5th Season of Iran-Japan Archaeological Cooperation in Gilan

29 August 2005

Head of the documentation section of Gilan province Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department, Vali Jahani, declared here Tuesday that the fifth season of cooperation between Iranian and Japanese archaeologists in Gilan is about to start.

He told that such cooperation will be based on a five-year memorandum of understanding signed between the provincial Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department and Japan's Middle East Cultural Institute about survey and identification of the provincial cultural and historical monuments.

"During the past four years, the archaeological group has managed to identify a number of historical and natural sites situated to the west of Sefidroud river including hills, cemeteries, sites and castles which have been documented.

"The upcoming season will be allocated to survey of the unearthed cultural objects found during the excavations conducted at a valley near Roudbar and their comparison to those discovered during the past four years," he added.

He noted that during the current season, unique valuable artifacts including bowels and statuettes of goddesses found at the valley will be examined.

The town of Roudbar is one of the richest national areas with respect to ancient relics. Over 30 historical monuments have already been registered at the national heritage list.