Urartian Chamber Tomb of Khāneqāh

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran (Corresponding Author).

2 Expert at the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of West Azerbaijan Province, Urmia, Iran.

10.22084/nb.2025.29599.2690

Abstract

The reign of the Urartian kingdom in Eastern Anatolia, spanning over two centuries, was marked by its dominance in a challenging landscape. Forming alliances with neighboring territories, such as Assyria and Phrygia, Urartu established itself as a significant power in the Iron Age II. Their influence extended over vast regions, including northwestern Iran, Anatolia, Armenia, and a small part of what is today Iraqi Kurdistan. The Urartians’ hierarchical religious structure and military conquests played key roles in expanding their control. Various types of Urartian burials have been categorized by construction method, architecture, and materials, shedding light on social stratification. Rock-cut tombs and underground chambers reveal consistent burial customs and architectural features. Urartian burial sites in Iran present unique architectural elements, with discoveries of rock-cut tombs showcasing diverse room layouts and spatial contexts. A chamber tomb discovered during mosque construction features unworked limestone and sandstone blocks, with dimensions of 5×1.2 ×1.8 m. Large stone slabs form the walls, and a unique niche is present above the entrance. To prevent excessive weight on the lintel, this space is designed as a niche a common architectural technique. Resembling other Urartian tombs, it contains trefoil jugs and human bones, suggesting a Urartian attribution. Looting has hindered precise dating, but the pottery and architectural features align with Urartian sites near Lake Van. Similar tombs in Iran, such as those at Lor Balajuq and Bayazid Abad, underscore cultural connections. The tomb’s original funerary context remains uncertain due to looting. The trefoil jugs, indicative of Urartian pottery, were likely used for water and funerary purposes, reflecting Urartian mortuary customs. The discovery of the Khāneqāh Chamber Tomb near the Iran–Turkey border, west of Lake Urmia, sheds light on Urartian burial practices. The tomb’s architecture, associated objects, and regional context suggest it belonged to a local Urartian elite, showcasing the diversity of burial traditions within Urartian territory.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Archaeological Research of Iran
Volume 15, Issue 45
English Issue
2025
Pages 115-131

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