Important Parthian City Found in Eastern Azarbaijan Province

19 April 2005

Archaeologists have identified residential quarters and fortifications discovered in the vicinities of the historical fortress of Zahhak in the north western province of Eastern Azarbaijan, as Faras Pa, one of the major Parthian cities of Iran.

Based on historical documents, Faras Pa has been the capital of the local government of Atropathen and considered one of the major cities of the Parthian era. The city was raided by Greek forces, but wars of attrition forced the invaders to withdraw.

Following the historical evidence on Faras Pa’s location, archaeologists launched a series of studies around the historical Zahhak fortress which dates back to the Parthian dynasty, explained archaeology expert with the Eastern Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, Mohammad Feizkhah.

The excavations led to the discovery of more than twenty residential areas and eight watchtowers confirming the once existence of the Faras Pa city there.

According to Feizkhah, despite the fact that many parts of the residential areas are hidden underneath the new villages and agricultural lands, they are very vast, including one that spreads in an area of seven hectares.

Before the discoveries around Zahhak fortress in Hashtroud area of Eastren Azarbaijan, experts believed that the Faras Pa city was located near Bakhtak fortress in the southern part of the province