Shahr-e Sukhteh

From the beginning of the mankind existence on earth, many civilizations have been developing; all created their own history and were abolished over time. Only their remains are now a heritage which unfolds the history book for us.

The ancient Shahr-e Sukhteh, in the southeastern Province of Sistan and Baluchistan, displays our ancestors’ legacy. A wonder in the ancient world, the city was the capital in the Bronze Age. The nationally recorded setting is also a UNESCO Heritage Site, enlisted in 2014.

Over 5,000-year-old city, Shahr-e Sukhteh was developed on the bank of Hirmand River and Hamun Lake’s coasts as in the past towns were expanded near the rivers and water resources. The 280-hectare city is divided into residential, central, and industrial parts along with a cemetery and memorials. The residential district, in an area of 80 hectares, includes the remains of the buildings and houses.

The city took advantage of the most advanced industries of the time like textile, masonry and jewelry making. 12 various pieces of cloth also indicate the developed textile of the city. Once the most famous city throughout the globe, it had an organized pottery system for supplying water and sewage.

Although nowadays it is now an arid site where only bushes and tamarisks exist, formerly filled with lush willows and maples, it is rich in history and culture.

As for the name, the first time, Colonel Beat, a British military officer, named the city” Shahr-e sukhteh”, or the burned city as he had witnessed some burned ruins. Subsequently, some Italian archeologists did research on the city for 11 years, from 1967 to 1978. Although it is believed that it was set on fire twice, t is said that the city wasn’t destroyed as a result of the blasts; but rather 2 natural elements of water and wind have inflicted damage on the city over the years.

Founded in 3200 BC, the residents of this city lived in four distinctive periods between 3200 and 1800 BC. In fact, it has flourished for about 1400 years.

The most thriving period in the history of the city dates from 2500 to 2200 BC when almost 55,000 people, mainly farmers and craftsmen, lived in there.

In another article some more details of the amazing town will be addressed. So hang on!