Northwestern Iran

Northwestern Iran is one of the key regions in the archaeological researches, especially during the Iron Age. Tepe Hasanlu is an important ancient site due to its long-term occupation and extensive excavations, with relatively complete studies. This paper dealing with the results of recent archaeozoological researches of Hasanlu, to complete the lack of studies on the subsistence economy of the site. The studied faunal remains of Hasanlu derived from campaigns of 1970, 1972 and 1974, which are housed in the Osteology Department of the National Museum of Iran. This paper intends to examine the subsistence economy and animal exploitation patterns during the Iron Age in Tepe Hasanlu. The faunal remains of Middle and Late Bronze Age and Historic period also evaluated to better perception of changes and evolutions in subsistence strategies of Iron Age. The results of studies pointed to the developed animal husbandry during all periods of Hasanlu, which domesticated sheep and goats, and cattle were the most important exploited resources. Equids also allocated the considerable portion of the collection which especially bred in Iron Age. The same pattern identified in contemporaneous sites such as Haftavan Tepe and Dinkhah Tepe in northwestern Iran.

Masjid i-Kabud was built upon the order of Jahan Shah, the ruler of the Kara Koyunlu dynasty, in Tabriz, Northwest Iran. This building is among the most important remains of Islamic architecture and has repeatedly been the object of research by historians of architecture. While the configuration of this building finds a corresponding prototype in Timurid Iran, in the view of a wider audience the construction purpose of this building conceptualizes the theme of Anatolian architecture. Thus, there remain several controversies about the inception of architectural layout that need to be further explored. Using a comparative-analytical method, the aim is to trace back the architectural predecessors of Masjid i-Kabud. Unlike recent studies that attest a Perso-Ottoman interaction in shaping this monument, material evidences confirm beyond any doubt that this was built under the guidance of a master-architect who came from Central Asia a short time before its construction in Tabriz, a grand new capital. According to the results, it is possible to point out a general architectural consistency from the Timurid Empire to the Turkoman era that is largely visible in this building: a tomb in the rear of the central dome aligned with an axial portal, while auxiliary rooms surrounding the main dome on the three sides is a modification of the old traditional Iranian form and might have a close relationship with changes occurring within the religious doctrine in providing adequate space for pilgrimages and educational purposes.

Rabat Tepe, an ancient site in northwestern Iran near the Little Zab River, reveals insights into two distinct periods from the Iron Age. The primary focus of excavations has been on the layers dating back to the first millennium BC. Notable discoveries at Rabat include a striking pebble mosaic pavement, fortified walls, and various decorative bricks. The site’s size, architectural remains, and uncovered artifacts point to its significant role during the first millennium BC. Through multiple excavation seasons, researchers have gleaned valuable information about the site’s layout and historical eras. Evidence suggests that a thick wall once enclosed the entire area, around 3 meters in width. Artifacts found at Rabat share similarities with those from Qalaichi, a well-known Mannaean site. While initially attributed to Mannaean culture, this association is now under debate. Excavations between 2006 and 2008 unearthed inscribed bricks inscribed with Neo-Assyrian cuneiform script. These findings sparked discussions and identified Rabat with ancient cities like Paddir/Šurdira and Hubushkia, although these identifications face significant challenges. Rabat was an independent religious-royal city-state.