Discovery of a Glassblowing Workshops in Harireh

Tehran, 1 May 2006 (CHN) -- Latest archeological excavations in Harireh historical city in Kish Island, located in the Persian Gulf, led to the discovery of a series of glassblowing workshops. Prior to this, it was believed that Harireh was merely dependant on trade relations with other countries through waterways. However, with this new discovery, archaeologists concluded that the city must have been a center for mass productions of glassworks which were exported to other countries as well during the ancient times. One of the city’s major passageways as well as a water reservoir were also discovered during the recent excavations in Harireh.
“We started our excavations in two different parts of the Harireh historical city which resulted in the discovery of a number of glassblowing workshops and a major passageway. Discovery of a large amount of glass near these workshops indicates the mass production of glass artifacts in this area,” said Simin Lakpour, head of archeology team in Harireh. Lakpour also believes that the different discovered glass articles in the area such as glass bracelets, glass dishes, perfume holder, and other glass instruments shows the variety of productions in these workshops.
“During the previous season of archaeological excavations in this city, the mosque of Harireh was discovered by archeologists. In the past, mosques used to be considered the hearts of the cities where most of the gatherings were held by the locals during which major decisions were made. Therefore, the centers for economic activities were mostly situated somewhere near the mosques, which is why we decided to concentrate our excavations in this area which led to the discovery of some important economic structures. Prior to this, it was supposed that Harireh city acted merely as a trade broker between the neighboring countries and its economy was dependant on trade interactions. However, discovery of the glassblowing workshops in the area shows that this city was also a mass productive center for glass articles which were exported to other countries as well,” said Zarin Taj Sheibani, archeologist.
Sheibani also explained that a number of urgent excavation teams were dispatched to this area to carry out excavations in order to protect the city of Harireh from the construction activities of the developing projects of Free Land Zones which has led to destruction of 30 hectares of the city so far. “Lauders have leveled the surface layers of the city. Therefore, we started some emergency excavations in four parts of the city which resulted in discovery of some valuable relics and convinced them to stop their development activities in this area,” added Sheibani.
According to Sheibani, this is the first systematic and scientific archaeological study on this city. “The main goal of these excavations in this area is to find out how the city came into existence and to find its urbanization infrastructures. Archeologists also are trying to find the different means through which the city was connected to the other parts of the world, and how its inhabitants provided their water supplies, etc.,” said Sheibani.
Harireh city located in Kish Island in Hormozgan province was established during the Ilkhanid period (1256-1349 AD). Harireh is the only Ilkhanid city with a settlement context and has urban characteristics. The traces of Ale Bouye, Seljuk, and Ilkhanid periods exist in the region. Existence of some artifacts and the coins of different countries indicate that Harireh acted as a trace broker between China and North African countries. Discovery of clays, golden ornamentations, and unique stucco decorations show the developed economy of the city some 700 years ago. It is believed that the city might have been abandoned due to an earthquake which hit the area in the past.