Kamarzarin Trove of Coins Unlocks Isfahan’s Medieval Trade Legacy

Date: 01 September 2025 - 22:28

News ID: ۱۴۳۰۸۲

TEHRAN -- Excavations at the Kamarzarin archaeological site in Isfahan have yielded a significant trove of over 100 historical coins, bolstering the theory that the area once hosted a vital trading center.
Announced by Amir Karamzadeh, Director General of Isfahan’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, this latest discovery emerges from the second season of systematic digs conducted opposite the Kamarzarin Mosque.
Of particular note is the recovery of 35 coins in a single day — a remarkable find that speaks to the dense archaeological deposits preserved beneath the surface. While preliminary assessments suggest these coins predominantly belong to various Islamic periods, ongoing laboratory analysis will help refine their precise chronology and provenance.
The coins’ presence alongside architectural remnants hints strongly at the site’s former role as a bustling trade nexus, possibly a caravanserai or commercial outpost. This aligns with earlier findings from the initial excavation season, which revealed an array of artifacts including an inscribed water structure predating the Mongol invasion, a pottery kiln, Seljuk-era brick flooring, and stone walls — all pointing to a complex urban environment with diverse economic activities.
This phase of excavation was originally authorized for 40 days by the Archaeological Research Institute, but the recent extension grants archaeologists further opportunity to explore the site’s stratigraphy and recover additional artifacts. Karamzadeh underscores the importance of this continued work, emphasizing its potential to illuminate Isfahan’s role in regional trade and its broader cultural heritage.
The discovery at Kamarzarin traces back to two years ago when construction for a new urban passage uncovered architectural features that prompted a halt in development and initiated formal archaeological investigations. This collaborative effort involves the Cultural Heritage Institute, the municipal Renovation and Development Organization, and the University of Art, highlighting a growing commitment to preserving Iran’s archaeological patrimony amid urban expansion.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to convert the Kamarzarin excavation zone into an open-air museum—a public space dedicated to showcasing the region’s archaeological riches and fostering greater appreciation for Isfahan’s layered history.
As excavations progress, the combined evidence of architectural remains, Islamic-period glazed tiles, ceramics, and now this substantial numismatic assemblage promises to deepen our understanding of economic life in medieval Isfahan. Each new find enriches the narrative of a city that long served as a crossroads of commerce, culture, and civilization in the Iranian plateau.