Excavations in Shiraz Uncover 1,000 Years of History

Date: 16 September 2025 - 21:50

News ID: ۱۴۳۵۹۸

TEHRAN -- The first phase of archaeological excavations in the historic fabric of Shiraz, which began in April 2025, has concluded with the uncovering of invaluable artifacts.
Conducted under a tripartite agreement between Shiraz Municipality, the Shiraz University of Arts, and the Iranian Cultural Heritage Research Institute—with oversight by the Fars Provincial Heritage Office—the “rescue excavation” was carried out at the pilgrims’ parking lot adjacent to the holy shrine of Ahmad ibn Musa Shah Cheragh, in preparation for the construction of the shrine’s metro station.
Dr. Meysam Nikzad, the project’s lead archaeologist and a faculty member at the Shiraz University of Arts, detailed the findings, noting that at a depth of eight meters below the surface, the team reached virgin soil layers revealing the earliest traces of human habitation in the area.
According to the evidence, the oldest remains date back to the mid-10th to 11th centuries CE (4th to 5th centuries AH), preceding the extensive development of the Shah Cheragh shrine complex.
Intriguingly, layers of waste materials found beneath the later architectural remains likely indicate the presence of an open space or public square during earlier periods, before the Ilkhanid era.
Architectural remains uncovered primarily belong to the Ilkhanid period and extend through the 13th and 14th centuries AH, showcasing continuous residential construction in this part of Shiraz over approximately 800 years, with habitation lasting until roughly two decades ago. This continuity highlights the longstanding urban and cultural significance of this district.
One of the most remarkable discoveries is evidence of turquoise glaze production workshops dating to the Safavid period.
Since turquoise glaze is made by oxidizing cobalt ore, the identification of firing facilities and kiln remnants affirms Shiraz’s role as a center for advanced ceramic technology during this era.
While historical texts suggested Shiraz as a major producer of turquoise glaze, the excavation provides the first solid archaeological proof supporting those accounts.
Additional finds include coins spanning from the Safavid period (such as Lar coins) through the late Pahlavi era, as well as fragments of pottery and glassware, which together attest to continued occupation and activity in the area up until the mid-20th century.
Future excavation phases are planned at two other locations within the historic fabric—likely near 9th of Dey Street and Zoghali Alley—before metro construction advances further.
Registered as a national heritage site in August 2023, the 357-hectare historic fabric of Shiraz comprises roughly 12,000 parcels and over 410 significant cultural assets. After 15 years of effort, a 57-hectare master plan for the preservation and revitalization of Shiraz’s historic-cultural core was approved by the Supreme Council of Architecture and Urban Planning in January 2025.
The plan aims to protect the unique identity and cultural heritage of Shiraz, home to the third holiest shrine of the Ahl al-Bayt, while addressing residents’ needs and upgrading urban infrastructure.