Mehdi Mousavinia | University of Neyshabour (original) (raw)

Papers by Mehdi Mousavinia

The book Nishapur Revisited: is the stratification and kohandej pottery of the results of laborat... more The book Nishapur Revisited: is the stratification and kohandej pottery of the results of laboratory studies on some archeological data of Neyshabur. In this book, the history of the formation and historical evolution of Neyshabur and the place of this city in the context of Greater Khorasan are investigated based on thermoluminescence, archaeomagnetism and radiocarbon studies. The central question of the current research

Archaeological data and literary sources provide information on Xwaršēd Nigerišn and Zoroastrian ... more Archaeological data and literary sources provide information on Xwaršēd Nigerišn and Zoroastrian burial traditions in Greater Khurāsān. Thanks to archaeological data and classical texts, we know that Xwaršēd Nigerišn in Greater Khurāsān dates back to the Iron age and was continued to the Islamic period. In the geographical context of Greater Khurāsān, this burial custom was practiced at 1) surface graves, 2) secondary burials, 3) transportable ossuaries, 4) Naus, 5) dakhmas and 6) South Central Asian regions such as Khwārazm, Sogdia, Samarqand, Bactria, Margiana, Chach and Farghana, where scattered fragments of human bones are documented. This paper has tried to investigate the conceptual and historical evolution of Xwaršēd Nigerišn and study social organization and religious beliefs of human societies in Central Asia. Furthermore, the present research has represented the archaeological data regarding Xwaršēd Nigerišn from the Iron Age to the Islamic period. For answering the questions, a descriptive-analytical method has been used. Field, library, and comparative studies are the most important methods adopted in this research. The study demonstrates that the Greater Khurāsān was the birthplace of Xwaršēd Nigerišn. Continuity of Xwaršēd Nigerišn has been documented from the Iron Age to the Islamic period. Xwaršēd Nigerišn and body exposure are traceable at some of the burial customs of this period of Greater Khurāsān.

One of Zoroastrian burial customs is exposing the body in Dakhms. Because of the eastern roots of... more One of Zoroastrian burial customs is exposing the body in Dakhms. Because of the eastern roots of the Zoroastrian religion, this burial custom could have originated from Central Asia and became as most common Zoroastrian burial custom in Iran and Central Asia. Based on archaeological data and Classical texts, bodies have exposed in the open air without the need to put them in hand-made Dakhmas until the 2nd century BC. This paper has tried to study Dakhmas custom and investigate the formals evolution of Zoroastrian Dakhmas from the beginning of hand-made Dakhmas in the 2nd century BC to the last known example in the 13th century. In this regard, there are some questions to answer: 1) Because of the eastern origins of the Zoroastrian cult is hand-made Dakhmas custom originated from Central Asia? 2) How this burial custom has evolved from the Hellenistic to the Mid-Islamic period? 3) How these evolutions reflect in the architectural structure of Zoroastrian Dakhma? For the answers to these questions, a descriptive-analytical method was used. Field and historical texts studies and comparative studies are the most important methods of this illustration. This study will show the eastern origins of hand-made Dakhmas and demonstrate three different architectural customs. The origins and evolution of these customs hide in the historical context of Central Asia.

One of the most important and, at the same time, uncertain subjects related to Sassanid period is... more One of the most important and, at the same time, uncertain subjects related to Sassanid period is the recognition of common burial customs. Despite great attempts of Zoroastrian religious texts to represent a uniform burial tradition across the whole Sassanid Irānsahr, archaeological findings reflect plenty of variety in burial customs, including towers of silence (Dakhma) and ossuaries (astōdān), coffin burial, jar burial, cavity interment, and simple-pit burial. Out of the said customs, simple-pit burials are the most challenging, given the fact that they apparently stand against Zoroastrian teachings. According to Sassanid religious texts, the burial of the dead in the ground (soil) and infecting soil, a sacred element in Zoroastrian worldview, is repeatedly condemned and considered an inexcusable guilt. However, mounting evidence indicates that simple-pit burials are frequently observed across the Sassanid Irānsahr. How could this contradiction be explained? These burials have l...

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 5, 2022

Ray-located near present-day Tehran-is among the most important historical areas in Iran and the ... more Ray-located near present-day Tehran-is among the most important historical areas in Iran and the plains to the south of Tehran have always been densely inhabited and intensely cultivated thanks to the waters coming from Mount Tochal and the Alborz Mountains. Historical records and archeological data for the early history of the city in the Median, Achaemenid, Seleucid, and even Parthian periods are not exhaustive. In the present study, an attempt is made to bring together primary and secondary sources to define better the role that the province of Ray played during the Sasanian period, during which it was host, among others, to a huge military camp crucial to manning the northern and eastern frontier. Combined archeological and historical evidence shows that Ray has played an important and pivotal role in the history of Iran from the first years of the formation of the Sasanian Empire to the very last years of the empire, leaving a lasting memory in the Islamic literary tradition.

Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran... 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 descriptiveanalytical 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.

Problem Statement: Qaleh Iraj is one of the Sasanian archaeological sites in Tehran plain. The si... more Problem Statement: Qaleh Iraj is one of the Sasanian archaeological sites in Tehran plain. The site is enclosed by arectangular defensive wall (rampart), 1470×1300m in dimension; thus, the surface area of the site would be aound 190ha. So far, field investigations have yielded no extensive architectural remains in this vast area enclosed by the wall.For this reason, the main objective of the present paperwould be to locate the architectural structures related to the living spaces of the inhabitants. In addition, the second query to answer would be the spatial organization of the architectural structures recovered within the Qaleh Iraj rampart.To answer the principal question, it seems, due to the lack of architectural remains in the vast are enclosed by the wall and regarding the fact that such remains are abundant within the defensive wall itself, the inhabitants were probably living within the structures (numerous rooms) built inside the huge defensive wall itself and not in the w...

One of the most important yet ambiguous geographical areas related to Parthian history is northea... more One of the most important yet ambiguous geographical areas related to Parthian history is northeastern Iran, a cultural region that could roughly be labelled as “The Great Khorasan Region.” By looking at the early political history of the Parthian period, the role of this region in the formation and development of the Parthian Dynasty is perceptible to the extent that northeastern Iran could be considered a major ground for the most of the events related to the Parthian period. Prior to the gradual expansion of the Parthian Kingdom during the reign of Mehrdad I (Mithradates I; c. 171-133/132 BC), the extent of Parthian dominion could be considered local, extending more or less over Iran’s two provinces of Parthia and Hyrcania, which constituted the core of the Arsakid state at the time. One of the areas in northeastern Iran considered an important center during the early Parthian period was Dargaz. Modern-day Dargaz County is located in the northeast of the province of Khorasan-i Razavi, close to the border with Turkmenistan; its proximity to Turkmenistan’s ancient Parthian settlements, including the complex of New Nisa and Old Nisa,2 implies the importance of the Dargaz area in the Parthian period, especially during the early decades of the formation and expansion of the Parthian Kingdom. An archaeological survey of Hasan Nami has recorded 85 Parthian sites in the region, of which Shahr-Tepeh and Toghei have been asserted as two urban centers (Fig. 1). It is attempted here to evaluate the importance of the two mentioned sites in northeastern Iran during the early Parthian age using the results of archaeological investigations. The dimensions of these sites, the richness of surface remnants and the cultural material yielded by excavations, and finally the proximity to the historical center of Nisa all imply that Shahr-Tepeh and Toghei were likely important urban centers during the early Parthian period in northeastern Iran.

منبرهای چوبی در زمرة نفیس‌ترین آثار دورة اسلامی هستند. خلاقیت‌ها، نوآوری‌ها و زیبایی‌های هنر چوب ... more منبرهای چوبی در زمرة نفیس‌ترین آثار دورة اسلامی هستند. خلاقیت‌ها، نوآوری‌ها و زیبایی‌های هنر چوب به نحو بارزی در این آثار انعکاس یافته است. یکی از شاخص‌ترین این آثار، منبر چوبی مسجد جامع نقوسان است. این منبر با مادة تاریخ ۵۴۰ ه.ق، یکی از قدیمی‌ترین منبرهای ایران در دورة اسلامی است. با توجه به جایگاه این منبر در مطالعات هنر چوب در دورة اسلامی هدف از تحقیق پیش رو معرفی منبر نقوسان، بررسی ویژگی‌های شکلی و تزئینی این اثر و مقایسة آن با منبرهای شناخته شدة دورة سلجوقی است. در این راستا چند پرسش قابل طرح است: منبر نقوسان از منظر ابعاد شکلی و تزئینی چه مشخصاتی داشته است؟ این منبر تا چه اندازه از هنر ایران در پیش از اسلام تأثیر پذیرفته است؟ منبر نقوسان از منظر ابعاد شکلی و تزئینی چه شباهتها و تفاوتهایی با دیگر منبرهای دورة سلجوقی در ایران دارد؟ و این منبر چه جایگاهی در هنر چوب در ایران دورة اسلامی دارد؟ به منظور پاسخ به پرسش‌های فوق از روش توصیفی-تحلیلی استفاده شده است. مطالعات میدانی و کتابخانه‌ای و بررسی مقایسه‌ای مهمترین روشهای جمع‌آوری اطلاعات در تحقیق حاضر است. بر اساس نتایج تحقیق حاضر منبر نقوسان دومین منبر قدیمی ایران است که از چوب گردو و داغداغان، با تکنیک فاق و زبانه و با کمک میخ‌های چوبی ساخته شده است. این منبر که دارای نقوش هندسی، گیاهی و کتیبه‌هایی به خط کوفی و نسخ است به واسطة نقش درخت زندگی، چلیپا، دوایر توخالی، برگ کنگر، برگ مو و ... پیوندهایی با هنر ایران در پیش از اسلام دارد. با اینکه منبر نقوسان از منظر شکل ساختاری مشابه منبرهای دورة سلجوقی است، نقوش این منبر دارای تفاوتهایی چند با دیگر منبرهای دورة سلجوقی است. در مجموع منبر نقوسان بر اساس مشخصات شکلی و تزئینی و مادة تاریخ ساخت منبر یکی از شاهکارهای هنر چوپ در دنیای اسلام و دورة سلجوقی است.

One of the most important and, at the same time, the most uncertain subjects related to the Sasan... more One of the most important and, at the same time, the most uncertain subjects related to the Sasanian period is the recognition of common burial customs. Despite great attempts on the part of Zoroastrian religious texts to represent a uniform burial tradition across the whole Sasanian Irānšahr, archaeological findings reflect a great deal of variety in burial customs, of which some are as follows: towers of silence (Dakhma) and ossuaries (astōdān), coffin burial, jar burial, cavity interment, and simple pit burial. Out of these, simple pit burials are the most challenging, given the fact that they apparently stand against Zoroastrian teachings. According to Sasanian religious texts, the burial of the dead in the ground and infecting the soil, a sacred element in the Zoroastrian worldview, is repeatedly condemned and considered as an inexcusable guilt that should be prevented. However, mounting evidence indicates that simple pit burials are frequently observed from all over the Sasanian Irānšahr. How could this contradiction be explained? These burials have long been neglected because of being eccentric and divergent from Sasanian common burial traditions. Repeated discoveries of simple pit burials make the reasonable supposition that this phenomenon was not an exception and unusual practice, but a normal and probably common method. One of the instances of such burial is recorded in Qaleh Iraj, in which the corpse is in the crouched position. In the present paper, having investigated some examples of Sasanian-period simple pit burials, the authors describe the Qaleh Iraj case. Finally, the mentioned burial custom during the Sasanian period will be inspected closely. The results indicate that the burial of Qaleh Iraj is one of the lesser-known burial practices associated with architectural space previously reported only from Qumis and Gyaur Kala. In addition, according to the context, the burial of Qaleh Iraj is related to the final settlement phase of the southeastern (SE) gate and, thus, attributable to the late Sasanian period.

Protected by a massive wall, but devoid of permanent buildings in its vast c. 175 ha interior, th... more Protected by a massive wall, but devoid of permanent buildings in its vast c. 175 ha interior, the rectangular compound of Qaleh Iraj near Tehran must be a military base-and as such, it is arguably the largest fortress in the ancient world to the west of modern Afghanistan. Investigations carried out previously have been based on surface finds and architecture and there had been no agreement on the date and purpose of this monument. Excavation, survey, in-depth studies of its architecture, satellite images and historical sources and the application of scientific dating have now enabled us to precision-date the earliest activity in the southeastern gateway and the likely construction date of the fortress and to place it in its proper historical context. Sasanian Qaleh Iraj may have played a pivotal role in the northern defensive network of one the Ancient World's most powerful empires and the fortress sheds significant new light on its military capabilities.

Historical appearance of city is not similar in different civilizations and cultures. These civil... more Historical appearance of city is not similar in different civilizations and cultures. These civilizations have formed different cities; because the aim and perspective of these cultures to the cities are different. In the context of ancient Iran, investigating Iranian cities shows some mutual features specifically in their spatial organizations. Ancient Iranian cities are exactly what the kings would like to. In this regard, in examination of ancient Iran city always reveals the role of king in the quality of formation and even in spatial organization of it. Shahr-Tepeh is a Parthian site located in Dargaz district, near to Iran-Turkmenistan borders. Based on archaeological surveys this site is one of the largest Parthian sites in the northeast of Iran. In addition, archaeological excavations indicate that this site is one of the most important sites in early Parthian period. Beside archaeological excavations, systematic sampling survey is another archaeological study in this site. The most frequent findings of this survey were ceramic fragments, in addition to some kiln wasters, gypsum plaster and impressed designs bricks. In second phase of archaeological studies, some elements of urban forms of Shahr-Tepeh were revealed: Rampart, Gateway, Kohandege, Sharestan, Industrial area and Wastewater system. This article tries to introduce and describe spatial organization of Shahr-Tepeh based on archeological findings of this site specifically by these urban elements. To find the reliable results of spatial organization, urban elements of Shahr-Tepeh have been studied in the context of history and geography of region. This article showed not only Shahr-Tepeh urban elements are real examples of spatial organization of city in early Parthian period, but also revealed all of urban elements were formed in a unique pattern of city in ancient world. The best characteristic of this early Parthian spatial organization is the exact separation of all urban elements in Kohandege. The Arg, Sharistan, and the industrial zone have been separated and limited by overall barrows and external ditches.

The book Nishapur Revisited: is the stratification and kohandej pottery of the results of laborat... more The book Nishapur Revisited: is the stratification and kohandej pottery of the results of laboratory studies on some archeological data of Neyshabur. In this book, the history of the formation and historical evolution of Neyshabur and the place of this city in the context of Greater Khorasan are investigated based on thermoluminescence, archaeomagnetism and radiocarbon studies. The central question of the current research

Archaeological data and literary sources provide information on Xwaršēd Nigerišn and Zoroastrian ... more Archaeological data and literary sources provide information on Xwaršēd Nigerišn and Zoroastrian burial traditions in Greater Khurāsān. Thanks to archaeological data and classical texts, we know that Xwaršēd Nigerišn in Greater Khurāsān dates back to the Iron age and was continued to the Islamic period. In the geographical context of Greater Khurāsān, this burial custom was practiced at 1) surface graves, 2) secondary burials, 3) transportable ossuaries, 4) Naus, 5) dakhmas and 6) South Central Asian regions such as Khwārazm, Sogdia, Samarqand, Bactria, Margiana, Chach and Farghana, where scattered fragments of human bones are documented. This paper has tried to investigate the conceptual and historical evolution of Xwaršēd Nigerišn and study social organization and religious beliefs of human societies in Central Asia. Furthermore, the present research has represented the archaeological data regarding Xwaršēd Nigerišn from the Iron Age to the Islamic period. For answering the questions, a descriptive-analytical method has been used. Field, library, and comparative studies are the most important methods adopted in this research. The study demonstrates that the Greater Khurāsān was the birthplace of Xwaršēd Nigerišn. Continuity of Xwaršēd Nigerišn has been documented from the Iron Age to the Islamic period. Xwaršēd Nigerišn and body exposure are traceable at some of the burial customs of this period of Greater Khurāsān.

One of Zoroastrian burial customs is exposing the body in Dakhms. Because of the eastern roots of... more One of Zoroastrian burial customs is exposing the body in Dakhms. Because of the eastern roots of the Zoroastrian religion, this burial custom could have originated from Central Asia and became as most common Zoroastrian burial custom in Iran and Central Asia. Based on archaeological data and Classical texts, bodies have exposed in the open air without the need to put them in hand-made Dakhmas until the 2nd century BC. This paper has tried to study Dakhmas custom and investigate the formals evolution of Zoroastrian Dakhmas from the beginning of hand-made Dakhmas in the 2nd century BC to the last known example in the 13th century. In this regard, there are some questions to answer: 1) Because of the eastern origins of the Zoroastrian cult is hand-made Dakhmas custom originated from Central Asia? 2) How this burial custom has evolved from the Hellenistic to the Mid-Islamic period? 3) How these evolutions reflect in the architectural structure of Zoroastrian Dakhma? For the answers to these questions, a descriptive-analytical method was used. Field and historical texts studies and comparative studies are the most important methods of this illustration. This study will show the eastern origins of hand-made Dakhmas and demonstrate three different architectural customs. The origins and evolution of these customs hide in the historical context of Central Asia.

One of the most important and, at the same time, uncertain subjects related to Sassanid period is... more One of the most important and, at the same time, uncertain subjects related to Sassanid period is the recognition of common burial customs. Despite great attempts of Zoroastrian religious texts to represent a uniform burial tradition across the whole Sassanid Irānsahr, archaeological findings reflect plenty of variety in burial customs, including towers of silence (Dakhma) and ossuaries (astōdān), coffin burial, jar burial, cavity interment, and simple-pit burial. Out of the said customs, simple-pit burials are the most challenging, given the fact that they apparently stand against Zoroastrian teachings. According to Sassanid religious texts, the burial of the dead in the ground (soil) and infecting soil, a sacred element in Zoroastrian worldview, is repeatedly condemned and considered an inexcusable guilt. However, mounting evidence indicates that simple-pit burials are frequently observed across the Sassanid Irānsahr. How could this contradiction be explained? These burials have l...

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Dec 5, 2022

Ray-located near present-day Tehran-is among the most important historical areas in Iran and the ... more Ray-located near present-day Tehran-is among the most important historical areas in Iran and the plains to the south of Tehran have always been densely inhabited and intensely cultivated thanks to the waters coming from Mount Tochal and the Alborz Mountains. Historical records and archeological data for the early history of the city in the Median, Achaemenid, Seleucid, and even Parthian periods are not exhaustive. In the present study, an attempt is made to bring together primary and secondary sources to define better the role that the province of Ray played during the Sasanian period, during which it was host, among others, to a huge military camp crucial to manning the northern and eastern frontier. Combined archeological and historical evidence shows that Ray has played an important and pivotal role in the history of Iran from the first years of the formation of the Sasanian Empire to the very last years of the empire, leaving a lasting memory in the Islamic literary tradition.

Archaeological data and textual sources provide information on Zoroastrian burial customs in Iran... 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 descriptiveanalytical 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.

Problem Statement: Qaleh Iraj is one of the Sasanian archaeological sites in Tehran plain. The si... more Problem Statement: Qaleh Iraj is one of the Sasanian archaeological sites in Tehran plain. The site is enclosed by arectangular defensive wall (rampart), 1470×1300m in dimension; thus, the surface area of the site would be aound 190ha. So far, field investigations have yielded no extensive architectural remains in this vast area enclosed by the wall.For this reason, the main objective of the present paperwould be to locate the architectural structures related to the living spaces of the inhabitants. In addition, the second query to answer would be the spatial organization of the architectural structures recovered within the Qaleh Iraj rampart.To answer the principal question, it seems, due to the lack of architectural remains in the vast are enclosed by the wall and regarding the fact that such remains are abundant within the defensive wall itself, the inhabitants were probably living within the structures (numerous rooms) built inside the huge defensive wall itself and not in the w...

One of the most important yet ambiguous geographical areas related to Parthian history is northea... more One of the most important yet ambiguous geographical areas related to Parthian history is northeastern Iran, a cultural region that could roughly be labelled as “The Great Khorasan Region.” By looking at the early political history of the Parthian period, the role of this region in the formation and development of the Parthian Dynasty is perceptible to the extent that northeastern Iran could be considered a major ground for the most of the events related to the Parthian period. Prior to the gradual expansion of the Parthian Kingdom during the reign of Mehrdad I (Mithradates I; c. 171-133/132 BC), the extent of Parthian dominion could be considered local, extending more or less over Iran’s two provinces of Parthia and Hyrcania, which constituted the core of the Arsakid state at the time. One of the areas in northeastern Iran considered an important center during the early Parthian period was Dargaz. Modern-day Dargaz County is located in the northeast of the province of Khorasan-i Razavi, close to the border with Turkmenistan; its proximity to Turkmenistan’s ancient Parthian settlements, including the complex of New Nisa and Old Nisa,2 implies the importance of the Dargaz area in the Parthian period, especially during the early decades of the formation and expansion of the Parthian Kingdom. An archaeological survey of Hasan Nami has recorded 85 Parthian sites in the region, of which Shahr-Tepeh and Toghei have been asserted as two urban centers (Fig. 1). It is attempted here to evaluate the importance of the two mentioned sites in northeastern Iran during the early Parthian age using the results of archaeological investigations. The dimensions of these sites, the richness of surface remnants and the cultural material yielded by excavations, and finally the proximity to the historical center of Nisa all imply that Shahr-Tepeh and Toghei were likely important urban centers during the early Parthian period in northeastern Iran.

منبرهای چوبی در زمرة نفیس‌ترین آثار دورة اسلامی هستند. خلاقیت‌ها، نوآوری‌ها و زیبایی‌های هنر چوب ... more منبرهای چوبی در زمرة نفیس‌ترین آثار دورة اسلامی هستند. خلاقیت‌ها، نوآوری‌ها و زیبایی‌های هنر چوب به نحو بارزی در این آثار انعکاس یافته است. یکی از شاخص‌ترین این آثار، منبر چوبی مسجد جامع نقوسان است. این منبر با مادة تاریخ ۵۴۰ ه.ق، یکی از قدیمی‌ترین منبرهای ایران در دورة اسلامی است. با توجه به جایگاه این منبر در مطالعات هنر چوب در دورة اسلامی هدف از تحقیق پیش رو معرفی منبر نقوسان، بررسی ویژگی‌های شکلی و تزئینی این اثر و مقایسة آن با منبرهای شناخته شدة دورة سلجوقی است. در این راستا چند پرسش قابل طرح است: منبر نقوسان از منظر ابعاد شکلی و تزئینی چه مشخصاتی داشته است؟ این منبر تا چه اندازه از هنر ایران در پیش از اسلام تأثیر پذیرفته است؟ منبر نقوسان از منظر ابعاد شکلی و تزئینی چه شباهتها و تفاوتهایی با دیگر منبرهای دورة سلجوقی در ایران دارد؟ و این منبر چه جایگاهی در هنر چوب در ایران دورة اسلامی دارد؟ به منظور پاسخ به پرسش‌های فوق از روش توصیفی-تحلیلی استفاده شده است. مطالعات میدانی و کتابخانه‌ای و بررسی مقایسه‌ای مهمترین روشهای جمع‌آوری اطلاعات در تحقیق حاضر است. بر اساس نتایج تحقیق حاضر منبر نقوسان دومین منبر قدیمی ایران است که از چوب گردو و داغداغان، با تکنیک فاق و زبانه و با کمک میخ‌های چوبی ساخته شده است. این منبر که دارای نقوش هندسی، گیاهی و کتیبه‌هایی به خط کوفی و نسخ است به واسطة نقش درخت زندگی، چلیپا، دوایر توخالی، برگ کنگر، برگ مو و ... پیوندهایی با هنر ایران در پیش از اسلام دارد. با اینکه منبر نقوسان از منظر شکل ساختاری مشابه منبرهای دورة سلجوقی است، نقوش این منبر دارای تفاوتهایی چند با دیگر منبرهای دورة سلجوقی است. در مجموع منبر نقوسان بر اساس مشخصات شکلی و تزئینی و مادة تاریخ ساخت منبر یکی از شاهکارهای هنر چوپ در دنیای اسلام و دورة سلجوقی است.

One of the most important and, at the same time, the most uncertain subjects related to the Sasan... more One of the most important and, at the same time, the most uncertain subjects related to the Sasanian period is the recognition of common burial customs. Despite great attempts on the part of Zoroastrian religious texts to represent a uniform burial tradition across the whole Sasanian Irānšahr, archaeological findings reflect a great deal of variety in burial customs, of which some are as follows: towers of silence (Dakhma) and ossuaries (astōdān), coffin burial, jar burial, cavity interment, and simple pit burial. Out of these, simple pit burials are the most challenging, given the fact that they apparently stand against Zoroastrian teachings. According to Sasanian religious texts, the burial of the dead in the ground and infecting the soil, a sacred element in the Zoroastrian worldview, is repeatedly condemned and considered as an inexcusable guilt that should be prevented. However, mounting evidence indicates that simple pit burials are frequently observed from all over the Sasanian Irānšahr. How could this contradiction be explained? These burials have long been neglected because of being eccentric and divergent from Sasanian common burial traditions. Repeated discoveries of simple pit burials make the reasonable supposition that this phenomenon was not an exception and unusual practice, but a normal and probably common method. One of the instances of such burial is recorded in Qaleh Iraj, in which the corpse is in the crouched position. In the present paper, having investigated some examples of Sasanian-period simple pit burials, the authors describe the Qaleh Iraj case. Finally, the mentioned burial custom during the Sasanian period will be inspected closely. The results indicate that the burial of Qaleh Iraj is one of the lesser-known burial practices associated with architectural space previously reported only from Qumis and Gyaur Kala. In addition, according to the context, the burial of Qaleh Iraj is related to the final settlement phase of the southeastern (SE) gate and, thus, attributable to the late Sasanian period.

Protected by a massive wall, but devoid of permanent buildings in its vast c. 175 ha interior, th... more Protected by a massive wall, but devoid of permanent buildings in its vast c. 175 ha interior, the rectangular compound of Qaleh Iraj near Tehran must be a military base-and as such, it is arguably the largest fortress in the ancient world to the west of modern Afghanistan. Investigations carried out previously have been based on surface finds and architecture and there had been no agreement on the date and purpose of this monument. Excavation, survey, in-depth studies of its architecture, satellite images and historical sources and the application of scientific dating have now enabled us to precision-date the earliest activity in the southeastern gateway and the likely construction date of the fortress and to place it in its proper historical context. Sasanian Qaleh Iraj may have played a pivotal role in the northern defensive network of one the Ancient World's most powerful empires and the fortress sheds significant new light on its military capabilities.

Historical appearance of city is not similar in different civilizations and cultures. These civil... more Historical appearance of city is not similar in different civilizations and cultures. These civilizations have formed different cities; because the aim and perspective of these cultures to the cities are different. In the context of ancient Iran, investigating Iranian cities shows some mutual features specifically in their spatial organizations. Ancient Iranian cities are exactly what the kings would like to. In this regard, in examination of ancient Iran city always reveals the role of king in the quality of formation and even in spatial organization of it. Shahr-Tepeh is a Parthian site located in Dargaz district, near to Iran-Turkmenistan borders. Based on archaeological surveys this site is one of the largest Parthian sites in the northeast of Iran. In addition, archaeological excavations indicate that this site is one of the most important sites in early Parthian period. Beside archaeological excavations, systematic sampling survey is another archaeological study in this site. The most frequent findings of this survey were ceramic fragments, in addition to some kiln wasters, gypsum plaster and impressed designs bricks. In second phase of archaeological studies, some elements of urban forms of Shahr-Tepeh were revealed: Rampart, Gateway, Kohandege, Sharestan, Industrial area and Wastewater system. This article tries to introduce and describe spatial organization of Shahr-Tepeh based on archeological findings of this site specifically by these urban elements. To find the reliable results of spatial organization, urban elements of Shahr-Tepeh have been studied in the context of history and geography of region. This article showed not only Shahr-Tepeh urban elements are real examples of spatial organization of city in early Parthian period, but also revealed all of urban elements were formed in a unique pattern of city in ancient world. The best characteristic of this early Parthian spatial organization is the exact separation of all urban elements in Kohandege. The Arg, Sharistan, and the industrial zone have been separated and limited by overall barrows and external ditches.