Archaeologists have Discovered Abyaneh's Sasanian Residential Quarter

News Category: Sasanian Dynasty (224-651 CE)

LONDON, (CAIS) - The initial archaeological excavations in historical village of Abyaneh resulted in the discovery of a residential area belonging to the Sasanian dynastic era.

Abyaneh historical village is one of the most ancient villages of Iran located in Kashan province. The remains of a fire temple and some historical castles indicate that the history of this village goes back to the Sasanian era.

“After only two days of excavations, such a discovery was very satisfying. Continuing the excavations under a scheduled and systematic program will result in more great discoveries in this region,” said Zahra Saroukhani, an archaeologist of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Kashan province.

“Some original dwellings of Abyaneh village residences were unearthed during the initial excavations in this historical site. The discovered area is about 600 by 300 square meters; and its architectural style indicates the close relations between the structures,” added Saroukhani.

Characteristics of this relation and discovery of the historical evidence in the region require more comprehensive studies in this respect.

“Regional and archaeological excavations in Abyaneh historical village would result in the discovery of several relics. From an architectural and natural heritage point of view, this village enjoys a special importance and more archaeological excavations would even add to this importance,” explained Saroukhani.

Initially, archaeological excavations in Abyaneh historical village started following the submission of a proposal to the Abyaneh Research Center for constructing a hotel in the village. After the discovery of this historical site in this village, the research center rejected the proposal for building a hotel in this area.

Prior to this, the director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Iran had announced his disagreement with the construction of a hotel in Abyaneh village and asked the authorities of the research center to prepare facilities in the big abandoned houses of the village and change them into lodgings for the tourists.

Abyaneh, located on the northwestern slope of Mount Karkas in Isfahan Province, 70 kilometers southeast of Kashan, is one of Iran’s oldest villages. The historical village is known as the “Red Village” because of its red soil and houses. The architectural style of this historical village is like a staircase and it is registered in the list of the National Historical Heritage of the country.