenid Period, different notions were brought up. Some scholars have sought the origin of this style out of the Iranian plateau. Others have considered it as a linear or multilinear evolution. Most of these opinions are based on the basis of the theory of diffusion. The present essay brings up a different opinion about the formation of this architectural style in Hasanlu. On the basis of this view, the construction of columned halls can be taken as an internal innovation in indigenous architecture of Hasanlu, considering their common features with other contemporary buildings without a columned hall in Hasanlu.Abstract

In exploring the archaeology of the Iron Age in North and Northwest of Iran, the study of metallic materials is particular importance due to their technical values. Because the Base of the Iron Age chronology is northwest region in Iranian plateau, especially the Hasanlu Site. in fact, during this period the metallurgical Techniques extends to another region of Iranian plateau. In this research, we studied the methods of making metal objects of Iron Age in north and northwest of Iran. the metallurgy of these two regions was compared in terms of Technical and making methods. Also, the methods of making in the Iron Age sites of Northwest of Iran were compared with the North sites of Iran, especially Mazandaran. Therefore the Metalography test was done on Metal objects of Iron Age sites, such as Gohar Tepe site near the Behshahr City and Lafurak cemetery of Savadkuh City in Mazandaran in the North of Iran and the Iron Age sites such as Hasanlu, Kurdlar Tepe, Haftovan Tepe, Ziwyeh and Masjed–e Kabud cemetery in the Northwest of Iran, a metal sample was selected from each site for Metallugraphic test. In this research, using scanning electron microscope to studies the methods of Metal objects. The results of this test show that the most methods of making War tools discovered from the Iron Age of Northwest of Iran, such as Hasanlu have been casting and the most ornamental objects that discovered from the Iron Age in this area are made by hot hammering. The most of the Metal objects from North of Iran are made by hot hammering. Also the Metal objects discovered from the Iron Age sites in Nortwest of Iran compared to the Mazandaran represent a more complex in decoration and construction method. Based on results of metallographic tests and images prepared by scanning electron microscope, it was found that on hammered products, mechanical work such as forging was done after casting. For this reason, their microstructure is differend under a microscope. On the microscopic images of Bronze bracelet from Hasanlu, Bronze arrowhead of Kurdlar tepe, Bronze necklace of Masjed-e kabud, Bronze daggar of Gohar tepe and Iron daggar of Lafurak cemetery, coacial beads are shown very closely together with small dimension. In fact small size of the beads indicate more mechanical-thermal work. Ancient metalworkers used the metal tensile to make the Bronze alloys more flexibility, this thermal treatment improves flexibility property of the Bronze alloy and upgrading the recrystallization process of beads. On images of sample which have been discovered from the Northwest region, the number of beads with brighter color is more than beads with darker color, because, they have more tin.

Hypostyle hall has an ancient root in the history of Iranian architecture. And has been used in various historical periods. Hypostyle hall is used for responding to the need to have collective space and splendor that creates this element through the multiplicity and height of the columns; mainly in formal cultural, or social applications and palaces. The hypostyle hall forms with the start of the Iron Age in the northwest of Iran. The first one was identified at the Hasanlu Tepe located in northwest of the Iran. In the Achaemenid period, Hypostyle hall were used in the form of the palaces and Apadana. Hypostyle hall, Following the arrival of Islam to Iran, First, it was used to build yard in early mosques, but soon it became confined to the built homes and mosques of the cold regions. At the beginning of the Safavid period and the formation of a unifies state of Shiite religion, according to inscriptions, most wooden hypostyle mosques were built in cities and villages of Azerbaijan at the same time with the government of Shah Tahmasb and one century later hypostyle hall was entered to the palaces of Safavid kings in their capital, Isfahan city. Due to the lack of archaeological excavations and the lack of inscriptions on construction in some other wooden mosques of Azerbaijan, it is not possible to discuss the origin and initial patterns of those mosques, which are all researchers, due to the low durability of beams and wooden columns. This paper in addition to studying the evolution of the hypostyle halls in Iranian architecture, wants to respond to the origin of the formation of Azerbaijan wooden mosques in northwest of the Iran. The method of this paper is historical-interpretation. Also in the comparative studies with other architectural models have been used in comparative method.

Iranian architecture consists of a variety of elements, each of which has been experienced in different applications during their evolutionary course. Hypostyle hall is one of the important elements of Iranian architecture that plays an important role in defining cultural or social spaces and palaces over history. Achaemenid architecture is known as the use of hypostyle hall iv form of Apadana and palaces. This element has flourished in pre - Achaemenid periods in Iran, in Urartu and Masiean architecture. One of the most prominent works of post - Islam architecture can be seen in the northwestern Iranian wooden mosques (Azerbaijan). At the same time, under the rule of Shah Tahmasb government, according to inscriptions in some mosques, a significant number of mosques are constructed in most cities and villages of Azerbaijan, especially Maragha, Bonab, Ajabshir and etc, but in the absence of written documents and conclusive proof of archaeological evidence, it is impossible to build all these mosques to the beginning of the Safavid period. As some of the other valuable mosques have no inscription or inscriptions related to the history of repairs.
The hypothesis of this study about the history of construction hypostyle halls in the post - Islam architecture is not limited to the beginning of the Safavid period, even one of the distinguishing characteristics of Seljik architecture in the region of Azerbaijan has been the use of wooden hypostyle halls in the construction of local mosque in the region and these techniques during the years of preservation and experience in Safavid architecture , first in construction of mosques and about 100 years later in government palaces will be more common. Considering the questions presented, the present paper intends to clarify the ambiguities about evolution and origins of hypostyle hall in Azerbaijan wooden mosques. 
 

With the advent of Iron Age (1500-550 BC), in the northwestern part of Iran, significant changes occur, one of the most important of which is the formation of hypostyle halls. The first example of a hypostyle hall in Iran is located in Hasanlu Tepe (1500-1200 BC). The process of transformation of hypostyle halls indicates that the problem of the gap between the columns is the main concern of many ancient - era builders and was used only in specific cultural or social applications of this model (Gopnik, 2010: 196). The Achaemenid developed hypostyle hall in form of Apadana (Kleiss, 2008).
Despite the extension of the realm of Islam and the conquests of Muslims in all parts of Iran, for a long time, the art of architecture still relied on the elements of the past (Kiani, 2013: 39). The Iranian hypostyle hall also made some initial mosques for some time. This style was limited to homes and mosques in cold and mountainous regions in the following centuries. One of the most significant remains of hypostyle hall architecture after Islam can be seen in Maragha’s wooden mosques and other Azerbaijani cities in northwest Iran. Maragha mosques, wooden columned and ceilings are one of the most interesting architectural styles in western Iran after Islam. This style is imitated during the flourishing period of the Safavid era architecture in Isfahan and produces valuable works such as Aliqapu and Chehelsotun palace (Varjavand, 1975: 13). A wider tradition of wooden architecture best represented by mosques of Central Asia, Kashmir, northwestern Iran, and post-Seljuk Anatolia (Koch, 2013: 376).
 

In this paper, one of the most important elements of Iranian architecture was studied and analyzed. According to the studies, the important factors in the construction of the hypostyle hall can be pointed out to the climate and cultural and social and political factors. The origins of the hypostyle hall were introduced mountainous areas of Azerbaijan and Hasanlu Tepe. Where unlike the central plateau of Iran, where many reasons, because of the abundance of natural resources, a little need of time, availability, and so on shape has been formed. As well as the abundance of wood in this region, it has played an important role in building the columns and ceiling of these hypostyle hall, and perhaps there are dangers such as fire and wear, which cannot be found in all historical periods. One of the most significant remains of hypostyle hall architecture after Islam can be seen in wooden mosques of Azerbaijan cities in northwest Iran. This style is imitated during the flourishing period of the Safavid era architecture in palaces. The exact history of the construction of the Azerbaijan mosques, is not determined. The historical, which is often considered for them, is Safavid era. But with respect to the history of the hypostyle hall before Islam in this region as well as wooden mosques in Anatolia after the Mongol invasion, in addition to the style of the mosques brick decoration in the outer wall of the mosques and so on it is reason for the construction of these mosques in the Seljuk and Ilkhanid period, and even before it in the cities of Azerbaijan, especially Maragha, which was one of the major cities of that period.