Shahr-e Sukhteh
Our beloved country, Iran, is the cradle of ancient civilizations, leaving behind numerous beautiful and significant artifacts. Shahr-e Sukhteh is one of the ancient regions of Iran, historically a civilized, industrial, and ancient city. Shahr-e Sukhteh, meaning “Burnt City,” is the name of the ruins of an ancient urban settlement in Iran, located 56 kilometers from Zabol, along the Zabol-Zahedan road in eastern Iran, within Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The city earned its name from the ashes found at the site. Contrary to popular belief, archaeologists suggest that these ashes are not from a fire incident but from the fires lit in earth ovens for cooking in ancient times.
Excavations in this area have uncovered various artifacts, most notably a pottery vessel featuring images of a goat and a tree, which is considered the world’s first animation. The city was situated on the alluvial deposits at the confluence of the Helmand River and Lake Hamun, and it was once located on the shores of this river. The construction period of this great city coincides with the Bronze Age civilization of Jiroft. The Zarwanians lived in this city around 6,000 years ago. Shahr-e Sukhteh was the most advanced city of the ancient world, dating back to 37,000 years ago, and it is one of the origins of the Zarwanian tribe, which has a history of 12,000 years of residence in Sistan. This tribe highly valued science and knowledge, and one of their most important religious recommendations was the acquisition of sciences and techniques.
Archaeologists have discovered tools in Shahr-e Sukhteh that indicate the craftsmanship of its inhabitants. For example, the world’s oldest inlay work was found here, consisting of two wooden combs. The wooden combs of Shahr-e Sukhteh are delicately crafted with crescent-shaped handles. The artist first created a space on the comb handles using a lathe and then filled this space with geometric shapes and different types of wood, resulting in various colors and intricate decorations on the combs. The inhabitants were also very industrious in pottery. They produced a large number of pottery items, crafted in workshops located outside the city. This indicates that Shahr-e Sukhteh had an advanced social organization, with its production and industrial workshops established outside the city or in nearby villages. The pottery items were also decorated and enhanced with beautiful designs.
