بررسی باستان‌شناسی محوطه‌های اسلامی بخش مرکزی شازند
محورهای موضوعی : باستان شناسی
1 - دانشجوی دکتری باستان‌شناسی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد ابهر، ایران.
کلید واژه: دوران اسلامی, بررسی, بافت استقرار, جوامع ساده, جوامع مرکب,
چکیده مقاله :
شهرستان شازند در غرب وجنوب غرب استان مرکزی ودر حاشیه شرقی زاکرس واقع شده انداز نظر فراوانی وپراکندگی محوطه ها وبقایای مربوط به دوره باستان شناسی دارای اهمیت ویژه ای هستند منطقه مورد مطالعه در19 کلیومتری بخش شرقی زاکرس مرکزی به حساب می اید وسیمای محیطی آن شامل دره ها،دشت های میان کوهی،وکوهستانی با مساحت 2645 کیلومتر مربع است یکی از معدود مناطق در ایران است که بسیاری از ویژگی های جوامع حکومی رادر خود بروز داده است در نتیجه بررسی باستان شناختی وبراساس داده های سطحی در مجموع 254 اثر ومکان باستانی از پارینه سنگی تا دوره اسلام متاخر در این منطقه شناسایی شده است ونتایج بدست امده از بررسی های باستان شناختی به افزایش استقرار های اسلامی ونیز شیوه های گوناگون معیشتی آن ها اشاره دارد که با کاوش در محوطه های کلیدی می توان مدارک بسیار مهمی را برای بازسازی معیشت اقتصادی وشیوه زندگی ساکنان آن ها بدست اورد نوشته حاضر به صورت مقدماتی به معرفی بعضی از این استقرارگاه ها در دشت شازند می پردازد .روش پژوهش در این مقاله به صورت میدانی،شامل بررسی سیستماتیک منطقه ی مورد مطالعه در نمونه برداری مواد فرهنگی،وهمچنین در مطالعات کتابخانه ای استفاده از گزارش ها،کتب ومقالات منتشر شده در زمینه ی استقرارهای دوره اسلامی است.
Extended Abstract
Shazand County, located in the western and southwestern parts of Markazi Province, is situated along the eastern margin of the Zagros Mountains. The area is of particular importance due to the abundance and distribution of archaeological sites and remains. The region under study is located 19 kilometers east of Central Zagros and covers an area of 2,645 square kilometers, characterized by valleys, intermountain plains, and mountainous landscapes. It is one of the few regions in Iran that showcases many features of ancient governmental societies. As a result of archaeological surveys and surface data, a total of 254 archaeological sites, ranging from the Paleolithic to the Late Islamic period, have been identified in the region. The findings of these surveys indicate the growth of Islamic settlements and their various livelihood practices. Excavations at key sites can provide important evidence for reconstructing the economic livelihoods and lifestyles of the inhabitants. This paper serves as an introductory exploration of some of these settlements in Shazand Plain. The research methodology includes fieldwork, consisting of systematic surveys of the area and cultural material sampling, as well as library-based research using reports, books, and published articles related to settlements from the Islamic period.
Introduction
Shazand County, part of Markazi Province in Iran, is located in the southwest of the province, and it borders several districts including Arak, Khomein, Aligudarz, Borujerd, and Malayer. The county's topography includes various mountain ranges and fertile plains, making it an area of significant agricultural importance. The region's archaeological significance has been recognized since ancient times due to its environmental potential. The first systematic archaeological studies in Shazand were carried out by renowned researchers such as Kyle Young, Conteno, Ghirshman, and Levin in locations like Godin Hill, Giyan Hill, and Three Gabi. These studies provided valuable insights into the Islamic period of Central Zagros, though archaeological data about Eastern Zagros cultures remain sparse. The archaeological survey by Ahmad Kabiri Hindi in the 1980s identified about 60 sites in Shazand, and another study in 2008 by Hasnali Arab led to the discovery of 254 sites spanning from prehistory to modern times. These findings have contributed significantly to the understanding of settlement patterns and the development of specialized production in Islamic societies.
Shazand County, due to its location and natural resources, has historically been an area of cultural and economic exchange. This has made it a focal point for archaeological exploration, especially in relation to the study of early settlements, agricultural practices, and societal structures. In particular, the Islamic period is of great interest due to its evidence of social stratification and specialized production. The growth of specialized industries, reflected in both ritual and utilitarian goods, marks a significant step in the evolution of social complexity. The region’s settlements, particularly from the Islamic era, offer unique insight into the formation of social classes, urbanization, and technological advancements that shaped the region’s development over time.
Methodology
The archaeological survey in Shazand County was conducted using a combination of fieldwork and GPS technology to precisely locate and document the sites. The survey utilized random sampling techniques for site selection, which allowed for a comprehensive study of the area’s archaeological landscape. The sites were primarily located in areas near agricultural fields and orchards, where environmental and human activities have significantly impacted the preservation of archaeological remains. One of the challenges faced by archaeologists was the destruction of sites due to illegal excavations and agricultural activities, such as land clearing for farming. To address these challenges, a targeted strategy was developed to focus on areas with high archaeological potential while also taking environmental factors into account. The archaeological team documented findings, with pottery being the most common artifact discovered across the surveyed sites. This methodological approach ensured a systematic understanding of the settlement patterns and the broader socio-cultural dynamics of the region.
Discussion
The region of Shazand contains several important settlements from the Islamic period, such as Tappeh Sarsakhti 1, Tappeh Gardangah, and Tappeh Zahirabad. These sites share similar geographical features, such as fertile plains and access to water, suggesting their importance in agricultural life during the Islamic era.
Tappeh Sarsakhti 1, located in a fertile plain with both surface and groundwater resources, is surrounded by vineyards and agricultural land. The site is marked by an oval mound, with pottery fragments indicating its historical and Islamic usage. Although pottery distribution is sparse due to vegetation, it holds potential for national heritage registration.
Similarly, Tappeh Gardangah, located at the entrance of a mountain valley, benefited from permanent water sources and fertile agricultural surroundings. Pottery fragments found at the site indicate occupation during the Bronze Age, later periods, and the Islamic era.
Tappeh Zahirabad, situated on the southern edge of a large intermountain plain, provides easy access to water and fertile agricultural land. Pottery fragments from the site suggest its occupation during the Late Islamic period.
These settlements, with their agricultural setting, favorable natural resources, and strategic locations, show that Islamic period communities in Shazand were strategically placed to benefit from fertile lands, water sources, and transportation routes. Pottery found at these sites reveals the cultural diversity and historical depth of the region. However, modern agricultural and construction activities have damaged these archaeological sites, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and potential national heritage registration to protect their historical value.
The archaeological sites described in the text represent a rich and varied historical landscape located in the Shazand region. These sites, including Tappeh Bakhshar, Qaleh Balman, Cheshmeh Sar, and others, provide significant insights into ancient settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and the cultural evolution of the area. Each site is situated in specific geographical and environmental contexts, with proximity to water sources, fertile lands, and strategic locations influencing their settlement and usage. The remains found on these sites, such as pottery shards, bricks, and traces of walls, provide clues about the daily life and technological advancements of their inhabitants.
Tappeh Bakhshar, for example, is located on a sloped surface, showing signs of erosion due to agricultural expansion and illegal excavation activities. Similar concerns are present in other sites, where farming and construction have led to significant damage to archaeological layers. Despite the damage, these sites show the potential for further study and preservation. The pottery found in these areas suggests occupations spanning different periods, including the Sassanid and early Islamic eras, while other sites like Tappeh Qal’eh Balman show traces of later Islamic periods.
Despite ongoing threats from agricultural expansion and illegal excavation, the archaeological potential of these sites remains high. Preservation efforts are essential to safeguard these irreplaceable resources. Unfortunately, little action has been taken by local authorities or cultural preservation bodies to mitigate the damage, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to protect these cultural heritage sites.
Conclusion
The archaeological sites in the Shazand region offer valuable insights into the region's historical development, reflecting a continuum of human settlement from the Sassanid period to the early Islamic era. However, these sites are under significant threat from agricultural expansion, illegal excavations, and urban development. The lack of effective preservation measures is concerning, as it risks the irreversible loss of cultural heritage. The findings from these sites, including pottery fragments and architectural remains, show evidence of sophisticated craftsmanship and provide a tangible connection to the region's ancient past. The variety of materials and styles found across different sites suggests a diverse range of cultural influences and a dynamic historical environment. However, the erosion of archaeological layers and the destruction of structures, exacerbated by human activities, diminishes the potential for future research. To preserve these valuable sites, immediate action is needed. Local authorities must collaborate with archaeological experts to implement protective measures, such as the installation of warning signs and fencing around vulnerable areas. Additionally, efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of cultural preservation should be prioritized to prevent further damage and ensure that these sites remain intact for future generations.
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