Implementation of the Zabol University's external project to determine the area and boundaries of the Dinarzari historical site in Garmeh city

The external project “Archaeological Speculation to Determine the Area and Propose the Boundary of the Dinarzari Historical Site and the Remains of the Plain Bridge” in Garmeh County, led by Dr. Reza Naseri, a faculty member of the University of Zabol, was successfully completed. This project was implemented with the permission of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Research Institute and with the support of the Archaeological Research Institute and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of North Khorasan, within the framework of a joint research contract between the Vice-Deputy for Research and Technology of the University of Zabol and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the province.

This project is an example of the scientific capacities of the University of Zabol in implementing problem-oriented and external projects in the field of cultural heritage; a project that was carried out with the aim of scientifically protecting historical monuments, determining the area and legal boundary, and preventing damage caused by natural and human factors.

The historical site of Dinarzari and the remains of the Plain Bridge, located on the historical route from Jorjan to Neyshabur, is one of the important sites on the Silk Road. This historical complex, with an area of ​​about three hectares, includes the remains of a caravanserai and related spaces, which, according to written sources, belong to the Ghaznavid and Seljuk periods. This valuable work was registered in the country's National Monuments List in 2010 with registration number 29477.

During this field program, several excavations were made in different parts of the site and two main trenches were opened in the southern areas and adjacent to the floodplain. The results of these studies will be effective in identifying the extent of cultural deposits, buried architectural remains and developing conservation proposals for this historical site. The results of these studies will be the basis for determining the final area and boundary and developing conservation and architectural criteria for the site.

This project was visited by provincial and city officials during its implementation. The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of North Khorasan, the Governor of Garmeh County, the Head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the County, and the Imam of Garmeh Friday Prayer were among the officials who visited the excavation site to inspect the implementation process of the project and the scientific measures taken, and emphasized the importance of protecting cultural heritage. A group of journalists and representatives of provincial media, news agencies, and North Khorasan Radio and Television also attended the project site and prepared and published a report on the implementation process of this scientific project.

The implementation of this project took place in a situation where the country was facing external challenges and tensions; however, scientific, research, and conservation activities in the field of cultural heritage continue uninterrupted. Understanding the position of cultural heritage as part of the country's identity and historical memory, experts and researchers in this field are trying to pursue their responsibility in protecting cultural assets and advancing the country's scientific and development goals continuously, along with other scientific and administrative sectors. The continued implementation of such projects demonstrates the dynamism of the country's scientific and executive institutions and the continuation of the path of progress and protection of Iran's historical heritage.