Recognizing the Communication Route Between Shapurkhashat (Khorramabad) and Khuzestan in the Islamic Period by Relying on Archaeological Evidence

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, Iran.

10.22084/nb.2024.27970.2602

Abstract

Abstract
The strategic communication position of Lorestan Province, located in western Iran, has historically facilitated the passage of significant and active communication routes. One notable route that traversed Lorestan during the Islamic period was the thoroughfare linking Khuzestan and Hamadan. This route flourished during the Islamic era, serving as the primary connection between Khuzestan and the western regions of the Iranian Plateau. To date, this communication route has not been the subject of dedicated research, resulting in a lack of comprehensive information regarding the quantity and quality of archaeological findings associated with it. This gap underscores the need for independent research aimed at identifying and documenting this communication route and its archaeological significance. This study addresses two primary inquiries: 1- What archaeological evidence remains from the route connecting Shapurkhasat to Khuzestan during the Islamic period, and which areas of Lorestan did this route traverse? 2- How did the development of this road progress throughout the Islamic era, and what transformations took place during this time? The research adopts a historical approach, with data collection derived from both fieldwork and library research. An analysis of archaeological artifacts and historical documentation indicates that the communication pathway linking Shapurkhasat and Khuzestan in the Islamic era passed through the Balagriveh region, situated in central Lorestan, as well as the area referred to as Nomkoh/Miankoh. This road has been associated with a range of architectural elements, such as a castle, a bridge, a caravanserai, a tomb, settlement areas, and a mill. The data indicates that the road maintains a historical continuity, reflecting an ancient route that saw minimal alterations and relocations throughout the Islamic era, with its stations continuing to function with few modifications into the modern age.
Keywords: Lorestan Province, Islamic Era, Communication Road, Archaeological Evidence, Miankoh.
 
Introduction
A notable route that emerged during the Islamic period in Lorestan was the one connecting Hamadan to Khuzestan. This thoroughfare traversed the Miankoh region, which is marked by its mountainous and challenging geography. The rivers and highlands in this area have historically presented significant obstacles to the development of communication routes. Nonetheless, the existence of essential political and economic centers, along with administrative and religious establishments in the surrounding regions, created a pressing need for communication pathways to navigate through this rugged landscape. The identification of archaeological evidence that illustrates the efforts of Islamic era architects to address these natural challenges is an intriguing topic within the field of archaeological studies in the region, which has not been thoroughly examined in previous literature. Despite the existence of historical references to this communication route and the architectural landmarks that line it, a detailed investigation into both the route and the structures has not been thoroughly undertaken. This gap has led to a deficiency in comprehensive information regarding the number, types, and quality of these buildings. Hence, it is crucial to conduct an inquiry into this route to reveal and catalog the archaeological evidence linked to it, and this article serves as a step in that direction.
Methods: The current research utilizes a historical approach as its foundational methodology. Data collection involved both fieldwork and the review of library sources. By engaging in library materials, a foundational understanding of the region and the road was established. This was complemented by a field visit, during which archaeological evidence was identified and documented. The resulting findings were then analyzed comprehensively.
 
Discussion
The extensive variety and quantity of architectural structures along this route underscore its significance as a trans-regional communication pathway. Most of the documented evidence pertains to the Islamic period. Typically, the caravanserais from this era are situated in areas with favorable environmental conditions and are accompanied by archaeological remnants from earlier epochs. These observations suggest that the route was utilized during the Achaemenid and Parthian periods. It appears that the remnants from the pre-Sassanid eras, including those from the Parthian and Achaemenid periods, have largely been lost, likely due to the perishable nature of the materials used, predominantly clay and mud. During the Islamic period, a range of architectural developments were implemented to enhance the functionality and security of this road. Although fewer artifacts have been discovered from the early and middle Islamic periods, a greater number of constructions have been identified from the late Islamic period, indicating a significant increase in building activity.
The evidence presented reveals that there have been limited changes and displacements in the alignment of this road during the Islamic era. Displacements are primarily concentrated in passes and mountainous regions. The instances of station relocation are rare, as these stations were established in locations that provide optimal biological resources, consistent with the geographical features of the area, which have remained largely unchanged over time.
In certain areas, this road presents two distinct routes, which vary according to the travel season, regional conditions, and other travel-related requirements, with caravans opting for one of these paths. Najm al-Dawlah Abd al-Ghafar, who journeyed to Khuzestan during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, notes that: “…after traversing Absard, the group proceeded towards Badamak, taking the Chol route while diverging from the Kialan route, ultimately heading east..”. This account indicates that the route from Khorramabad to Khuzestan bifurcates at Absard into two paths: the Chol route and the Kialan route. Although the Kialan route is characterized by heavier snowfall and greater difficulty, it is shorter in distance. Abd al-Ghafar deemed the Kialan route more advantageous for caravan travel as well as for postal and telegraphic services due to its proximity. These two paths converge in the plain, continuing as a single route thereafter.
 
Conclusion
The evidence from historical and geographical texts of the Islamic era, coupled with a wealth of archaeological data, indicates that the communication pathway between Shapurkhashat and Khuzestan extended through Balageriveh and the Miankoh region of Lorestan. Archaeological findings related to this route manifest as bridges, caravanserais, guideposts, castles, paved roads, and settlement areas. Such evidence illustrates that this route not only facilitated local communication but also enabled connections with areas beyond the region. Additionally, this road played a crucial role in ensuring the security and economic well-being of the region. It is noteworthy that this route was utilized prior to the Islamic era; caravanserais and stations from the Islamic period were constructed in areas with optimal living conditions, often adjacent to ancient sites that provide evidence of pre-Islamic activity. This situation underscores the adherence to historical patterns and environmental necessities in the selection of locations for stations and residences. During the Islamic era, a variety of architectural works were developed along this road to improve the passage and safety of caravans and travelers. The route experienced its highest level of prosperity during the late Islamic period, with crossing routes, residences, and stations continuing to be utilized with minimal modifications into the modern era.

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References

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pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran
Volume 14, Issue 43
2025
Pages 161-190

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