Indifference to the ancient history of Isfahan with the lack of continuous and meticulous explorations on the one hand and the risk of urban expansion projects such as subway and street construction, on the other hand, has put the pre-Islamic heritage of this ancient city on the verge of destruction.
The author of the book “Isfahan before Islam, Sasanian period” of the archeological team of Tappeh Ashraf (Ashraf Hill) said: “Many of the ancient sites of Isfahan are on the verge of disappearing due to urban development, while we know that these sites have answers to all the questions about Isfahan and especially pre-Islamic Isfahan. This is because this ancient Isfahan lies under today’s Isfahan.”
According to ISNA, Alireza Jafari Zand stated that archeological approach to Isfahan does not exist, and the only budget that is available to the General Department of Cultural Heritage of the province is the cost of restore the surface works. Therefore, no attention has been paid to having archeological approach to this city.
He added: “I was delighted when Yazidi took the responsibility of the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of Isfahan province because he came from a city called Hamedan, that is, a city where archaeological excavations have been carried out continuously for years, and he is familiar with this category. I even pointed this out to him and said that places in Isfahan need to be explored because many of the ancient sites of Isfahan are on the verge of disappearing due to urban development, while these same ancient sites can answer all the questions about Isfahan, especially pre-Islamic Isfahan, and therefore continuous consistent archeological excavations should be carried out.”
But I think it is unfortunate that the head of the province’s cultural heritage is so involved in the city’s works that they have not paid attention to this issue. Despite my request for his visit to Tappeh Ashraf, to gain knowledge of this location, its value and the importance of this hidden, invaluable site, unfortunately this did not happen.
He continued: “First of all, unfortunately, the historical context of Atiq Square was destroyed with the construction of the Abdul Razzaq Street underpass, and the central historical core of Isfahan was damaged; the same happened with significant parts of Chaharbagh, and the structure of the subway without conducting continuous excavations in various stations was an issue that was unfortunately repeated, but there are especially valuable relics which can be given due attention in the future, but at present we should focus more on spots that are in immediate danger, such as Tappeh Ashraf, nearly 5 thousand meters of which were lost in the expansion of the street and street construction.”
Jafari Zand continued: “The works that were found in the seventh season of exploration in Ashraf Hill were under the street; Therefore, this area is precious, but water pipes, sewage, and urban development in various ways are destroying it day by day, while I have always said that the old Isfahan lies under the Isfahan of today.”
The author of the book “Isfahan before Islam, Sassanid Period” stated that many ancient hills, even in old cities such as Shush and Hamadan, were destroyed throughout history, and houses were built on them. He added: “Isfahan, having shown evidence of pre-Islamic history, which was found in some excavations, including in Mount Ashraf, has a unique feature of its own, and it is necessary to study in this regard because this city is being destroyed day by day due to the construction of houses and the subway tunnel, and this issue should be paid attention to as soon as possible. Isfahan should be known from the perspective of its ancient history and stop thinking that the history of Isfahan is only in Naqsh-e Jahan Square.”
Pointing out that in a city where archeology is not explored, archeology students will also become victims of this situation, he added: “not only in Isfahan, but also in other cities of Iran, we have neglected the field of archeology and students come to this field and get degrees, but They do not have the necessary experience, and this is not an issue just for Isfahan and the university of arts of this city, but it should be said that there is zero attention paid towards archeology in Iran, on the whole.”
This archaeologist added: “Unfortunately, archaeological excavations in Iran are intermittent. For example, excavations are carried out for one season and then stopped for a few years; when the excavation is about to reach an answer, it is abandoned.” Therefore, archeology students are also victims of this situation, and when we don’t have active sites, it is natural that students will also be unemployed.”
