TEHRAN – Archaeologists have unearthed an array of “important” ruins and centuries-old structures in Isfahan, which was once the capital of Persia during the Safavid era (1501-1736).

The discovery was made in the Kamar-Zarrin passageway situated in downtown Isfahan adjacent to the UNESCO-registered Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, IRNA reported on Thursday.

“The passageway is situated in the heart of the historical fabric of Isfahan, and significant evidence from various historical periods has been discovered within it,” Ali Shojai Isfahani, who presides over the archaeological team, said.

“Archaeological findings unearthed from the Kamar-Zarrin passageway span from pre-Islamic times to the Qajar era.”

Recently, a routine urban dig revealed evidence of two architectural structures. Consequently, that operation was halted, and urban archaeological operations began with an agreement between the Cultural Heritage Research Institute, Isfahan’s Urban Revitalization Organization, and the Art University.

Shojaei Isfahani, referring to the digging of five trenches during the archaeological operation, stated: “Under the sediments of the first trench, evidence of a series of engraved objects (related to irrigation and water supply) were found, which requires further examination to predict their antiquity, but it is likely that these artifacts date back to the period before the Mongol invasion of Isfahan.”

“These engraved objects raise the question of why these water structures were decorated, which needs further investigation.

The archaeologist continued: “It is probable that these water structures were [once] visible and aesthetically pleasing.”

Furthermore, another trench led to the discovery of a kiln, which is of great importance from a historical studies’ perspective, he explained.

“It appears that this kiln was dedicated to baking a specific type of pottery, but there is still doubt in this regard,” Shojaei Isfahani added.

He continued: “The antiquity of this kiln may be attributed to the 7th century, indicating that we are facing an industrial complex on a part of this passageway.”

The archaeologist said: “Another trench led to the discovery of an architectural structure that appears to belong to the late Islamic period.”

“Here, stone walls and brick floors came to light, which requires further examination and research for dating.”

“One of the existing pieces of evidence is that the dimensions of one of the brick floors found in this passage are identical to the dimensions of bricks found in the dome chamber of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, suggesting that these structures may belong to the Seljuk period. However, this requires further investigation.”

Isfahan was once been a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons as it is filled with many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It’s a city for walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, dozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people.

The ancient city is renowned not only for the abundance of great historical bridges but also for its ‘life-giving river’, the Zayandeh-Rood, which has long bestowed the city an original beauty and fertility. Isfahan has long been nicknamed Nesf-e-Jahan, which is translated into “half the world”; meaning seeing it is relevant to see half the world. In its heyday, it was also one of the largest cities in the region with a population of nearly one million.

The cool blue tiles of Isfahan’s Islamic buildings, and the city’s majestic bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry Iranian countryside. The huge Imam Square, best known as Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. (literary meaning “Image of the World”), is one of the largest in the world (500m by 160m), and a majestic example of town planning. Constructed in the early 17th century, the UNESCO-registered square is punctuated with the most interesting sights in Isfahan.

Apart from its cultural heritage gems, Isfahan is home to some heavy industry, including steel factories and a nuclear facility on its outskirts. A top destination when it comes to medical tourism, the ancient city is also home to a gigantic, professional, and state-of-the-art healthcare city, which is a major destination in the realm of medical tourism.

AM