Tehran – Archaeologists have launched a major effort to document and preserve the looted Gour-e Kafari Cemetery in Bahabad County, Yazd Province, announced by staff at the Iranian Archaeological Research Centre (ICAR) .
In June 2025, major archaeological surveys and test excavations began at the Gour-e Kafari Cemetery site. The project is overseen by Dr. Mohammad Hossein Azitzi Haranagi, Deputy Director of Research at the Iranian Centre for Archaeological Research (ICAR).
Located southwest of Bahabad city near Koujan village, this site is approximately 156 km from Yazd, the capital of the province. Despite its vast cultural depth, Yazd Province remains one of Iran’s least unedged archaeological regions.
“For decades, the area has been hidden by the architectural fame of Yazd’s historic district,” explains Dr. Ajitsi Haranagi. “But beneath that desert surface there is a much older story. We’re just beginning to reveal.”
The situation in Bahabad County is even more important. “This part of Yazd does not have a virtually established archaeological sequence: a complete blank on cultural and historical maps,” he emphasizes. This lack of systematic research made ancient sites vulnerable to damage. According to Dr. Ajitsi Haranagi, Yazd state “receives the smallest share of archaeological surveys across the country.” Results: A vast strip of undocumented heritage and a vulnerable understanding of the region’s past.
Gour-e Kafari Cemetery is an impressive example. As it spread to nearly 1,000 hectares, the survey identified 1,793 graves. This is evidence of a large, long-term burial site.
“This level of density is poor over such a wide area,” says Ajitzi Karanagi.
“Kouvjan’s Gour-e Kafari Cemetery is undoubtedly one of the most vast burial scenes of Iran’s Parthian era.”
However, the site suffers from catastrophic losses. For over 40 years, looters have destroyed graveyards. Dr. Ajitzi Karanagi estimates that over 90% of the tombs have been destroyed.
“We’re literally competing with time. This site has been bleeding for decades,” he says. “If I had been registered before, I could have saved more.”
Efforts to protect the site had previously stalled. “The lack of expert recognition meant that the cemetery was not placed on the national heritage list,” Azizi Kharanaghi said. “If the site is not clearly understood or documented, it will become invisible to the person protecting it.”
To better understand the cemetery, the team conducted test excavations on five graves. Due to the shallow construction of the tomb and the soil conditions, few human remains were preserved.
“The environment here accelerates the collapse. A violent grave can penetrate the grave, leaving only fragments of bones in most cases,” he added.
The grave was usually minimal and consisted of small bronze objects such as ceramic containers, bracelets, rings and beads located near the head and feet. Based on preliminary analysis, the cemetery probably dates back to the Parthian period (247-224 BC).
“I believe this was a resting place for ordinary people, farmers, farmers, and possibly miners, who lived and died in the area over 1,800 years ago,” he proposes.
“Even so, we have to emphasize. This is just the first hypothesis. Our interpretation evolves as more data comes.”
After completing the fieldwork, the research team’s top priority is to prepare formal registration documents for the cemetery.
“We are fully committed to seeing this site be added to the National Heritage List. It’s not only a matter of preservation, but also restoring dignity to communities whose memories have been erased by neglect and looting.”
The project is funded by the Bahabad Municipality and is being implemented under the supervision of the Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
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