The 6000-year-old ancient hill of New Arak Castle is suffering damage and destruction under the blades of bulldozers.
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of the Central Province expressed deep regret over the bulldozers’ encroachment on the ancient site of Qaleh-ye Now. He stated that the site, which contains artifacts from various historical periods, has been excavated and damaged by bulldozers for an extended period due to the actions of profit-seeking individuals.
According to an Ilna report, Mahmoud Moradi Naraghi, during a visit to the historical hill of Qaleh-ye Now with journalists and media members from the central province, added that the case and reports related to the assault on this historical site have been compiled. The judicial system has been notified to address those responsible for attacking this cultural monument.
Despite efforts to protect the ancient and historical hill of Qaleh-ye Now, Moradi Naraghi emphasized that the General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of the Central Province remains deeply concerned about the destruction of this ancient site. Consequently, legal action is being pursued against the offenders.
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of the Central Province stated: “Qaleh-ye Now Hill and its data in this province are very special and significant due to their historical background. Therefore, any inadvertent or deliberate attack on historical monuments and hills in the province, as well as any violations or damage, will be met with legal and decisive action.”
Moradi Naraghi emphasized that the artifacts from Qaleh-ye Now Hill are estimated to date back to cultures and civilizations from around 2000 to 4000 BC. It is believed that this civilization began to decline in some areas as early as 2600 or 2700 BC. The findings suggest that this civilization existed in Iran for a substantial period.
The historical and ancient hill of Qaleh-ye Now is located in the village of Qaleh-ye Now, Masumiyeh district, in the central part of Arak city. This site was registered as one of Iran’s national heritage sites on March 16, 2009, under registration number 26123.
