TEHRAN -- The Kamar Zarrin archaeological site in Isfahan, one of the province’s most significant urban archaeology projects, has been inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage Register after receiving approval from the National Heritage Registration Council following extensive expert assessments.
Seyyed Ruhollah Seyyed al-Asgari, deputy head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department of Isfahan Province, said five historically valuable sites in the province had recently been approved for national registration, with Kamar Zarrin considered one of the most important archaeological cases.
He said the site secured the required majority of votes from the National Heritage Registration Council after undergoing detailed technical studies and specialist reviews.
“The registration of Kamar Zarrin is more than the addition of a name to a list; it is a strategic step toward strengthening the site’s position within the country’s official framework for protecting archaeological heritage,” Seyyed al-Asgari said, highlighting the site’s special significance for urban archaeology in Isfahan.
The deputy heritage official said the newly registered sites also include the underground city of Kord-e Olya in Tiran and Karun, the Baad Afshan archaeological site in Badroud, Adineh Mosque in Dastjerd and the historic
Araei House in Khorasgan.
He added that national registration is the result of a process involving identification, documentation and specialized research, after which conservation and protection measures will be implemented according to cultural heritage regulations.
The inscription of the sites reflects the wide range of Isfahan Province’s historical assets, from architectural monuments to archaeological remains, while creating a stronger legal foundation for preserving the region’s cultural identity.
The significance of Kamar Zarrin came to wider attention two years ago when excavation work for the construction of the Kamar Zarrin passage uncovered evidence of two historic architectural structures.
The discovery led to the suspension of construction activities and the launch of archaeological excavations through cooperation between the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, Isfahan Municipality’s Renovation and Urban Development Organization, and the University of Art.
During the first phase of excavations, archaeologists uncovered a decorated water structure dating to the period before the Mongol invasion of Isfahan, a pottery kiln, a later Islamic-era architectural structure, stone walls, brick-paved floors believed to date back to the Seljuk period, and remains of an ancient historical route.
Under earlier plans by Isfahan Municipality’s Renovation and Urban Development Organization, the Kamar Zarrin passage area was expected to be transformed into an open-air museum, allowing visitors to view and learn about important archaeological discoveries and historical remains uncovered at the site.
The second phase of excavations began last year in front of Kamar Zarrin Mosque. Archaeologists discovered further architectural remains as well as movable artifacts, including Islamic-era lusterware tiles, distinctive pottery and historical coins.
According to Isfahan heritage officials, the third phase of excavations will begin after the municipality completes the acquisition of shops and buildings in the area, opening a new stage in the exploration and preservation of this important urban archaeological site.