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Abbas Motarjem, Mehdi Heydari,
year 1, Issue 2 (3-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Aleshtar plain is central part of Selseleh county and located in North Loristan province. This plain is region lush and with pleasant weather and rich soil. This area has been from prehistoric period so far always settlements folks and different groups human. Location of Aleshtar plain and proximity with Northern areas Zagros, Central Plateau, Southwest Iran, and Mesopotamia, for a long time to this area has particular importance of communication. Authors, after explaining the climate and ancient roads Aleshtar, have analyzed dispersion form of ancient and historical settlements this area. In this regard, using with ArcGIS software (version 10.3) location of each site is specified in Aleshtar. Output of ArcGIS software, is four maps in Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron, Historic, and Islamic periods. After studies is specified approximate route of ancient road in Aleshtar plain (north-south road in central Zagros). Therefore, combining the two points, included, ancient road north-south and also distribution of ancient and historic sites in Aleshtar plain, in before and after Islamic periods, this question was raised: what role has this ancient road in Aleshtar plain in the formation ancient settlements? For this question, authors with preliminary survey in Aleshtar plain they had this hypothesis: basically, this ancient road from Islamic periods has played a pivotal role in the formation of sites. Analysis distance of each site from this ancient road has showed, most archaeological sites has been formation in Aleshtar plain from the Islamic period along this route; In the Pre-Islamic periods, hasn’t been focus center of settlements around this ancient road with distance of about two kilometers. Data of this study is based on archaeological research Ali Sajjadi in 1998 and Davood Davoodi in 2006 and 2007. Also, authors have done again surveyes in this area.
Keywords: Aleshtar plain, Settlement, Ancient roads, and GIS Analysis.

Introduction
Selseleh County is located in north of Lorestan and in South of Hamedan Province. From Aleshtar city is mentioned in various sources. This point has been indicative importance this region in Pre-Islamic and Islamic periods. Archaeological survey that so far has been done in Aleshtar plain, confirms importance of this area. In Aleshtar before all, by Oral Stin has been done archaeological survey (Stin, 1940). Colar Goff in during archaeological surveys in North Lorestan; She has also surveyed Aleshtar (Goff, 1968). In 1998, Ali Sajjadi was surveyed Aleshtar from administration of Cultural Heritage of Lorestan province. Now, report her work is in archives administration of Cultural Heritage of Lorestan province (Sajjadi, 1998). Furthermore, in 2006 and 2007, Davood Davoodi was surveyed historic and ancient monuments Aleshtar in during two seasons (Davoodi, 2006 and 2007). Authors, in order to explain process settlement in Aleshtar plain, and measurement influence of climatic conditions area, and importance of ancient and historical roads of this region, have done draw a map ancient settlements of Aleshtar plane in Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron, Historic, and Islamic periods. For this purpose, has been used from report of survey Ali Sajjadi (Sajjadi, 1998), and reports of surveys Davood Davoodi (Davoodi, 2006 and 2007), and also, again surveyes authors in this area. In this research, has been used for register ancient sites on the map from ArcGIS software (version 10.3). So, authors in this research try to analyze the following issues:
What role has this ancient road in Aleshtar plain in the formation ancient settlements? And essentially, role of road north-south in Aleshtar plain at what period is seen? The main hypothesis of this research, it is: Around of ancient road in Aleshtar plain in Islamic period has been settlement. In the Pre-Islamic period, hasn’t been focus center of settlements around this ancient road with distance of about two kilometers.

Settlements of Aleshtar plain from prehistoric to Islamic periods
The Communication route that has been connected West to Southwest of Iran (Hamedan and Kermanshah to Khozestan plain), one of the most important route of communication in Pre-Islamic periods, and this road has been connected West and Northwest to regions of Southwest Iran. Continue this road has been crossed from Aleshtar plain. Study location of sites from prehistory to Islamic periods has points, has been effective in description of problem, settlement patterns and also role of ancient roads in this area in formation of settlement patterns. In study area, were identified in total 96 settlements sites. The sites were divided into four groups, that including Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron, Historic, and Islamic periods. According to, in Aleshtar plain were identified 27 sites related to Chalcolithic period. It seems, in this period entire Aleshtar plain has been inhabited. Most of settlements are seen in around rivers of Kahman and Zaz. However, in the eastern part of Aleshtar, is seen number large sites settlements related whit this period. Also, in this area were identified 28 sites related to Bronze and Iron periods. Checking the distribution map of sites in these periods, interpretations related whit Chalcolithic period is show. In this period entire Aleshtar plain has been inhabited. In Historic periods (especially Parthian period), we see increasing number of sites in Aleshtar. In this area were identified 82 sites related to Historic periods. Furthermore, in Aleshtar were identified 52 sites related to Islamic period. In this period number of sites has dropped relative to previous period. In this period, aggregation of sites is in central area of Aleshtar.

Conclusion
Climatic and environmental conditions also ancient roads, is two major factors in relation to settlement patterns in Aleshtar plain from prehistoric to Islamic periods. In Chalcolithic, Bronze and Iron, and Historic periods is settlement of pattern absolutely scattered and dependent on water resources and land. In these periods aren’t interpretable of focus in sites Aleshtar. In Islamic period, aggregation of sites is in central area of Aleshtar. Two to three kilometers in North and West in Modern city of Aleshtar has largest number of sites from Islamic period. In Islamic period settlement of pattern is around ancient road (north-south) in Aleshtar plain.

Mohammad Ismail Ismaili Jelodar, Hamid Poordavood, Ali Arab,
year 2, Issue 5 (12-2018)
Abstract

Abstract
Throughout the period of Sassanids, as well as in the Islamic period, trade played a very important role in their economies and livelihoods. Meanwhile, due to political reasons in Late of Sassanid period, access to the Persian Gulf has been of particular importance. The city of Kuvar was part of the Fars province’s trade route because it led to the Persian Gulf on one side and to the central areas of the empire, for this reason, it has played a colorful role throughout history. Due to the presence of the riverside (Qara-aqag) near this city, the commercial convoys had to use a bridge to cross the river. In this study, attempts to by studying archaeological studies as well as library research investigate the water source of Kuvar city by, the role of Kuvar, bridge in connection with Persian Gulf as well as the etymology of city name. Bridge Kovar’s survival has been one of the possible caravans pass options. By examining the original geographical texts from the early centuries of Islam, as well as examining the current bridge structure, one can infer that this city had a very important role in establishing and sustaining trade from the Sassanid period to the Islamic period. Also, the durability and survival of this city has historically been dependent on water obtained from the Bahman Dam through specific facilities. Accordingly, in the present study, it has been attempted to explain how and these facilities function, as well as, in addition to Paul Kuvar’s ontology of construction technique and its application and performance, based on existing written sources, the landscape of the area has been reviewed and finally Evaluate the results, report the proposed chronology. This study attempts to answer the following questions: How is the main source of water in the city of Kuvar evaluated and what is the mechanism of water transfer to the city of Kuvar? How is the role of Kuvar city as a Midways on the route to the Persian Gulf and Siraf evaluated and the main evidence that what was the significance of the historic bridge of Kuvar?
Keywords: Kuvar, Kuvar Bridge, Bahman Dam, Road, Persian Gulf.

Introduction
In the end of the Sassanid period, transit from the Silk Road had been restricted due to the Iranian and Byzantine wars, so the Persian Gulf had replaced this route and thereby continued trade links with the east and west of the empire. Undoubtedly, the main need of every city is a permanent source of water, so the location of cities is a function of the factors that are undoubtedly the among main one’s access to water. It is also one of the most important needs of governments in commercial, political, military and social communication in urban areas is the construction of bridges. Clearly, the existence of rivers, especially permanent waterways and valleys will be a major obstacle to these communications, on this basis, material evidence has remained to show that such buildings are prominent examples of the bard Borid Bridge, the Daughter Bridge and other ancient bridges from the Sassanid period. This has continued in the Islamic era with the construction of new structures, the restoration of old bridges. The element of commerce has been one of the important reasons to pay attention to these structures, In the Islamic era, a large volume of trade was carried out through the central and southern cities of Iran, including the Persian Gulf ports at the head of the Siraf port. Meanwhile, Fars province has played a vital role in this trade route due to its proximity to the Persian Gulf. Also, of other important factors in the creation and survival of the city have been access to other areas. Among these cities is Kuvar, the city has it long time a major Role of connection Shiraz to the Persian Gulf, and this city a few hundred yard away from the Qareq Aghaj river.

Research Finding
From the Sassanid to the Islamic periods, maritime trade, which was directly linked to the Persian Gulf, has been very important in the Iranian economy. Among the maritime trade gear were cities that facilitated Caravans access to the Persian Gulf. Sometimes in some geographical situations due to obstacles such as rivers, the caravan movement was dependent on the construction of bridges that made caravan movement possible. But the construction of the historic Kuvar Bridge in the Sassanid period has been eliminated the problem. The bridge, which a historical background in style and architecture, has been survived to this day despite extensive damage. The city needed a permanent source of water, which has done by building an avalanche and raising the water level and mounting water on the ground by avalanche installations. But due to surface effects, such as several hills that prevented water from moving, a Qanat were used to pass through the water and flow to the surface. This method has been observed in other parts of Iran such as Arrajan. Due to the size of the kuvar city, it was necessary manage the water that flowed into the city. In the Islamic period a village called Khaffr was established to manage the water that flowed into the Kuvar, which was responsible for managing and distributing the required water to the Kuvar. This article also deals with the etymology of the name of the city, Ardeshir Babakan report is the first text to come up the name of this the city, in this book the city is called Guar, and in the Islamic era the name of this city has evolved.

Conclusion
It has been said, that the city has long been regarded for its role and importance in the way it has been concerned, Bridge Kuvar and the Bahman dam and its associated subdivisions, since they were directly linked to the creation and survival of this city. Undoubtedly, the city of Kuvar built has been to communicate with the Persian Gulf. Since the water factor is one of the most important factors for the formation and survival of the city, undoubtedly, the avalanche and its associated structures have also been built since the foundation of the city. Concerning the dating of the Kuvar Bridge, according to the boulders cut at the base of the bridge can be said was originally built in the Sassanid period. As mentioned, that there was a village called Khaffr near the city of Kuvar which was responsible for water management in the Islamic era, which indicates the high water consumption due to the size and importance of the city, which also has been required special management.

Younes Yousefvand,
year 6, Issue 22 (2-2023)
Abstract

Abstract
Aligudarz County is one of the cold regions of Lorestan province, which is located in the east of the Lorestan province. Green pastures, high altitude, abundant water resources and the proximity of this region to the Khuzestan plain have provided a suitable conditions for the formation of nomadic life in this region. From prehistoric times, this region is connected to the lowland areas of northern Khuzestan by many nomadic roads. One of this nomadic roads is Khalilābad/Nomkul which passes through a difficult path along the roaring rivers “Bakhtiari” and “Sarkhao”. During the late Islamic century this road have been used by tribes of Bakhtiari Tribe Federation which they spent the summer in the northeastern part of Lorestan, ie in Aligudarz and Azna, and on the slopes of Oshtrankooh, Qalikuh and winter in Lali and around Dezful. Due to the fact that this road have not been studied so far and have not been well introduced, Independent research was necessary to identify and introduce them. The purpose of this study is to introduce this road and evaluate and analyze the history of the formation of related facilities based on archaeological evidence. The main question of the research is what archeological evidence remains from this road and what period do these works belong to? Research findings are provided through field works. As a result of this study, four bridges, a large part of the cobblestone road, a cemetery and an inscription were identified. The study of these works shows that this road and the collection of works of its route was built in the Safavid period.
Keywords: Lorestan, Aligudarz, Nomkol, Nomadic Road, Safavid Era.

Introduction
Nomadism has a long history in Zagros and Lorestan, this way of life in central Zagros in general and in Lorestan in particular started from the Neolithic period and was completely prevalent in the chalcolithic age. And after that, it has been prevalent in this region in almost all periods. Today, it still exists in many parts of the region. The path of the nomads is called Eil-Rah or Koch-Rah. In most cases, this roads are the most convenient and closest way to travel from Sardsir to Garmsir and vice versa, which are formed according to geographical and biological features. One of the main roads of immigration of Bakhtiari tribes is the so-called Khalilabad-Pole Koll road. This connects the mountainous and cold region of eastern Lorestan to the tropical region of the northern part of Khuzestan. Today, this road is used by tribes from the Chaharlang branch of the Bakhtiari tribe, who spent their summer in the northeastern part of Lorestan, namely in Aliguderz and Azna, and on the slopes of Ashtrankoh, Qalikoh and winter in Sardasht, Lali and around Dezful. This road passes through a very difficult mountain path, along which raging rivers such as Bakhtiari and Sarkhav rivers flow. The efforts of nomadic communities to overcome these natural obstacles have led to the creation of structures and facilities whose examples have been identified in few regions of Iran. This article examines and introduces a part of this road and its facilities in Nomkol region, 22 km southeast of Mergsar village, Mahro district, Aligudarz city, and between Lorestan and Khuzestan provinces.

Research Objectives and Approach
The purpose of this research is to introduce and identify the Khalilabad-Polkol road and the traces of its route and then evaluate the available evidence for dating them. The present research is part of basic research and its approach is based on historical approach. The data have been collected in the usual way of archaeological studies by field visit method. In this method, by visiting the route, its archaeological evidence was identified and documented, and then analyzed using a historical approach.

Introducing the Archaeological Evidence of the Route and the Works Identified Along its Route
The archeological works of this road in the Nomkol area include 3 bridges, a large part of the cobblestone road, a wall in the precipice, a number of cemeteries, temporary settlements and an inscription.
Bridges: The materials used for the construction of bridges are stone and brick (in limited quantity) and its mortar is plaster and mortar. Rubble and plaster mortar were used to build foundations, and bricks were used to build arches, of which little evidence remains today. The foundations of some bridges are rectangular and have triangular breakwater (Gachpezan Bridge No. 1) and one of the bridges has circular foundations. The remarkable thing about the architectural structure of one of the bridges (Bridge No. 1) is that the bridge’s pillar are not in the same direction. Half of the pillars (4 of them) are located on the north bank to the center of the river in one stretch and the other half in one stretch. Concecontlly the bridge has taken the shape of a broken half cross and is fundamentally different from the well-known structure and pattern of bridges that basically form them directly. The structural features of this bridge have not been seen in any of the known bridges in Lorestan and the western region of the country.
Cemetery: There is a cemetery 400 meters west of the Kol bridge and at the confluence of two rivers, Sarkhav and Bakhtiari, where tombstones with designs and inscriptions from the late Islamic era can be seen on some of its graves. This evidence shows that this place was probably one of the resting places along the path of this road.

Cobblestone 
The distance of 12 kilometers from bridge number 1 to the abandoned village at the beginning of Nomkol Valley passes along the edge of Sarkhav River and inside a very narrow valley. In different parts of this road, they have cut rock, created cobblestone and paved road (in dry form or using mortar) and built a wall. In the steep parts of the route, they have created a wall, the height of some parts of which reaches 10 meters. In some parts, by cutting the rock, they have created a narrow way to pass. At the beginning of the route and in the place known as “Tagh Jangi”, they skillfully created a wall 10 meters high and 15 meters long on the body of the rock and created a passageway 150 cm wide. This wall is 20 meters high from the bottom of the valley where the Sarkhav River flows. According to the difference in the arrangement of the stones in the body of the wall, which can be seen on its exterior, two stages of construction can be distinguished in it. Probably, after the initial construction, the wall collapsed in later times and it was restored and rebuilt again. At the end of the path that crosses the west bank of Sarkhav River, a one-kilometer-long cobblestone road has been created using crushed stone and plaster mortar, the minimum width of which is 60 cm, and the maximum is 2 meters. In some parts of this road, small valves have been installed to direct surface water, which pass the water under the road. By passing under the road, these valves direct the water that comes to the surface of the road from the rock west of the road to the riverbed. This road rests on the rock on one side and leads to the river on the other side.

Inscription
On the west bank of Sarkhav River, there is an inscription in Nastaliq script on a rock at the end of the road. The inscription consists of four short lines. The text of the inscription is as follows: “It was finished in the year 1091 by Yusuf Khan, the master of Isfahani”. The content of the inscription refers to the completion of a project in 1091 AH. The intended plan refers to the same paved road and the facilities along its path. This inscription clearly indicates the date of construction of the road in 1091 AH during the Safavid period.

Conclusion
In the current research, one of the nomadic roads in the east of Lorestan province was introduced by relying on archaeological evidence; this road has connected the east of Lorestan province to the northeast of Khuzestan province. In the very difficult parts of this road, which is called Nomkol by the people of the region due to its passage deep in the valleys of the Kul Mountain, they have started to pave the path, build several bridges, create arches and build walls in the precipice points leading to the river. The bridges built along this road, in addition to having some features in common with other bridges in Iran, also have other features that have not been identified in any region of Iran so far. The characteristics of the bridges and the presence of inscriptions on the side of the cobbled road clearly show the construction date of this road and the structures along its path in the Safavid period. This inscription shows that this route was used at least from the Safavid period onwards. Conducting an archeological survey in this area and along the route of this road from Dezful to Aliguderz will reveal more archaeological evidence of this road and other roads in the region. 


Vahid Zolfi Heris, Hassan Hashemi Zarj Abad, Abed Taghavi, Ali Farhani,
year 9, Issue 32 (8-2025)
Abstract

Abstract
Undoubtedly, the southern area of Tehran province, which has been formed in the fourth region over time, especially in the late Islamic centuries, based on historical sources; It was always of great importance for the governments of this era from the point of view of geographical and political location. One of the reasons for the importance of this area was its location on three important communication routes that connected Tehran to Qom. The above research was carried out with the objectives of identifying and documenting as well as understanding the formation and function of related facilities in the ancient roads located in the south of Tehran to Qom province, in which two questions are also raised: 1) the most important communication roads located in the southern part of the province What are the communication routes between Tehran and Qom? And 2) which pattern or patterns did the studied road network generally follow? Based on this and relying on historical written sources and archeological field studies, we can propose the following hypotheses: three important communication routes in the studied area, from the dimensions of road scenery [residence-welfare, security-guidance-movement scenery] which are a They were a coherent group, they obeyed. Routes that, apart from having (commercial and economic effects) Functions on the communities living in their neighborhood; they also had many effects on the (cultural and social relations) of these societies. The present research was done with descriptive-analytical method and gathering information in the form of documentary and historical studies and archeological investigations. The results of the present research indicate that three important communication networks [1) Abdul Azim Ray Gate - Kenargerd - Dier kechein - Qom, 2) Aliabad - Hoze Sultan - Qom (abandoned) and 3) Aliabad - Manzariyeh - Qom] in the southern region of Tehran province. It was located towards Qom in chronological order.
Keywords: Road Network, Tehran, Qom, Late Islamic Centuries, Archaeological Evidence, Historical Texts.

Introduction
Regarding the description and recognition of the ancient and communication routes from the south of Tehran province to Qom in the Islamic era, at the beginning with the center (Rey) and later (Tehran), there have been several historical and geographical documents that show that the communication routes The above in this area were of great importance for the governments of this period. Ibn Faqih, describing the main roads of Ray to the neighboring areas in terms of commercial nature, says: Goods were also produced by Ray artisans, they made crafts such as combs and salt pans, etc. from wood. Ray weavers were also famous worldwide and all kinds of They exported clothes to the eastern and western regions through the important roads of this city) (Ibn Faqih, 2000, 51). Moghdisi also writes about the roads of Ray from a (mobility-security) point of view: ((the easiest and most prosperous road in Iran is the road of Ray)) (Moghdisi, 1982: 718) and further says: it is clear that this feeling Comfort and security should be established for travelers so that they can easily take advantage of all the sights and facilities provided near the road (ibid., 574). Ibn Hawqal also paid attention to the Ray road from the (commercial nature) and in this context he says: Apart from Isfahan, which was a commercial and important city, from Iraq to Khorasan (Ray) can be mentioned, which is The reason for having different main and secondary ways in terms of production and export of goods is unique and significant (Ibn Hoqal, 1987: 106). Bakran considers the distance between Ray and Isfahan to be about 62 farsang (Bakran, 1963: 15) and Imam Shushtari, like Bakran, considers the distance between Ray and Isfahan to be 62 farsang (Imam Shoshtari, 1960: 35). Mostofi states that the distance between Ray and Isfahan is 86 farsang (Mostofi, 1983: 51). In the last few decades, our understanding of the above-mentioned communication routes relied more on the same historical documents. However, due to the abundance of archaeological evidence related to these routes, which included buildings and facilities related to them; In previous years, they have been studied and investigated by some researchers and archaeologists in the field, and these archeological evidences themselves support the first hypothesis in line with their alignment with the writings of historical-geographical texts and travelogues in the best possible recognition of communication routes. It illuminates between the two cities of Tehran and Qom.

Discussion
The southern region of Tehran province was considered as one of the key strategic and geographical regions during the late Islamic centuries. The existence of numerous buildings and intermediate structures in the three ancient routes of Tehran - Qom, shows the archaeological evidence and the importance of this region. As mentioned, this highway starts its route from the south of Tehran province and passing through the cities and villages located in this area to the city of Qom and from there, turning into several branches to other parts of the country such as Isfahan, Kashan, Arak and others. The southern regions are connected. One of the most important features of this highway is its (cultural and religious) dimension. The cultural and religious dimension of this course can be seen as the first option that was always considered by the rulers of the late Islamic centuries, especially Safavieh and Qajar. The reason for this importance was the existence of the holy court of Hazrat Masoumeh in the city of Qom. Therefore, this issue caused the rulers of the later Islamic centuries to build and erect numerous buildings and facilities on the way to the extent possible for the well-being of these pilgrims and caravans, and many of these buildings are still standing. Another importance of Tehran-Qom highway; It was connected with the Tehran-Khorasan highway, which along with this highway was also considered one of the cultural routes and thresholds of Iran’s nobility. The third strategic importance of the Tehran-Qom highway is the ((commercial)) dimension in the way that in the late Islamic centuries, this highway was a very important bridge for the exchange of commercial and commercial goods that went to Tehran and the north of the country through Bushehr port. were carried One of the other important issues that always add to the importance of the Tehran-Qom highway was the (political and military) dimensions, because the statesmen of the late Islamic centuries [Safavieh and Qajar] to advance their goals in these fields and reach the capital as quickly as possible. As well as the open waters through the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea and on the other side of the Caspian Sea, they urgently needed a good route to achieve these goals, which has high levels of amenities and road-dependent facilities. Therefore, the existence of these mentioned dimensions has proved the special importance of the southern region of Tehran province.

Conclusion
Based on the questions and assumptions raised, as well as citing historical sources, archeological investigations and the analysis of these components together, we can reach the conclusion that the southern region of Tehran province due to its special cultural and political position that during the last centuries Islam has always been important from the rulers of this era, and on the other hand, categories such as trade brought the transfer of cultural and social experiences to the people living along these communication networks, and these communities themselves are somehow a part of this economic cycle. and were considered cultural. Therefore, the existence of these three important communication routes: 1) Abdul Azim Ray Gate - Kenargerd - Dier kechein - Qom 2) Aliabad - Hoze Sultan - Qom [abandoned] and 3) Aliabad - Manzariyeh - Qom, which also followed the patterns of Manzariyeh Road. The importance of this area is increasing. so, from the archaeological evidence that included buildings and intermediate structures [caravans and bridges], he also acknowledged that the studied routes were always the place of traffic and passage of many commercial caravans and travelers. However, several reasons can be imagined in the field of recognition, formation and functioning of these communication ways and the buildings and structures located in them: 1) the history and long history of the territory of southern Tehran province in the creation of roads and facilities related to them. 2) Two factors of preparation of main roads and provision of comfort facilities and safety of travelers and caravans ((road monitors)) which were realized by completing road construction and construction of intermediate buildings: a) establishment of caravanserais and shelters. b) Creating water structures and solving problems of lack of water in these routes (reservoirs and glaciers). c) Establishing security and guarding caravans and passengers. 3) The religious and political competitions of the governments of this period [Safavieh] with other governments [Osmani] in order to encourage the people of Iran to visit the shrines. 4) The military and administrative dimension and the political competition of the Western governments such as Russia and England were taking steps to dominate the roads of this region in the advancement of their colonial interests. In the end, what can be said about these ancient ways: that they are the same communication networks of today that have continued to exist with little changes.


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