Jiroft Civilization Exceeds Mesopotamia in Artistic Works

Tehran, 12 February 2006 (CHN) -- Archeological studies on the coals gathered during excavations in Jirof revealed that Iran’s stone art was more developed than that of Mesopotamia around 2800 BC. It also proved that the surface layer of this historical site is more than 4800 years old.
“A large number of coals were gathered during archeological excavations in Kenar Sandal historical site in Jiroft. According to the researches done on these coals in one of the biggest radiocarbon labs in the United Stated, the surface layer of Kenar Sandal historical site dates back to 2800 BC. Most of the discovered artifacts in this historical site must have belonged to this surface. The art used on these stones shows Iranian skills in stone art during the ancient times. We can not see such a delicacy in Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia during this period,” said Yousof Majidzadeh, head of excavation team in Jiroft historical site.
Archeological excavations are being carried out in the basin of Halil Rud River in Jiroft with the attendance of 20 Iranian and foreign archeologists in order to discover some new relics and to prove Iran’s possession over stolen artifacts which have been taken out from the country by smugglers during illegal excavations. 12 pieces of these relics are now being kept in Barakat Gallery in London. The owner of this gallery denies that these relics belong to Jiroft’s historical site and refuses to give them back to Iran.
Halil Rud historical site, located near the city of Jiroft in Kerman Province, was one of the first places where civilization and urbanization were established. 120 historical sites have been discovered on the 400-kilometer basin of Halil Rud River so far. A Large number of stone, clay, bronze, tombs and architectural relics belonging to the third millennium BC were unearthed during the illegal excavations by smugglers and sold to museums and individuals abroad. Iran is trying to prove its possession over these ancient relics in order to bring them back to where they belong.