Journal of Archaeological Studies

Abstract The Iranian plateau is considered as one of the main founding columns of cultural transformation during the sixth, fifth and fourth millennia BC. Archaeological evidances such as the pottery tradition is almost the best example of cultural interactions of this region with the other communities of northwest, central Zagros, Fars and southwestern Iran during in the last quarter of fifth millennium BC. This article focuses on analyzing the intra- and inter-regional relations of Second half of the fifth millennium BC in this Cultural zones according to pottery assemblages. In order to understand the level of social and cultural complexity in the different parts of Iran, the authors have explored how these pottery traditions came into discussed in in the plain of Varamin and Qom to the east, Kurdistan and Zanjan provinces and the eastern plains of central Zagros to the west(Figure.1). From 5500 BC onward, the central Iranian plateau is considered the trade road during the first half of fifth millennium BC links the central Zagros with the sources, but tangable cultural contact with more population movement appeared during the last quarter of fifth millennium BC in Godin VII period. Given the existing archaeological data, Qazvin plain always played a crossroad of cultures and could therefore be regarded as part of the broader framework of cultural and social interaction and relationship. In the late fifth millennium BC, archaeological evidences such as “Plum Ware” indicators of such cultural and economic interaction. "Plum Ware” assemblages have been obtained in an area extending from Varamin plain in the east of central Iranian plateau to Tepe Ghabristan, Tepe Shizar, Tepe Ismail Abad in Qazvin plain, Tepe Ozbaki and Tepe Gazarsang in the west, and Tepe Soha chai, Tepe Karvansara, Tepe Qeshlaq, Tal 11 Talvar, and Tepe Kalnan in the northwestern part of the Central Iranian Plateau, which indicates a relatively widespread distribution of this type of pottery. (Figure.2.3).In the Qomroud region, both Bakun potteries of the Fars province were found with the typical Sialk II and III1-3 (Transitional and Early Chalcolithic period) ceramics this obviously reveals true connection between the society of Fars and central plateau during the fifth millennium BC. The fine painted black on buff pottery vessels of Tepe Qomrud are unknown in terms of shape and role in the central plateau of Iran and are apparently similar to those in southwestern and southern Iran and especially in Susiana plain (Alizadeh, 2008) and Bakun, Rahmatabad and Tal-Gap sites (Azizi et al, 2012) whose origins most probably go back to those areas. These pottery vessels generally have a geometrical shape with broad strips, ladder designs and successive triangles, often filled with Dot Motif designs (Figure.4). Also, evidence of ancient copper works at Tepe Zagheh represent smelting process during the first half of fifth millennium BC at site and for the Early Chalcolithic/Sialk III_1-3 period evidence of larger scale of copper production such as slags, crucible in areas such as Tepe Ozbaki, Tepe Cheshmeh Ali and copper workshop in Tepe Ghabristan indicates how small workshop centers changed into the industrial section in the later period (Matthews & Fazeli Nashli, 2004). This, together with findings related to metalwork in Tepe Qeshlaq, Tepe Kalnan, Tepe Karvansara, and Tepe Soha Chai cycle of highland producer and consumers during the fifth millennium BC. Current evidence, particularly the proximity and accessibility of copper resources in Qazvin plain and the high areas of the western margins of the Central Iranian Plateau and the presence of casting tools, objects and molds in most “Plum Ware”-bearing settlements such as Tepe Ghabristan, Maral Tepe Ozbaki, Tepe Godin, Tepe Qeshlaq and Tepe Karvansara, which undeniably help confirm the copper production process in these areas and plum / Godin VII people's specialization in metalwork, reinforces the hypothesis that a group of desentary or pastoral communities scattered along the central plateau to the northern and central regions of Zagros had interactions in the late fifth millennium BC and were specialized in the production and processing of copper objects. Some excavated sites such as Tepe Karvansara and Seh Gabi in the central Zagros represent direct evidence of copper production within the domestic spaces. Therefore, exchange of commodities and trade of copper is a good example, led to cultural integration between the fifth millennium BC communities of central Zagros and central plateau. Moreover, Tepe Qomrud was a key area for trade of copper in the fifth millennium BC and, like other chalcolithic sites in the central Iranian plateau such as Tepe Cheshmeh Ali, Tepe Ghabristan, Tepe Shizar, and Ismail Abad has been obtained important evidence of metalwork processes from archaeological excavations of Tepe Qomrud (Kaboli, 2015) which are clear indications of copper related activities in this area. In recent paper published by Vidale (Vidale et al 2018) technological centralization/standardization and specialization of ceramic and copper production was seen as the main characteristics of central plateau commonalities during the fifth millennium BC., With caution of cultural/historical approaches it seems“Plume Ware” is parts of techno/cultural innovations of late fifth millennium BC in central Zagros and diffused to the north central plateau of Iran. More or less, we know that such ceramic tradition is visible in some north central plateau settlements c.4200 BC while based on the current data this tradition was started in Godin VII period more or less around at the same time sphere. We observe that if the origins of “Plume Ware” back to central Zagros, then by the movement of population this tradition made progress within many settlements in central plateau in less than few generations. This study reveals that the similarity “Plum Ware” with Dalma and Godin VII tradition and also similarity “painted buff pottery of Qomrud with Fars and southwest sites, reinforcing the theory of the existence of cultural interactions between these regions. We assume that although cultures in the Iranian plateau have shared mechanisms of social complexities but, each region has to be examined its own cultural biomass. The need for strategic commodities such as copper and status goods during the fifth millennium BC led to cultural communication and interactions among the mentioned societies. This paper attempts to provide a new insight into the extent of cultural interactions in the Iranian plateau during the fifth millennium.

Abstract Elymais regions include the elevated plains and valleys of Bakhtiary Mountains in east of Karun River and in fact it is the northeast of Khozestan province. Although the exact determining of the region extend is difficult but during its life the extend has changed in terms of the new conquests of parthians and some more or less important parts of Elymais were dominated by small neighboring states. In the Seleucids era and especially during the parthians era the regions which are now located in Ize, Shoshtar, Dezful, Ahvaz and even Susa were completely under influences of Elymaises. So far in the Elymais region some reliefs are discovered and introduced and every few years one or more samples are added to this category such as Sang-e Mahi relief in Andika region. The subject of this sample displays the war scene like other reliefs. So far the war scenes are not specially addressed, while the effect of this issue is absolutely obvious in the Elymais reliefs and Sasanian period. This issue is pointed in literature, poetries and stories. Besides introducing the new relief of Sang-e Mahi, some other reliefs displaying the war scenes of Elymais part are examined and the Elymais artistic relationship with Sasanian art will be discussed in this paper.  

Abstract With seven cities, four districts, and 2514 square kilometers, Rudbar city is the largest city in the south of Gilan province. Environmental capabilities such as crossing the Sefid-rud River through the central part of Rudbar and being located in the connection route of the Central Plateau with northern Iran have long made this region the focus of groups and human communities. Hence, it has led to the scattering of countless sites throughout the region in the form of hills, cemeteries, and ancient sites. Between 2006 and 2010, among the 45 sites studied in the studied area, 19 sites from the Parthian period were identified with the cultural materials of this period. Descriptively and in the field, the present study has examined the topography, geographical location, access roads, and water resources of the works, as well as the cultural materials and pathology of the sites. Most of the surveyed areas include cemeteries and several small settlements. Limitation of environmental potentials is one of the most important factors that have prevented the formation of cities and large population centers in the region. Given the existence of pastures, forests, and water resources, it seems that the life of the people of this region at the same time as agriculture was based on animal husbandry. Additionally, the common way of life has been semi-nomadic (vertical style). Along a valley from the lowest to the highest point above sea level, the similarity of pottery and burials illustrates this well. In this study, most of the pottery of historical and Parthian periods was obtained in red, orange, dark brown, and generally polished, respectively. Most burials have simple pits, stone tumulus, catacombs, stone framed, and sometimes megaliths and jars. Comparable to other contemporaries, these burials are such as Vaskeh, Maian Rud, Maryan of Talesh and Rezvanshahr, and Coty deylaman Castles, Shahpir, Kaluraz, Juben and Chereh of Rudbar in Gilan, Germi in Azerbaijan and Biston in western Iran. The earthenware pieces of the sites are often polished and divided into two types, simple and decorative. The number of decorative pottery pieces was more than other species

Abstract Due to the written history of urbanization, the City of Bishapur is counted as one of the Sassanid era's valuable examples. Through this city, valuable buildings and monuments were obtained, including the temple of Anahita, hall of Chalipa, eastern and western Ivans (loggias), and related ornaments such as stucco and mosaic. The eastern mosaic Ivan (loggia) is one of the fundamental discoveries and components of the Bishapour royal citadel (Figure5), built in front of Anahita temple, Valerian palace, and hall of Chalipa. This Ivan has the most sets of intact mosaics. It is believed that the Roman prisoners (captured during the battle of Shahpour I and Valerian) were among the first people to teach the Iranians the art of mosaic imagery. May we emphasize that this story cannot be accepted for certain and requires further research. Today, studying the images on mosaics and comparing them with available historical and religious data gives us a new opportunity to interpret them differently than what our ancestors have been telling us for all these years and centuries. Comparing these images with those engraved on Sasanid plates tells us how Anahita (Persian goddess of fertility and wisdom) provides blessings and wisdom for kings and emperors. There is a strong possibility that these mosaics are dated back to Narseh's reign, 7th Sasanid king, and Shahpur I son.
The Bishapur eastern mosaic porch (Ivan) is the precious remnant of the Sassanid era in which the greatest amount and most intact mosaics were obtained. The art of creating images using mosaic was pretty much rare in Iran. It is considered that this art found its way to Iran through Roman captivity after the war of ShapurI and Valerian. The study of the mosaic Ivan ornaments is important because it helps us know more about the city's use and historical interventions in it. Neglecting some of the details in motifs and attribution of making these decorations to Roman captives made it necessary to re-examine mosaics and their details. A review of the mosaic motifs and comparing them with historical and religious documents represent a new interpretation that can lead to a more understanding of the construction time and a clearer view of eastern Ivan's role within the royal palace.
The purpose of this article is to re-read the mosaic motifs of the eastern Ivan to understand the architectural use of the mosaic Ivan, the possible period of construction, and understanding the story told by mosaics. This historical and descriptive study was conducted by comparing the images and motifs. Based on the results and findings of comparing mosaic motifs with reliefs and the same motifs on dishes and containers, the mosaics' images can be considered a glorious ceremony of giving splendor by the goddess Anahita to an important person (Figure 7). But who is this person?
Considering the incompleteness of the mosaic motifs in the northwest and southwest fronts of the Ivan, it is impossible to express the person's identity in question (Figure 9). Still, by reviewing historical events and examining the fundamental changes in the art of this period during different years, perhaps a new hypothesis can be put forward about the possibility of building an Ivan by someone other than Shapur I. The first step is to search among the people who showed the most attention towards the goddess Anahita and showed her their support. The importance of this goddess is evident in the Sassanid Dynasty. But what is the reason for not attributing the mosaics to the Shapur I?
With Shapur I's arrival, the image of Anahita was removed from coins and was replaced by Ahura Mazda. While even the quality of implementation of motifs is not the same as the similar examples built by the Romans in Antioch (Figure 4), how can solely because of the presence of Roman captives at Bishapur, assign the construction of mosaics to them? Also, Ivan's space in Bishapour is different from the Ivans in other royal buildings in the Sassanid period (Figure 1). Neither of these two porches is located along the principal axes of the Chalipa Hall. This is so obvious that Girshman does not consider the period of construction of the mosaic Ivan and the hall of Chalipa to be simultaneous. Sarfaraz has also found another layer of red mortar under the mosaic layer of the mosaic courtyard (western mosaic Ivan), which was thought to be the oldest flooring layer.
Before examining Anahita's clothing, it is necessary to return to the issue of the dissimilarity of the Ivan with other spaces called Ivan in royal palaces. Lionel Bier believes that the discovered parts are a small part of a larger building. Azarnoush also considers the two buildings of the west and east Ivans along with the Chalipa Hall as a temple for the worship of Anahita. According to this, the Bishapour royal citadel plan was compared with the plan of an important religious complex such as Takht-e Soleiman. The number of similar cases in terms of plan form and the arrangement of spaces and structure is so numerous that the possibility of religious use for Bishapour can be considered probable (Figure 2).
Furthermore, during the first Hormozd, Anahita's dress was different on the coins than the clothes in the mosaics of Bishapur. In the coins related to the second Bahram, her crown lacks a bullet above the head. So, the first similarities in the motifs of mosaics with Anahita are visible from the period of Narseh. According to Girshman, in the third century AD, the Sassanids' woolen and silk fabrics rarely had a pattern. We should consider that the use of patterns on the fabric has probably become common with the construction of weaving centers in Khuzestan by Shapur II (Table1). In terms of clothes, hair, and narrated subjects, mosaics' motifs have tremendous similarities with relief and motifs of coin attributed to the Anahita in the next periods. Also, there are some similarities in the description of the fifth Yasht regarding Anahita's appearance with a piece of the mosaic decorated with the woman lying on the pillow. Therefore, it should be studied in the history between 276 to 379 AD from Bahram II to Shapur II. Finally, by comparing the motifs of Mosaic Ivan with other remaining motifs of the goddess Anahita on the coins of the Sassanid period, the motifs attributed to Anahita on the carvings and sculptures discovered from the Arbabi mansion of Hajiabad, it was concluded that the motifs implemented on the mosaics are completely Iranian in terms of faces, clothes, and sitting posture. The weakness in the implementation of the motifs and the method of preparing the Bishapour mosaics is probably due to the implementation of those who learned this art from Roman captives in the past and later performed it at the request of the king. During these 100 years, one of the people who explicitly mentions the goddess Anahita is Narseh, Shapur I's son. Since his monarchy has been taken away, he clearly turns to Anahita and receives the ring of power from her (Figure 6). Narseh owes this victory to the goddess Anahita's support, so he wants to show the power, glory, and support of Anahita. The best place for this is his hometown, which was established by the order of the powerful Sassanid king, Shapur I. According to the issues mentioned above, it is more likely that the mosaics were made by order of Narseh to thank the goddess Anahita and to show her support in a city that is probably a collection for the worship of this goddess.
 

Abstract Tomb Street (Khiaban-Mazar) is described as a complex where the tombs are located on either side of a passageway. “Khiaban-e Herat” (Herat Street) is also a cemetery with tombs along its main axis, and it is one of the most unique and ancient examples of Mazar Street in Khorasan. This article aims to examine the process of early developments in Khiaban-Mazar-e Herat, study the evolution of Herat’s urban development during the Mongol-Ilkhanid era and compare it with the developments in Tabriz, the capital of Ilkhanid empire, analyze the similarities and differences between the developments in the two cities and finally evaluate the impacts that these urban changes have had on the  expansion process of Khiaban-Mazar-e Herat. The research has been done by the historical-analytical method. This research shows that urban development in Herat was remarkably similar to Tabriz; in Herat, just like in Tabriz, the Mongols were extending the suburbs of the city and establishing commercial uses and aristocratic palace gardens. The process of expansion of Herat’s suburbs was so widespread that Herat’s ruler, imitating the “Ghazani Wall” in Tabriz, built a massive wall around Herat to encompass all of its new suburbs. With the construction of this wall, Herat’s Mazar Street was divided into two parts, North and South, and the south part of the wall within the boundary of the city was separated from the cemetery and led to various uses in Herat.

Abstract Abstract
The period between the third and sixth centuries CE (Sassanian period) is of great importance in terms of archaeology and the study of cultural developments and transformations in the Iranian plateau. During this period, the manufacture and use of metal objects, especially precious metals, reached its peak in terms of the art and elegance of metalworking. These great developments in the metalworking industry, in addition to the effects on metal objects used in everyday life, also had an impact on metal grave goods. For this reason, we witness the existence of beautiful and exquisite objects in terms of art in the cemeteries of the Sassanid period. The main goal of this research is to examine the form and decorations of metal vessels discovered in the cemeteries of the Sassanid period in northern Iran in order to obtain comprehensive information about the manufacturing technology, use, and designs used on these vessels. The data of this research have been collected and studied based on archaeological excavations. The results of the research show that the most common types of metal vessels discovered in this region include; bowls, cups, goblets, jars, and plates. In addition to their daily use, these vessels indicate a kind of social and political status of their owners and in some cases serve as reserves and capital in commercial relations. Also, most of the metal vessels discovered from the Sassanid cemeteries of this region were made of silver and bronze. These vessels were mainly made by casting and hammering. Most of the discovered vessels are without patterns, but some of the vessels have animal, bird, human, and geometric designs.
Keywords: Grave Goods, Metal Containers, Northern Iran, Survey.
 
1. Introduction
Iran is an ancient land whose civilization extends back several millennia, and the material remains of this long history are preserved in its artistic and archaeological record. Among the most significant elements in the development of human societies is metal, which played a transformative role in technological innovation and social organization. Indeed, archaeologists have long employed the use of metals as a foundational criterion for periodizing and classifying past civilizations, underscoring the centrality of metallurgy in human history, including that of Iran. The period between the third and sixth centuries CE, corresponding to the Sasanian period, is of particular importance for archaeological research and for understanding cultural transformations across the Iranian plateau. During this era, the production and use of metal objects, especially those crafted from precious metal, reached an exceptional level of technical sophistication and artistic refinement. Sasanian metalwork not only achieved remarkable aesthetic and technological standards but also circulated beyond the political boundaries of the empire, attesting to its wide cultural influence. These significant developments in metallurgy affected both utilitarian and ceremonial objects. As a result, Sasanian cemeteries have yielded numerous finely crafted artifacts distinguished by their artistic quality. Many of these objects were produced from a variety of metals, including gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Metal vessels, in particular, constitute a prominent category among these finds. Such items have been recovered—often through archaeological excavations conducted in regions formerly under Sasanian control—including areas in northern Iran, where important discoveries have been made.
 
2. Analysis and decision
The purpose of this study is to investigate the metal vessels discovered in tombs of the Sasanian period in the southern region of northern Iran, with particular attention to their form and decoration. Accordingly, all identified metal vessels are examined and analyzed on the basis of their morphology, decorative motifs, function, material composition, and manufacturing techniques in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of these objects. In terms of its aims, this article constitutes basic research, and with regard to its nature and methodology, it adopts a historical-cultural approach. The data for this study were collected through two primary methods: museum visits and documentary (library-based) research. The analysis is qualitative in nature. Owing to its strategic geographical position, favorable climate, substantial population, and role in defending against external threats, the southern region of northern Iran (Map 1) consistently held significance for the Sasanian government. During the Sasanian period, this region alternated between functioning as a province under central authority and operating as a semi-independent polity; such shifts reflect broader historical developments within the area. Archaeological excavations conducted at Sasanian-period sites and cemeteries in northern Iran (Table 1) have yielded a substantial number of metal vessels (Table 2). Sasanian artisans produced vessels for various social strata, and decorative schemes originally employed on gold and silver wares were often imitated in bronze, iron, copper, glass, and glazed pottery, providing an additional basis for typological classification. The research indicates that five principal categories of vessels have been recovered from Sasanian tombs in this region: (1) bowls, which appear in diverse forms and are generally round containers with relatively high walls used for storing, carrying, and consuming food and liquids; an example was recovered from the Sasanian tomb at Qaleh Kangloo in Savadkuh County, Mazandaran Province (Fig. 1); (2) cups, typically made of bronze or silver and used for drinking liquids such as water or milk, with examples discovered in the Black Valley of Gilan Province (Fig. 2); (3) beakers, used for drinking and storing liquids, with specimens identified at Rahmatabad Rudbar, Amarloo, and Siah in Gilan Province (Figs. 3 and 4); (4) ewers (tangs), commonly manufactured in bronze or silver and employed for storing and pouring liquids, with examples from Deylaman and Rahmatabad Rudbar in Gilan Province (Fig. 5); and (5) plates, among the most common Sasanian vessel types, generally circular and shallow with a flat base, used for dining as well as ceremonial or decorative purposes, most often produced in silver and bronze, sometimes plain and sometimes ornamented, with examples recovered from Rashi, Pir Kooh Amarloo, and Siah Darreh in Gilan Province (Figs. 6–8).
 
3. Conclusion
Based on the sample of metal vessels examined in this study, it can be concluded that the southern region of northern Iran constituted one of the principal centers of metal vessel production during the Sasanian period. The most common types of metal vessels recovered from Sasanian cemeteries in this region include bowls, cups, goblets, ewers, and plates. Beyond their everyday functions, such as storing, serving, eating, and drinking, these objects also signified the social and political status of their owners and, in certain cases, functioned as stores of wealth, capital assets, or even as a medium of exchange in commercial transactions. The majority of the vessels discovered in Sasanian cemeteries in this area were crafted from silver and bronze, although examples featuring gilded decoration have also been identified. Most of these objects were produced using casting techniques, while hammering was employed in a more limited number of cases. A significant proportion of the recovered vessels are plain and undecorated; however, some examples display carved ornamentation or applied decorative motifs. These motifs include representations of animals—such as rams, horses, lions, mountain goats, and fish—birds, including partridges and ducks, as well as human figures and geometric designs. Overall, the evidence suggests that these motifs were not merely decorative but conveyed cultural and symbolic meanings, with artistic expression serving as a medium through which broader ideological and spiritual concepts were communicated. In some instances, the imagery reflects the ideals and belief systems of the communities that produced and used these vessels.

Abstract Khole-Kū is located in the south of Takestan and on the border of Qazvin plain. This site was sounding during an archaeological project in the spring of 2011. The pottery materials found by this excavation indicated for the site to have been succesivly occupied from prehistory to Islamic periods. In this article we performed a classification framework based on the typological characteristics of the prehistoric potteries by which four types of ceramics were identified: simple, painted, standard and Cheshmeh Ali types. In order to gain a relative chronology for the different types we compared them with those potteries of Central Plateau in the same horizon. According to the relative chronology and pottery similarities, the prehistoric materials of Khole-Kū can be placed in the Late Transitional Chalcolithic period that is dated at 5200-4600 BC.

Abstract ‌Southern basin of Urmia Lake has faced the significant political, cultural, and artistic evolutions during the first millennium BC. Rising and development of local governments caused progresses in arts especially in the metal working productions. Gargul belt was discovered fragmentarily in 2009 at Gargul village about 35 Km to Hasanlu. The belt was discovered as nine fragmentary pieces of a 95 cm bronze plate. The main centrally decoration of the belt has been worked on the buckle. Although, manufacturer did not focus on details in Gargul belt, apparently the depictions inspired by Assyrian and created out by local artist. At 1st millennium BC, there are local, Assyrian, Urartu, and sometimes Schythian artistic styles at southern basin of Urmia Lake, however, Gargul belt clearly would introduce a local artistic style that is apparent in the findings from Hasanlu, Ziwyeh and Ghalaichi which have been  partially comparable to Mannaean art. The belt of Gargul can be attributed to one of rulers or commanders of Gilzanu at 2nd half of 9th century or later when the Solduz plain was occupied by Urartuians.

Abstract Survey and analysis of different distinctive conservation/restoration periods in Persepolis (from 1931 until present time) shows that the conservation approaches were mainly based on  archaeological investigations and after that, the emphasis was made on the Venice Charter. The main aim of this paper is to analyze and evaluate these conservation/restoration approaches as well as decisions made during these phases in Persepolis, considering the significance and status of heritage values in the decision making processes. For this purpose, the history of the historic site was studied from various sociological perspectives. In addition, examinations were made on the conservation/restoration activities using existing documents and conducting field works. This study shows that the conservation decisions were chiefly based on political and social variations and not solely on the authentic values attributed to the monument. Furthermore the physical characteristics of the site have always been the dominant criteria for the actual conservation/restoration activities, while there are more needs for considerable spiritual, value-based approaches to plan effective conservation/restoration projects.

Abstract The approximate one century of Ilkhanid dominions in Iran, was a priory in flourishing such an innovation styles of Architectural and Urban designing in Islamic ages of which clarifying its different dimensions has been less considered. Parallel to this attitude, investigating the architectural form of Ali Shah’s Mosque in terms of the greatest ever made religious architecture in Iran would be among the most prominent issues related to the medieval construction methods during Islamic ages. Using descriptive analytical methods besides library studies as well as reviewing historical documents around Ali Shah’s Mosque in Tabriz and its overlapping with archaeological excavation’s results followed by in Ali Shah site, this project is aimed to recognize the architectural combination and the spatial appearance of Ali Shah Mosque. According to the results and considering the sequence of religious architectural movement through Ilkhanid era, it is obvious that aside from the usual construction language that can be seen in Ghazaniya and Sultaniya, focusing on bilateral units, not only the loftiest ever made arch of Islamic world was made in Ali Shah’s span, but also one of the highest chamber dome of those ages had been created in this structure.

Abstract The communities of the Kura- Araxes cultural complex with their highly distinctive cultural and economic features represent the occupation of some parts of the Near East and Caucasia during the Bronze Age.  Generally, the origin of this culture is sought in the Southern Caucasus. In Iran, the spread of this cultural tradition represents not only a rupture in the cultural development of the Mesopotamian traditions. Environmental changes linked to Rapid Climate Change (RCC) also forced the population to develop new economic strategies. Until about two decades ago, knowledge of the flourishing Kura Araxes occupation was limited to the north-west of the country and to some parts of the Central Zagros, but recent research in the zones south and north of the Alborz Mountain Range, on the northern edge of the Central Plateau allows by now to present a more detailed picture of the Kura Araxes occupation in both diachronic and synchronic perspective. Recent archaeological excavations in the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe revealed some important new data from Kura-Araxes settlements in the corridor of the north Central Plateau and northwestern Iran. The two sites are located in the eastern Zanjan Province in the Abhar Rood Basin. This paper aims to update the chronology of the Kura-Araxes culture based on the radiocarbon dates from the two sites of Qaleh Tepe and Ali Yourd Tepe. The stratigraphy and radiocarbon dates of the two sites reveal the beginning of the Kura-Araxes culture in the region from c. 2900 BCE, followed by a quick extension into the northern Central Plateau, where it is represented by sites such as Shizar, Doranabad, Ostur, and Barlekin. Similarity and diversity characterize the Kura-Araxes cultural complex.  However, based on the current data, the ceramic style represents a common feature, but also the architectural remains indicate a common cultural tradition during the first quarter of the third millennium BCE in the Central Zagros, northwestern Iran, and on the Central Plateau

Abstract The Persepolis clay tablets (dating back to Darius the Great) and the Mesopotamian archives from the time of Cyrus the Great as well as the historical reports from the time of Alexander the Great, each mentions a geographical location embracing political, official and trading importance somewhere on the northern coast of Persian gulf. The present paper at the first step aims at representing the most probable geographic situation for locating the mentioned sites by reviewing all existing textual resources. We conclude through this reviw that all actual location of some mentioned sites to a certain extent may be located inside the triangle of Bushehr, Borazjan and Ganaveh districts. Then at the second part by comparing textual sources with archaeological evidence we suggested that the most probable place for the Tamukkan, Tahmakah or Taoke would be located in somewhere in Borazjan plain which has been served as a port in the complex system of marine routes during the Achaemenids connecting the farthest parts of the empire especially the southern side of the Persian Gulf with Makka in the modern Omman.

Abstract Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari province witnesses a long period of human occupations. It is due to for the geography and environmental factors such as its location on the highly mountainous regions as well as the existence of permanent water resources, small plains, deep valleys and the presence of tribal and nomadic roads. One of these mountainous regions is the Laran County, which is in fact a relatively long valley with smaller suburbs. This section includes the southern aquiferous of Zayandeh-Rud Basin and its branches and the eastern portion of the Karoon River Basin. This region is perhaps one of the few areas of the country where no major archaeological activities have been performed yet. Considering the geographical location and environmental capabilities of the area, carrying out an archaeological survey with the aim of understanding the location of the region in the archaeological studies in Zagros, identifying the factors affecting to the formation, continuity, expansion and disruption of its settlements, and assessing the history of human life developments in the region is necessary. Accordingly, the Laran County was systematic surveyed in 2010. Overall, 210 archaeological sites from the Neolithic period to the contemporary era were identified and recorded. The remains discovered include sites, hills, caves and shelters, cemeteries, bridges, mosques and shrine. In total, 4 settlements from the Neolithic period, 20 settlements of various periods of Chalcolithic, 6 settlements from the Bronze Age 32 sites of the Iron and Achaemenid period, 60 sites from the Parthian and Sassanian periods and 111 ancient sites of the Islamic period were identified. Most of the settlements in this area are located at low altitude and their surface findings have been very poor. Due to the location and morphology of these sites, as well as the studies of the remains of the living nomadic peoples, it seems that most of them are used seasonally. This article is intended to present the preliminary results of this survey work.

Abstract Extensive or intensive methods in archeological surveys are amongst the most common practical techniques in identifying phenomena, cultural changes and cultural ecosystem. Studying and identifying plains, valleys and different regions would definitely have many results which can ultimately lead to a comprehensive database about ancient societies and their interactions. Different plains on the slopes of Alvand, a subrange of the Zagros Mountains in western Iran, including Tuyserkan plain in eastern central Zagros have always been the center of human societies with high potentials as settlements for primary societies. Regarding the research project of “investigating, identifying, complementary documenting and registering the ancient sits of Tuyserkan County” this region was intensively surveyed during the winter of 2012 and archeological studies were conducted with the aim of recognizing and registering illegible historical and ancient sites. On the basis of this survey 44 sites from chalcolithic to recent Islamic periods were identified, including 3 chalcolithic sites, 4 Bronze Age sites and only 2 Iron Age sites. Dalma ceramics and painted stemware known as BOB are the featured ceramics of chalcolithic period in this region, while Bronze Age is featured with Yaniq ceramics and Iron Age with buff ware and gray ware ceramics. The present study aims in studying and analyzing the expansion pattern and spatial distribution of human settlements in this area from chalcolithic to Iron Age and estimating the archaeological hierarchy of these sites and their spatial relations on western side of Alvand mountain range among themselves and with their adjacent cultural areas.

Abstract In the fourth Millennium BC, as the societies became more complex and with the formation of Uruk culture and the sophisticated social and economic mechanisms behind it, we are confronted with the different forms of cultural, social, political, and economic interactions among societies in the southern and northern Mesopotamia as far as Anatolia and Syria. Despite varied hypothesis, the precise mechanism of Uruk material dispersal and the intercultural impacts or influences in this period are still unknown to us. On the other hand, contemporary with the final phase of the distribution of Uruk period’s material in Syria and Anatolia, another waves of movements with different mechanism were happening in the southern Caucasus and northwestern Iran. Interestingly, between theses waves of movements, in some geographical spots such as eastern Anatolia or western Iran, the interaction or collide of theses traditions are demonstrated. Study and examination of the dissemination mechanism of Uruk culture, and its interaction with Kura-Araxes cultural tradition in theses interaction spheres are the issues that we address in this article.

Abstract A joint team from University of Tehran and Leicester University carried out a first season of archaeological exploration of Zoroastrian societies in Maybod of Yazad province during May of 2016 for two weeks. Historical archaeology is in its infant stage in Iran while most of data in nowadays due to the modernity has been disappeared and therefore, any researches can be considered as salvage program. The aim of this research is to answer some historical archaeology approach concerning social history and ritual activities of the last communities of Zoroastrian societies of Yazd province based on the analysis of architectural layout and ethnographic data. In this paper we represent the preliminary report of the survey results of Mazra’e Kalantar and Hassan Abad villages. In this paper we have clarified the architectural patterns and the typology of buildings of Zoroastrian communities. We have analyzed two different buildings types of religious and domestic spaces of Mazra’e Kalantar and Hassan Abad villages. The second part of this paper has focused on the ethnographic results in order to achieve a holistic understanding of life experience based on the historical knowledge of native people. The second season of this project will help us to focus more on the cultural interaction of the present and past societies of the above mentioned region.

Abstract < p dir="ltr">The mountainous region of Northern Khorasan, north-eastern Iran is rich in rock art complexes including several petroglyphic and rock-painting sites. The rock paintings at Takke rock-shelter near Bojnord is one of the four recorded pictographs in the Atrak River Basin depicting a hunting scene. The panel shows a human with a spear accompanied by several dogs pursuing various species of wild animals in a hilly and wooded landscape. Most of the animals are depicted between the trees on steep footpaths. The Takke pictograms are the only identified rock paintings in Iran and the neighboring regions depicting a dog-assisted hunting scene in a forest zone characterized by several species of plants and animals. The plant and animal diversity in the panel as well as certain landmarks such as animal tracks could perhaps be interpreted as an attempt to illustrate features of the natural local landscape which is a rare phenomenon in the corpus of Iranian rock art. On stylistic grounds, the Takke pictograms appear to date between the Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age. Located in the foothills and upland zone suitable for nomadic hunting groups, mobile pastoralists, and herding population, the pictograms of Takke, like other rock art complexes of Northern Khorasan, appear to linked to pastoral models of subsistence during prehistoric period.

Abstract Burial traditions have not been formed all at once and in the long term numerous factors and variables have played a role in its formation and continuation or obsolescence. Among these factors, we can mention the influence and contacts made between different cultures, and in the meantime, Zoroastrian culture can not be an exception to this rule and it can be said that the burial practice in the Zoroastrian religion (Ossuary) probably has a long history among different ethnic groups and nations, and these cultures were influential in adopting the burial practice (Ossuary) in the Zoroastrian religion. Similar to the burial practice (Ossuary) in the Zoroastrian religion, it has been found in the Iranian plate and Levant and Central Asian in the Epipaleolithic period to the late Bronze Age. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between the secondary burial practice during the Epipaleolithic period and the time of the advent of Zoroastrian religion and its effect on the burial method in Zoroastrianism. Accordingly, the present research seeks to answer the following questions: How early on and how did the burial data of archaeology come from? And what is the connection between the method of the second burial and burial in Zoroastrianism?. The method of this research is descriptive-analytical, based on archaeological reports. In the present study, information was obtained from archaeological reports and published articles about various sites of Iran's plateau and Levant and Central Asia, of which secondary burials have been discovered. The philosophy of doing this burial method could be different or a reason other than respect for nature, and these secondary burials were probably carried out by non-sedentry groups that used permanent sites for burial and probably died somewhere outside the facility, and the possibility of transferring bodies to There were no grounds for burial, so the deceased were abandoned in the same place, and later, after the loss of soft tissues, the bones were collected and buried in the graves in the site

Abstract The Old City of Sirjan site that is located about 11 km southeast of present-day Sirjan is the remains of the city from the Sassanid period to Middle Islamic centuries, which has been mentioned in historical and geographical sources as the capital of Kerman Province. All written historical sources highlight the political and cultural significance of this city in southeastern Iran in early Islamic centuries. Despite the fact that the Old City of Sirjan played a key role in the early Islamic centuries as the seat of Kerman province, archaeological studies on this city are still very rare. Written sources provide valuable information regarding this era; however, issues such as social structure, economic and cultural activities of the residents have been neglected. During the studies carried out by the authors of this paper on the arena of the city, considerable and variety of cultural material including pottery and glassware pieces were discovered. The volume variety of these discoveries raised questions as to the time and place of crafting, living of the craftsmen, industrial workshops, crafting and decoration techniques and artistic aspects of these remains. Current study aims to present the classification, typology and relative chronology of the glassware found in the arena of Old City of Sirjan this is done in order to determine their technical and decorative characteristics and compare the acquired data with those of the adjacent areas in the early Islamic centuries. The data were obtained through systematic surface survey and were evaluated using a descriptive-analytical methodology. The study revealed that the Old City of Sirjan glassware were produced through free blowing or blowing into the mould and were decorated through techniques such as moulded patterns, sculpture, carvings and stamping. The mass production of glassware in the old Sirjan proves that during 3rd - 5th AH, the city of Sirjan acted as the great prosperity center for glassware products

Abstract The Neyriz Plain, which is located between Kerman and Fars provinces, with an area of around 240km² has hosted important settlements belonging to the Islamic era (Figure 1). In order to identifying these settlements and to determine their chronological order, a systematic surface survey was carried out by the authors at the first season of 2017. The first step was to study the ceramic fragments collected from surface survey, and compare them on the basis of similarities of their forms, fabric and decoration. Based on the results of data analysis, the ceramics were classified into eight main categories. So, the main aim of this paper is to perform classification, typification, and propose a relative chronology of the collected potteries from Islamic period sites from the Neyriz Plain. The results suggest a strong relation between the ceramics belonging to the Early to Mid-Islamic era (11-16 cetury AD) and the eastern Iranian civilizations, such as Sirjan. For instance, the slip-painted and polychrome Sgraffiato potteries have considerable similarity to those obtained from Sirjan. Indeed, the Neyriz plain may be considered as one of the main distribution areas of the slip-painted potteries of Sirjan. Moreover, the ceramics dated 13-17 centuries AD are indication of the cultural ties and trade relations between this region of Fars province with Nishabur, Kerman and Sistan regions of Iran.
The main aim of this paper is to perform classification, typification, and to propose a relative chronology of the collected potteries from Islamic period sites from the Neyriz Plain. The objectives are to compare Neyriz Plain potteries to similar ones from other Islamic archaeological sites, and to recognize inter and intraregional connections of the ancient settlements of this plain and other ceramic production centers. The present research aims answer the question of to what extend settlements of the Neyriz Plain find cultural relation to other Iranian Islamic settlements? And how much study of ceramic fragments will reveal such relationships? Primary investigation of historical sources indicates interregional cultural ties between Neyriz and Shiraz (on the west), and Kerman and Sirjan provinces (from the east). Furthermore, considering the location of Neyriz Plain on the main route between Shiraz to Kerman corridor, vast cultural ties can be imagined between Neyriz Plain settelement and eastern Iranian cities, such as Sirjan, Kerman and even Nishabour on the northeast of Iran.
The present research adopts a descriptive-analytical method in both fieldwork and bibliographical studies. Fieldworks consist of pottery findings, typology, and classification of findings (based on similarities of their forms, and decorative elements), while bibliographic activities include literature survey, similar findings, and suggestive dating. Although there have been efforts in investigating pottery data of northern coasts of the Persian Gulf, there is little information on regional data, especially areas between Fars, Kerman, and Mokran (northern area of Persian Gulf) during early Islamic periods. Neyriz, located at the eastern Fars Province on the Shiraz to Sirjan trade corridor, is a marvelous ancient region with remarkable sites. Further to identification of 63 sites at Neyriz Plain, some 911 potsherds recovered from the Bakun to late Islamic periods. The authors focus on 440 Islamic fragments, which were generally divided into two unglazed (214 pieces), and glazed (226 pieces) sherds. Considering their form, temper, impurity and decorations, they were categorized to eight main groups, towards chronological comparison against other similar samples.
 Unglazed potteries include two slipped ones and potteries with incised and stamped decorations, which are characteristically the majority in the collection and consisted of two groups of thickly slipped potteries (Figure 2). Glazed samples include six main groups of monochrome, Sgraffito, splashed, slipped painted, underglaze painting, and painting on glaze ceramics. The potteries reveal information about patterns of production, consumption, and distribution of pottery during different periods. Thick slipped potteries date to Sassanid to early Islamic periods (3-8 centuries AD). Considering incised designs under slips and color of slips within the group, it appears that all four groups are from the same period. The first group, with thick slip and fine temper, from Williamson Collection, date to 2^nd century BC to 7^th AD century (Priestman, 2005: 232-234, 402, Pl. 82-84). It appears, considering incised designs with similar themes, they are later than the other three groups, while they date to a same period. It is confirmable following absence of the same findings from two other Parthian sites in Neyriz Plain. Potteries with incised designs frequently associated with potteries with stamped, and cylindrical designs, similar to findings from Sirjan and Qasr-i-Abu Nasr (Whitcomb, 1985: 122, 135).
However, turquoise glaze is the most common monochrome glaze; it is the most abundant one. On the other hand, there are other monochrome glazes that characteristically are significant in the pottery studies. The white mono chrome pottery that is one of the particles of the “Samarra Horizon”, has several production centers including Sirjan (Williamson, 1987: 15), which appears an indication of a bigger pattern of relations, comparing to previous period. The green mono chrome glazed pottery that is very similar to the same color Sgraffito is reported also as findings of eastern coasts of Africa. The turquoise mono chrome glaze with earthen temper, vastly range many forms and quality of glaze that date as wide as Sassanid to Late Islamic periods, for continuity of production and consumption. The other type is stone paste that mainly appears as open form vessels and date to 11-13 century.   
Slip painted wares of Neyriz are similar to the findings from Sirjan, which appears, as a characteristic pottery within 10^th and 11^th centuries AD, as an indication of more relations to Sirjan. Potteries with splashed and Sgraffito glaze are chronologically and technically similar, which indicate a penetration of Sirjan to Neyriz. Pottery with underglaze paintings from group 1 are similar to findings from other centers including Kashan, Gorgan, and Soltan Abad that had commercial relations. Such pottery can be found in other areas of Iran as well. The underglaze painted Potteries from group 2 indicate commercial relation to the regions such as Nishapur and Samarqand, of which productions have found in other regions including southern Africa. Black painting under turquoise glaze potteries are of common types dated to 13-17 centuries. Blue and white potteries produced at various centers, the closest one Kirman. Turquoise & Black Underglaze-Painted Ware, Blue and White Underglaze-Painted are similar to findings from Keram and Sistan that indicate vast inter regional cultural relation. The absence of some mostly known Islamic potteries including moulded Celadon, and luster ceramics are of the other issues, significant in studies of potteries of Neyriz Plain, which probably is for lack of production and circulation of the wares in the region.
 

Abstract Abstract
Despite the destruction of sites over the past few decades, development activities, including dam construction, have created opportunities for exploring ancient sites. Among the dams where a large number of sites were explored within the catchment area is the Chamshir Dam in Gachsaran County, located in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province. Within the dam’s catchment area, according to surveys and excavations conducted in the years 2020 and 2022, many sites related to the pre- and post-Islamic eras have been identified. One of these valuable sites, which was excavated during the salvage excavation of 2022, along with seventeen other sites, is site number 33. Although there was not enough time to present the research plan and conduct a targeted exploration of the site, it was nevertheless determined during the survey and excavation, and based on the architectural and cultural remains, that this site was used as a temporary settlement by the nomads of the region during the early Islamic centuries until the Pahlavi period. At the end of the archaeological activity in this area, a rural context including houses, a mosque, a cemetery, and a single building of unknown use was discovered, excavated, and documented. All the architectural structures of this rural context were made of local materials, rubble, and rubble stone. This activity yielded a large number of pottery, several pieces of glass, and a very worn and illegible coin. It seems that this village was used seasonally. The purpose of exploring this site, in addition to rescue activities, is to identify and document the architectural spaces of this site and analyze the data obtained. The present article is based on a descriptive-analytical method and its data was collected through fieldwork and the study of library resources.
Keywords: Rescue Excavation, Chamshir Dam, Site No. 33, Architecture, Cemetery, Pottery.
 
1. Introduction
Site No. 33 (at longitude 490391, latitude 3333475, and altitude 544 meters above sea level) is located in the southeast of the Zagros Mountains in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Gachsaran County, in the central part and Bibi Hakimeh Rural District of this county. The vegetation surrounding the area is grassland, reeds, and kunar and gaz trees, located along the seasonal Shah Taslim River and in the middle of a valley called Red Valley. Excavation of this site was carried out in 2022 as part of the Cham Shir Dam rescue excavation project, and the aim of the excavation of this site was to identify the stone architectural texture that was visible in large quantities within the area. The excavations indicate that the architectural remains were in use from the early Islamic centuries to the Pahlavi period, and given the large volume of architectural remains at the site, it can be considered a small village with a religious building (mosque) and a cemetery during the Islamic era. It is worth noting that the archaeological survey of the Chamshir Dam catchment area in 2016 by Mohammad Taqi Ataei led to the identification of 143 artifacts. The excavation activity in site number 33 of Chamshir Dam was carried out with the aim of identifying the architectural remains of the site and its chronology. The authors of the article intend to study and analyze the architectural features of this site, considering the remaining architectural spaces of the building. In line with the research objectives, questions and hypotheses have been raised; the research questions are: 1- According to the available evidence, during what period of time was this area inhabited? 2- What prominent features are seen in identifying the architectural spaces of this area? The research hypotheses are: 1- The existing evidence, especially the pottery and dated tombstones of the cemetery, indicates that this area was inhabited from the early Islamic centuries to the Pahlavi period. 2- Among the features of the architectural complexes of this area is the use of eco-friendly materials in the construction of temporary residential spaces in the area, with stone being the main material used. One of the notable points on the area surface was a different architectural structure made of plaster mortar in the center of the area, which is different from other buildings.
 
2. Discussion
Site No. 33 is formed in a trapezoidal space between the heights that surround it on all four sides. The slope of the area is from west to east, and the area becomes wider as it extends from northwest to southeast. The area of this area is about 22,230 square meters and its height at the highest point is 1.5 meters compared to the surrounding environment. Site No. 33 was completed in several parts and includes public and residential architectural spaces and a cemetery, indicating the establishment of this area for many centuries, so that the architectural structures have been destroyed over several periods and their materials have been used in new buildings. Most of the architectural spaces are located in the south and southeast of the area, so that a large volume of rubble has accumulated in this area, which has caused the plan of these spaces to be not completely clear. During the salvage excavation of this site in December 2022, three trenches were created; trenches 1 and 2 were created in the area where the architectural spaces were located, and trench number 3 was created in the cemetery area.
The architectural spaces on the site are built in three styles. First, the buildings, apparently only the foundations of which remain, are made of relatively large, cube-shaped stones. These buildings are located in the eastern part of the site. Second, the buildings are made of rubble stone and are all scattered in the southern and western half of the area up to the southern wall. These architectural spaces are relatively dense, but each unit is located at a distance from the neighboring unit and all consist of several rooms and a courtyard. The large volume of rubble in these architectural remains indicates a likely residential complex. At a relatively greater distance from this complex of architectural spaces is a single, independent building which is located at a higher level than the other buildings. The characteristic of this building is the presence of mortar and plaster, unlike other architectural spaces that are built with drywall or mud mortar. Third, it is a large and relatively intact structure located in the south of the compound and in a rectangular shape, oriented northeast to southwest, with dimensions of 32×5 meters and a remaining height of 2.5 meters. Regarding the stone materials used to build the architectural spaces of the area, it should be said that 25 meters west of the area, there are square and rectangular boulders of various sizes and shapes, naturally cut from the mountain in sheets, which were used to build this building and older buildings, as well as the cemetery of this area. In a way, this shows the use of locally sourced materials in the architecture of the spaces of this area.
 
3. Conclusion
What was found during the archaeological excavation of Site No. 33 includes the spatial architecture of a mosque (Trench 1), an architectural building of unknown use (Trench 2), and the excavation of a tomb (Trench 3). The identified mosque is located almost in the center of the site, and unlike the buildings in the site, in addition to stone, a large amount of plaster was used in its construction. The mosque has three main spaces, including the entrance, the first roofed space, and the prayer room. There are two courtyards around the mosque, the use of which remains unclear. Also, another small space has been discovered, for which no entrance was found, and its use is therefore also unclear. One of the notable points in identifying the architectural spaces of the mosque was the blocking of the main entrance to the building, which indicates that this complex was consciously and purposefully abandoned by the nomads as they moved away and were thinking of returning. Trench 2 is an architectural space of uncertain use. Given its isolation from the village context and its unusual rectangular layout with small rooms and no entrance, it may have been a public building. However, its exact use remains unclear. The architectural spaces explored and identified on the site surface have a regular geometric order and are built in a rectangular shape and in a northeast-southwest direction. A relatively wide variety can be seen in the architectural spaces explored and found on the surface. These architectural spaces were mostly used as seasonal residences at certain times of the year. The low volume and thickness of cultural deposits in the layers generally indicate the weak settlement of the site during the Islamic period. The architectural structures show that the builders of these architectural spaces used local materials and that local architecture was created in this area. The excavated grave (Trench 3) is also dated to the Islamic period, based on the stone arrangement and southwest direction, and no data was identified from inside this grave. The largest volume of cultural data from the site is related to pottery, which spans the early to middle Islamic centuries, and the most important pottery is unglazed painted pottery (quasi-prehistoric), which is associated with nomadic societies, which are seen in most nomadic societies in different regions of Iran and even Southwest Asia. Another important item found in the mosque is a copper coin, and although it has been eroded, considering other examples found in the Chamshir sites, it may belong to Abesh Khatun, one of the local rulers of the Ilkhanid period in the Fars region.

Abstract Investigation and evaluation of historical object's properties and their components with respect to structural, technical and pathological point of view through nondestructive testing (NDT), is one of the most important research field in archaeometry. In this paper, the qualitative and quantitative result of chemical composition of glaze (case study: multicolored tile, probably from Safavied era) is presented through X-ray microprobe analysis (XPMA) and without sampling. Results of this analysis demonstrate the possibility of recognition of major, minor and trace elements in glaze and their amounts, through fast, nondestructive, accurate and facile method. The data obtained from this analysis point to that these glazes can classified in lead glaze group and calcium oxide has flux role in the composition. Colorants such as turquoise blue (copper oxide), yellow (with the presence of iron oxide in the vicinity of calcium oxide) and bright green (chromium oxide), indicate that firing atmosphere of glaze was oxidation environment. Also, characterization of mineralogical and chemical composition of this sample was carried out through elemental, phases and thermal analysis (XRF, XRD, and STA) and petrography. The results indicate that firing temperature of tile body has been 800 – 850℃ in oxidation condition.

Abstract According to many researches, the beliefs are the Influential factors in the architectural elements and city spaces through which the cities are known as reflection of resident’s beliefs and culture. Yazd city is one of the limited Islamic city that has maintained its old context and historical sectors. In present paper we tried, after the finding of effective Islamic laws and values in the shaping architectural spaces, the variability of using such laws were evaluated in one of the Qajary Quarters of Yazd city (Golchinan Quarter). In compliance theoretical results with the survey of the quarter it is become clear that the architectural and urban spaces (e.g. residential Architecture, Quarters, and network connections) have been highly by the Islamic values and laws. In other words, there is a high conformity between extracted Islamic Laws and whatever has been applied in the Qajary context of Yazd Islamic city.

Abstract The Fars Region, as an internal watershed with several permanent rivers and waste water streams especially Kor and Sivand Rivers, had created many types of settlements. For this reason, many studies have been performed on this region during Bakun period. New findings of this research include a set of pottery pieces and other archaeological findings such as clay stump and tokens which were unearthed from 62 areas of Fars Region. Among these traces, 44 types of pottery pieces which were obtained from 15 sites of” Bakun A “era along with 5 pieces of pottery which were obtained from the excavations performed by Longsdourf and McCown & Smith in 1932 and 1937, respectively. From Pasargad Pottery Bank some pottery sherds were selected for performing petrographical studies. The most significant finding of these experiments suggested a similar composition and consequently origin of all samples from the under study region.

Abstract In terms of synchronic studies, the Late Chalcolithi period is characterized by Sialk IV1 cultural horizon at on the northern edge of the central desert. The final feature of proto-literate period known by the titles of Uruk and the Proto-Elamite characterized by the sudden disappearance of painted pottery of Sialk III6-7 and emergence of simple and coarse pottery of Uruk tradition. MeymanatAbad is an important site for study the Sialk IV1. Meymanatabad Tepe (N 3928141.46 and S 515322.47, AMSL: 1053.96 m) is located in southwest of Tehran, surrounded by two shallow hills of Northern and Southern ones. In general, a complete sequence of late chalcolithic was identified at this Tepe based on stratigraphic excavations. Stratigraphic excavation and presenting its chronological table help us to illuminate new information of the mid and late fourth millennium especially late chalcolithic in the frame of Sialk III6-7 and Sialk IV1. Considering the fact that the two mounds were settled along the chronological sequences, this report had done to present the Operation at the northern mound and relied upon on pottery analysis.