Tehran – Ambassador from Iran to Iran in Uzbekistan Fariddin Nasliyev visited Malaea’s historic Nouyjang Citadel during a day trip to the city.
Located 15km northwest of Malaea, the ancient site exists as one of the region’s most important archaeological landmarks.
Ebrahim Jalili, director of the Malayan Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, pointed out that Nuujan is one of the world’s oldest mud-brick temples, dating back to the first millennium in B.C., and the importance of the site I emphasized. He described the Citadel, built during the Central Period, as a unique architectural style, and an important discovery in understanding ancient Iran.
Jalili noted that the site reveals three different stages of reconciliation, with median, Achemenid and traces of the Parthian era. Known for its impressive mud brick architecture, Noushijan Citadel contains several important structures, including column halls, central temples, reservoirs, entrances and ceremonial spaces. During the median period, it served both religious and defensive purposes.
This visit is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Iran and Uzbekistan. Malaea and the Hokand city of Uzbekistan are sister cities and are connected through a shared tradition of wood carving.
Registered as a national heritage site in 1967, the Nuujan Fortress has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavations since 1962. The excavations revealed three cultural layers that accounted for important tiers in median settlements from the 8th to the 6th century BC. Findings from the site include nine ancient structures, a fire temple, a columned hall and other important architectural features.
More than 7,000 years ago, Nuujan’s fortress remains a symbol of Iran’s rich history and architectural heritage. The hilltop location suggests that the surrounding area was submerged about 4,000 years ago, and that the fortress is the only structure above the water.