Iranian Ancient Civilization Site Under Threat

Head of Iran’s Architecture Luminaries Association has questioned the extent to which an organization has the authority to make a decision that can submerge the site of an ancient civilization.In an interview with Fars, Ali Reza Qahhari also expressed concern about the flooding of Sivand Dam and said that head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization has expressed approval for filling the dam with water without presenting any explanation to the Majlis or the people and will reportedly announce this in writing within a few days.He further said that the decision was made without regard to the outcome of excavations undertaken by 14 archeological teams from a number of countries.The groups conducted research works in different sections of the area, especially in Bolaghi Pass and achieved results which are unique, Qahhari said, adding that they came across mounds from the pre-Christian era, which are yet to be excavated.Meanwhile, settlements from the pre-Christian era, metal-smelting kilns, caves, stone furnaces belonging to Pars rulers, graveyards from the Ashkanid period as well as seven kilometers of stone boundary were discovered by the team, which are unique in the world.All these findings will be submerged once the Sivand Dam becomes operational, he said, noting that this is source of concern for environment experts as well as archeologists and architects.If the dam is filled with water, the area will undergo ecological changes, thus one of the beautiful areas in the world will be destroyed, Qahhari concluded.