Recognizing the Historical Roads and Monuments between DIzful and Khurramabad in Qajar Era

Tracing historical routes is a crucial key to understanding the network of historical and cultural assets in any region, sometimes leading to the discovery of new sites. Nevertheless, the communication paths between Khūzistān and Luristān have remained largely unknown, and serious research on them has been lacking. In addition to the travels of Nasir-Al-Dīn Shāh's entourage to Khūzistān, the significance of archaeological excavations and the commencement of oil exploration heightened European interest and activities in the southwestern region of Iran in the mid-20th century. Despite numerous journeys by domestic and foreign agents to Luristān and Khūzistān, Arnold Wilson's journey and accomplishments in 1911 hold a distinctive position. However, these contributions have not yet shed light on the lesser-known historical route from Khurramābād to Dizfūl. This research aims to employ a historical interpretive approach, utilizing existing documents and historical maps found in travelogues, books, and military reports. Some of these documents will be published for the first time in this study. The research endeavors to analyze the reports and maps of Arnold Wilson's 1911 mission in Luristān, shedding light on the routes and historical sites between Dizfūl and Khurramābād. The study seeks to accurately identify and introduce these sites and clarify the ambiguities surrounding this historical route. By comparing the findings of Arnold Wilson's 1911 mission in Luristān and identifying his precise route as well as other historical routes, including the Dizfūl-Khurramābād route (with focus on the Chul road), several historical sites have been unearthed. These sites encompass aqueduct structures in Du Hauzān, irrigation networks in Salih Ābād, historical areas in Sar-i-pilleh, Karaharr, Qāfilajāh, and Shahr-i-Gaud, tombs in Gurr-i-Hushkih and Ahmad Kūchīkih, Zāl and Tirādā historical bridges, the historical fortress of Tang-i-Qalā, and unique toponyms along these routes, such as Walmīyān, Baq-i-Khān, Āsīābād Mountain, and more. Many of these sites were introduced by Wilson for the first time and can serve as the foundation for further historical and archaeological field studies.