Tehran – Iranian archaeologist Morteza Guerraband highlighted the undeveloped possibilities of Godin Tepe, an ancient settlement dating back to 5,000 BC, as an important cultural and tourist destination.
Located in the Kangaval Valley between Hamadan and Kamanshah, this historic site has been “almost neglected for almost 60 years despite its importance in Iran’s archaeological heritage.”
Speaking to local media, Gueraband, who leads the national base at Anahita Temple, highlighted the role of Godin Tepe as the major trade hub of ancient times. “The site was located along an important commercial route that served as a trading post for exchanges between Mesopotamia and southern Iran,” he explained.
Excavations at Godin Tepe revealed evidence of human occupation from prehistoric to Islamic times. During the median, a fortress was built on the site, possibly serving as a management or military center. Despite its historical significance, Gueraband expressed concern about the current state of the site, and other ancient sites from the same era, such as Tepe Sialuk of Kashan, Nusijan in Malaeaa, and Hasanru in Western Azarbaijan, were studied. And note that it has evolved into tourism. Center Godin Tepe is left unmanned.
The site was excavated by a Canadian archaeological team almost 60 years ago. No further excavations have been done since then, and many of the structures discovered at the time have deteriorated. Recent efforts have been made to define site boundaries, but funding constraints have hampered maintenance work.
Geravand estimated that a site would require an initial budget of around 1 billion Toman (approximately $11,000) and further investment would be required for full development as a research and tourism hub. He emphasized that with proper support, Godin Tepe could become a major cultural attraction and bring economic benefits to the undeveloped eastern region of Kermansha.
“Kermansha is known for (important) sites like (UNESCO registered) Bisotun and Takue Bostan, but many important historical landmarks in the eastern part of the state are underrated.” He pointed out, calling for more attention to the local culture. heritage.
Godin Tepe, also known as Tappe Imamzadeh, is located near the town of Godin in Kangaval County. It was added to the Iranian National Heritage List in 1965.
Supporters like Geravand hope to one day receive UNESCO World Heritage status and place it in Iran’s most valuable archaeological locations, with further investment and recognition. “Godin Tepe is worthy of acquiring UNESCO status,” the archaeologist announced in October 2023.
The main period of occupation of Godin is classified as period XI-VI (5200-3800 BC). Period VI: Phase 3-1 (c. 3800-3000BC) (Note that Period VI:1 was called Period V in the initial report of the site). Period IV: Phase 2-1 (c. 2800-2600 BC); Period III: Phase 6-1 (2600-1400 BC); and Period II: Phase 2-1 (800-500 BC).
According to the Encyclopedia of World History, the site was the first C, a Sumerian settlement. It is made up of a village and fortress in 5,000 BC. It became an important stop along the Great Hola Sun Road trade route, well known as the Silk Road, which has been a major road in trade for nearly three thousand years. (The term “Silk Road” was first coined in 1877 by German geographer Baron Ferdinand von Richssofen in connection with the Chinese silk trade).
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