INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
trenches, one of which measuring 3.5 x 7.5 meters, gave clues about an iron smelting furnace belonging to the end of the 5th century AH to
the beginning of the 6th century AH, the official said.The picturesque village of Masuleh is famed for its Lego-shaped earthen houses built
Archaeological evidence suggests the history of human presence in mountains near Masuleh dates back to the late Bronze Age (2000-1500
as well as cultural materials including potteries and handmade tools, along with a large amount of waste material from iron smelting, which
of residential buildings, smelting workshops, tools for the extraction and manufacture of metal objects (Challangari), and glazed potteries
information about the approximate extent of Old Masuleh, unearthing ancient artifacts, and exploring possible reasons for the migration of
its inhabitants to the current village.According to the available documents, the earthquake of 890 AH and the outbreak of the plague in 943
AH were possible reasons for the migration of the ancient people of Masuleh to the current location of this historic village, Jahani
explained.Archaeological research held last year concluded that human beings resided in these highlands seasonally, at least since the late
The survey was carried out as part of a preliminary process to compile an all-inclusive dossier for the touristic village to be presented to
the mountainous landscape was probably occupied by ancient herders and nomads, at least since the late Bronze Age
Moreover, the survey found remains of late prehistoric, historic, and Islamic times were recorded on the mountain top above 2500 meters
above sea level.Gilan is well-known for its rich Iron Age cemeteries such as Marlik that have been excavated over the past century
It was once within the sphere of influence of the successive Achaemenian, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanid empires that ruled Iran until the
The subsequent Arab conquest of Iran led to the rise of many local dynasties, and Gilan acquired an independent status that continued until
1567.According to Freidoun Biglari, a Paleolithic archaeologist at the National Museum of Iran, the discovery of stone artifacts on these
highlands indicates that the area was seasonally visited by prehistoric human groups
He added that archaeological evidence found in other parts of Gilan, such as Darband Rashi Cave, shows that the western half of the Alborz
numerous caves and suitable stone raw resources in the study area, we expect to find more definitive archaeological evidence of the
of the many stepped villages that are quite common to find around the country, especially in Iranian Kurdistan and around Mashhad
They have been built on a hill so steep that the roof of one house is the pathway for the next.Whereas practically, all stepped villages in
Iran have been able to keep their rural and traditional essence, for some reason, Masuleh has evolved into a popular touristic destination
that especially attracts domestic vacationers.According to experts, Masuleh is receiving the attention of all the guidebooks, portraying it
as a dreamy mountain village, so, slowly, it is becoming the prime destination for those travelers who have a little more than two weeks in
Iran.Iran is hoping to win UNESCO recognition for Masuleh.AM
