TEHRAN—The Gartak ancient site in Sirvan county, Ilam province, holds the secrets of the lives of ancient people and is a hidden treasure of the history of Ilam, Habibollah Mahmoudian, a specialist in prehistoric archaeology, has said.

He told ISNA that the Gartak site, which includes an ancient cemetery and a human settlement area, is located seven kilometers off the city of Ilam.

He explained that the Gartak site is located on the slopes of Mount Gachan and is bordered by the river on three sides, north, east and west, and by the mountain on the south. Its vegetation is pasture and forest, and elderberry trees at the bottom of the cemetery cover part of the area.

The archaeologist pointed out that the cemetery is located in a higher place than the residential area and connected to the mountain slope. Rubble and cobblestone cover the entire area and pits from unauthorized excavations can be seen in it, he added.

"The height of this place is 15 meters compared to the surrounding land and its area is about 500 × 1000 meters. The soil in this area is clay and limestone.”

Mahmoudian continued that the surface studies at this site have revealed a variety of cultural artifacts. “These artifacts include pottery, shell fossils, charcoal, bone, and crude glass. Shell fossils are seen on the cemetery surface, which are likely related to people's beliefs. Also, the use of stone mortars was common at this site.”

He explained that the potteries discovered from the area are mostly medium and coarse in thickness. “Plant materials and soft sand were used for the chamotte of the pottery, and most of them are fully baked. These potteries are wheel-made and unglazed. The pottery paste is pea-colored, brick-colored, brick-colored, and local gray, and some have a pea-colored clay coating. The decorated pottery is divided into two categories: added striped patterns and carved patterns.”

The archaeologist said: “Most likely, the existence of rubble and cobblestone in the area, indicates that it has been a human settlement. Agricultural activities have completely disrupted and destroyed its original surface texture, and many graves in the cemetery have been disturbed by unauthorized diggers.” 

He added that the area’s proximity to the water springs and plenty of natural resources are considered the most important factor for human settlement. 

“The people of this region have placed the graves in high areas and on hills due to local religious beliefs or probably to prevent natural destruction and erosion from annual floods. Natural factors such as floods and sedimentation, in addition to destroying the graves, have caused some of them to be buried. Also, human factors have caused great damage to this cultural-historical site through unauthorized excavations.”

Mahmoudian clarified that considering the observed cultural artifacts and their characteristics, this cemetery and residential area most likely belong to the historical era. 

He emphasized on importance of preserving and restoring this site, adding that this site can provide valuable information about the life and culture of the people of the region during the historical times.

The archaeological researcher added: “Further studies and regular excavations can help to better understand the settlement pattern, architecture and beliefs of the people of this region. Also, protecting this site from unauthorized excavations and natural destruction is essential.”

Ilam province, western Iran, covers an area of 19,086 square kilometers and include Ilam, Mehran, Dehloran, Darreh Shahr, Sarable, Eyvan, Abdanan and Arkwaz cities.  It shares its borders with three provinces of Khuzestan in the south, Lorestan in the east, and Kermanshah in the north. Ilam has also 425 kilometers of common border with Iraq in the west.  The province’s weather is hot and dry during summer and is temperate in winter. Ilam boasts beautiful spring nature.  The capital city of the province is Ilam. The city is bounded by mountains and forests and benefits from mountainous weather. Ancient castles, channels and river beds in mountainous nature make attractions for those who visit the place, especially during spring when all over the place is covered with green.

KD