Journal of Archaeological Studies

The study of Islamic Period buildings in Iran proves the presence of countless religious and non-religious tombs that are scattered in most parts of this border and region. As one of ... Read More

Historical Developments of Natanz City Based on the Written Sources and Architectural Evidence

Seyedeh Sara Mohammadi; hassan karimian; mohsen javeri

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 53-81

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2020.308552.142916

Abstract

As it appears from historical texts, the favourable bioclimatic conditions of the Natanz region and its location in the communication network of Iran’s central plateau, have provided ... Read More As it appears from historical texts, the favourable bioclimatic conditions of the Natanz region and its location in the communication network of Iran’s central plateau, have provided the ground for the formation of numerous settlements, as well as diverse and yet valuable architectural works. Presence of pre-Islamic ancient sites (Such as Arisman ancient site, fire temple, castle, karezes) and also monuments from the Islamic era in Natanz (Such as Juma Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Samad Complex and collections of public, commercial and residential monuments), have turned this city into one of the most valuable ancient settlements in the country; highlighting the importance of the region from prehistoric up to the present century. According to published sources, Natanz's socio-political developments in early-Islamic centuries were influenced by the changes that occurred in the cities of Isfahan and Kashan. Also, the brilliant effects of the historical monuments of Kashan and Isfahan cities have caused the neglect of the monuments of the city of Natanz by tourists and historians of different periods. Neglect that has also affected archaeological, urban, architectural and historical research. The authors have tried to determine the evolution of the city of Natanz, relying on the written sources, in order to identify the factors and events that have influenced the formation and development of this city. Results of the present study revealed that the construction history of this city can be traced back to the Sasanian Empire. Moreover, it became clear that Natanz’s location on the communication network of Iran’s central plateau and It has been one of the centers of caravans crossing and trade and the Central Plateau of Iran, and also its geographical location, environmental conditions and the special defensive function of the natanz city Its importance in different historical periods, especially the Ilkhanid and Safavid periods it has figured

A Study of the Architectural Remains of the Sasanian Site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad -Kazerun: A Suggestion about the Function

Yaghoub Mohammadifar; reza Nourozai

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 83-105

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2022.336364.143078

Abstract

The archaeological site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad, with an area of approximately 160 hectares, is one of the important sites of the Sasanian period, which was formed about 500m west of ... Read More The archaeological site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad, with an area of approximately 160 hectares, is one of the important sites of the Sasanian period, which was formed about 500m west of Parishan Lake, in the southwest of Kazerun city, on the natural hill so-called Tol-e Pahan. Due to the building of the Kazerun-Shiraz gas pipeline between 1984 and 1986, the middle part of this site was severely destroyed. Archaeological excavation, as well as ground surveys, show that the exposed building/fort in Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad has a quadrangular structure, each side of which is probably between 75 and 80 m long, and there were probably four towers in its four corners. The low thickness of the external wall, the type, and quality of construction materials used in it, as well as the dimensions of the interior spaces/units, may indicate that the building was not very high. The spaces adjacent to the northwestern principal wall are generally small and are used for storing and processing agricultural products.In the four corners of the Nakhlak fort located in the intermediate region of Naein and Anarak, the towers are similar to Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad’s tower, although it has a different plan. In addition, other defensive buildings such as Fulayj fort in Oman, Gorgan Wall fortifications, and Abu Sharifa fort in Mesopotamia are among the defensive structures that are similar to the Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad building in terms of plans and towers. Archaeological excavation, as well as ground surveys, show that the exposed building/fort in Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad has a quadrangular structure, each side of which is probably between 75 and 80 m long, and there were probably four towers in its four corners. The low thickness of the external wall, the type, and quality of construction materials used in it, as well as the dimensions of the interior spaces/units, may indicate that the building was not very high. The spaces adjacent to the northwestern principal wall are generally small and are used for storing and processing agricultural products.

Evolution of Architectural Structure of Towers of Silence from Sasanid to Late Islamic Period

Seyed Mehdi Mousavinia

Volume 14, Issue 1 , June 2022, , Pages 131-153

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.320017.142996

Abstract

Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran that could read and investigate in their context. One of these burial customs is burying ... Read More Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran that could read and investigate in their context. One of these burial customs is burying the body into the towers of silence. This ritual practice canonized in Zoroastrian religious texts such as Vidēvdāt and documented in historical sources and archaeological findings. Beside Central Asia one what comparable to the first generation of towers of silence this funeral practice reported from Sasanid to the Late Islamic period. Although all of these burial structures mentioned as the towers of silence (Dakhma), there are plenty of architectural structures, from the beginning to the Late Islamic period; from the platforms of xwaršēd nigerišn to roofed towers of silence; from rooms of ossuary to central well (sarāda) of towers of silence. This paper has tried to thanks to archaeological findings and historical sources recommend some relative dating on towers of silence. Besides, the formal evolution of these burial structures has investigated from the Sasanid to the Late Islamic period. Hence, there are some questions to answer. 1) How are the continuation and evolution of the architectural structure of towers of silence from the Sasanid to the Late Islamic period? 2) Which elements caused the evolution of the architectural structure of towers of silence? 3) Is it possible to find a relative dating about the date of construction of these burial structures based on the evolution of the architecture of towers of silence? For the answer to these questions, a descriptive-analytical method has used. Field and library studies and comparative studies are the most important methods of this illustration. This study will show towers of silence follow four different architecture methods. The quality of roof covering, the way of exposure, the divide of burial spaces, location of a central well, how to enter to xwaršēd nigerišn places, details of architectural structure and creation of some buildings related to burial are the most important towers of silence diversities factors. There is some reason for these diversities: 1) emigration of Zoroastrian communities to Yazd 2) cultural relation between Iran and India Zoroastrian communities, 3) Maneckji Limji Hataria activities in Iran

Zoroastrians of Maybod (Yazd): A Historical Archaeological Perspective of the Two Villages, Mazra’e Kalantar and Asr’ Abad

Ruth Young; Taha Hashemi; Ashkan Pooryan Avvali; Sepideh Jamshidi Yeganeh; Zeinab Nazari Tehrani; Mohamad Hossein Azizi Kharanaghi; Hassan Fazeli nashli

Volume 13, Issue 2 , September 2021, , Pages 319-341

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2021.266881.142623

Abstract

A joint program by the University of Tehran and the University of Leicester carried out a first season of archaeological exploration of Zoroastrian societies in Maybod, Yazd province ... Read More

The Characteristics of Pastoral-Nomadism Architecture: A Measure for the Ethnoarchaeological Studies

Behrooz Aghaie; morteza hesari; hamid karami

Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 21-40

https://doi.org/10.22059/jarcs.2018.210944.142307

Abstract

. Mobility is considered as a key factor in realizing all biological dimensions of professional livestock producer communities. This component leads to a dynamism in the behavior and ... Read More

The Bathhouse of Haj Mir-Hassan Qazvin, a Bath from Early Qajar Era

Parivash Akbari; Hayedeh Laleh; Ali Shojaee Esfahani

Volume 3, Issue 2 , February 2012, , Pages 193-219

Abstract

The public bathhouses are included in buildings as public utilities that have been expanded throughout Islamic realm by arising Islamic religion that cleaning is the preamble for most ... Read More

Decorative Stamps in Ilkhanid Architecture

Ārash Lashkari; Hamid Khatib-Shahidi; Javād Neyestāni; Alirezā Hozhabri Nobari

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 85-102

Abstract

In Islamic architecture, the architect always tried to decorate the internal and external areas in different ways. One type of these decorations is called Brick Working, which was current ... Read More

Reassessment of the Chronology of Ziwiyeh Remains

Amir Sā’èd Mūcheshi

Volume 1, Issue 2 , February 2010, , Pages 121-141

Abstract

The archaeologists who have investigated Ziwiyeh have presented different views about the constructors of material culture and its artistic styles. The majority of them, relying on ... Read More

Journal of Archaeological Studies

Articles in Press

Current Issue

Volume 17 (2025)

Volume 16 (2024)

Volume 15 (2023)

Volume 14 (2022)

Volume 13 (2021)

Volume 12 (2020)

Volume 11 (2019)

Volume 10 (2018)

Volume 9 (2017)

Volume 8 (2016)

Volume 7 (2015)

Volume 6 (2014)

Volume 5 (2013)

Volume 4 (2012)

Volume 3 (2011)

Volume 1 (2009)

Keywords = معماری

Introduction and Analysis of the Architecture of the Tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Reza in Darmian City and Reading the Relics of its Historical Writings

Abstract

Historical Developments of Natanz City Based on the Written Sources and Architectural Evidence

Abstract

A Study of the Architectural Remains of the Sasanian Site of Tol-e Qaleh Seyfabad -Kazerun: A Suggestion about the Function

Abstract

Evolution of Architectural Structure of Towers of Silence from Sasanid to Late Islamic Period

Abstract

Zoroastrians of Maybod (Yazd): A Historical Archaeological Perspective of the Two Villages, Mazra’e Kalantar and Asr’ Abad

Abstract

The Characteristics of Pastoral-Nomadism Architecture: A Measure for the Ethnoarchaeological Studies

Abstract

The Bathhouse of Haj Mir-Hassan Qazvin, a Bath from Early Qajar Era

Abstract

Decorative Stamps in Ilkhanid Architecture

Abstract

Reassessment of the Chronology of Ziwiyeh Remains

Abstract