Archeologists
have warned that construction and research
operations, including the building of jetties and
oil installations along the coast, can harm the
archeological sites located in seashore areas.
According to CHN, Iran is an important country
which has had elaborate shipping and port
facilities as well as a strong naval force since
the ancient times given its proximity to the seas.
Preliminary archeological studies reveal that some
sections of the ancient cities and jetties were
submerged by advancing sea waters and these
structures can now be examined.
Head of Underwater Archeology team Hossein
Towfiqian said that many organizations and
institutions, particularly Ports and Shipping
Organization, Oil Ministry and Fisheries
Organization, are involved in construction
operations without prior coordination with
Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Organization (ICHTO). Such rampant activities can
destroy underwater sites, he added.
“For example, Fisheries Organization has
inflicted damages to archeological sites by
creating areas for shrimp farming,“ he said.
Noting that the southern and northern coasts are
home to significant historical ruins, Towfiqian
added that if organizations and institutes provide
the ICHTO with relevant information before
undertaking projects, it will be able to prevent
the destruction of the archeological sites.
