Archaeological Survey of Sardasht Bakhsh District: Unearthing Historical Insights

 

The archaeological exploration of the Sardasht Bakhsh district in the central city began in the months of Isfand 1394 and Spring 1395, revealing a treasure trove of tombs and cemeteries from various epochs. These burial sites, spanning different eras, offer invaluable insights into demographics, archaeology, and linguistics, making them a significant resource for understanding the region's past. The close proximity of Bashkortostan to neighboring provinces like Sistan and Baluchistan suggests the likelihood of cultural similarities. This article delves into the cemeteries discovered during the archaeological survey, shedding light on their historical significance.

 

 

Geographical and Cultural Context:

 

Bashkortostan, situated within the eastern Hormozgan province, is bordered by Kerman to the north, Sistan and Baluchistan to the east, and connects to the Oman River and the Persian Gulf through the city of Jask. The region's historical-cultural dynamics, especially its relationship with the Halilrud-Jazmorian cultural area, prompted a comprehensive assessment to ascertain the region's significance and historical interconnections. The archaeological surveys were carried out under the auspices of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, with fieldwork spanning several areas in the district, each with its unique historical and cultural features.

 

Survey Findings and Analysis:

 

The surveys identified various types of graves and cemeteries, providing a window into different periods of history. The age and gender of the deceased, causes of death, grave shapes, proximity to settlements, inscriptions, and other artifacts all hold important information. Notably, the shape and layout of the graves revealed continuity in cemetery use, indicating a sustained cultural practice.

 

Historical Insights:

 

The historical period witnessed the construction of graves on the periphery of rivers like Pashtgar, Shah Bawigh, and Sardasht, as well as other water bodies, with structures often integrated into the natural topography. These graves, shaped by the abundance of flat stones in the mountains, have distinct features and carvings. The graves of Kharpishthai and Singchin caves, reminiscent of structures along the southeastern and northern coasts, establish similarities with coastal regions along Iran's Persian Gulf.

 

Islamic Burial Practices:

 

Islamic graves, clustered by family or clan, displayed a consistent structure. Circular and rectangular tombs, constructed using flat stones in a dry form, often featured engravings of the deceased's name, date of death, and verses or supplications. The continuity of this practice through the Islamic period suggests an enduring cultural connection.

 

Archaeology and Destruction:

 

Acknowledging that archaeological exploration inherently leads to some degree of destruction, the study of cemeteries provides a unique avenue for investigation with minimal harm. Unlike other archaeological efforts, cemetery studies allow for deeper understanding without causing irreparable damage to historical sites. Such investigations offer a glimpse into Bashkord's cultural evolution across different eras.

 

 Continued Study:

 

This article offers a preliminary overview of the findings from the archaeological survey of Bashkord's cemeteries. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to explore more aspects of the cemeteries, including inscriptions, linguistic implications, and socio-economic aspects. While the survey's findings are informative, they hint at the untapped potential of uncovering a richer cultural tapestry.

 

In conclusion the archaeological survey of Sardasht Bakhsh district provides a glimpse into the region's history through its burial sites. Cemeteries, as repositories of cultural and demographic data, offer a unique perspective on past communities, practices, and traditions. While archaeological exploration inevitably alters historical contexts, the study of cemeteries remains an avenue through which history can be illuminated, celebrated, and understood.