Wigel: Historic Potential of Aran and Bidgol for a Tourism Corridor / From Sasanian Fire Temple to Sonbak Sinkholes: Wigel on the Path to Tourism Development

The head of the Wigel National Heritage Site in Aran and Bidgol County, pointing to the historical and archaeological significance of the area, reported the discovery of valuable fire temple remains dating to the late Sasanian period. He said the main challenges facing the historical site are a shortage of skilled personnel, weak protection and tourism infrastructure, and erosion of plaster artifacts.

Rahale Yousefian, the head of Weigal National Heritage Site in Aran and Bidgol, in an interview with Aria Heritage reporter, referring to the historical and archaeological importance of this site, announced the identification of the valuable works of a fire temple belonging to the late Sassanid period and said: the lack of specialized manpower, the weakness of protection and tourism infrastructure, and the erosion of plaster works are among the most important challenges of this historical site.

Introducing the Weigel ancient site, which is also known by the historical name "Frasgan" or "Harasgan", he stated: This ancient site is a vast complex of about 120 hectares, which includes two historical castles and a fire temple. The archaeological evidence obtained shows that the fire temple of Weigal belongs to the late Sassanid period and its use continued for several centuries after the arrival of Islam.

He added: The available evidence shows that the space of the fire temple was deliberately filled with dirt at some point. It is possible that this action was carried out with the aim of protecting the building against tampering, destruction or possible attacks, although more investigations are needed to clarify the exact reasons for this.

Referring to the three seasons of archaeological excavations in this area, the head of Weigel National Base said: So far, the excavations have been focused on the fire temple area and parts of it have been investigated with dimensions of approximately 500 square meters. During these excavations, valuable artifacts such as the base of the central hearth, peripheral halls, porticoes and side rooms have been identified.

Yousufian continued: In the third season of exploration, a hall with 20 plaster table legs, which is located on a plaster platform, was discovered, and based on the available evidence, this space was probably used to store gifts and offerings related to the fire temple. Of course, the definitive determination of the use of this part requires more archaeological investigations.

Stating that three seasons of excavations have been done in this area, he said: Dr. Mohsen Javari was in charge of these excavations.

Emphasizing the role of the local people in identifying, registering and protecting Weigel, Yousefian said: The history of protecting this area is tied to the interest and belonging of the people of Aran and Bidgol. From the initial stages of national identification and registration to the formation of the base, non-governmental organizations and local activists have played an important role.

Referring to the national registration of this area in 2013, he added: We have tried to strengthen people's connection with this historical heritage by implementing cultural and educational programs. Organizing cleaning programs in the last days of the year, kite festival, night tours and special educational workshops for children and teenagers are among the measures that have been taken in this direction.

Referring to holding cultural programs on the 7th of October, the head of Weigel National Base said: "On this occasion, programs including night tours and experience-oriented workshops for children and teenagers were held. In these workshops, we tried to convey the concepts of cultural heritage and archeology to the new generation using games, graphic tools and practical activities.

According to him, the feedback of these programs has shown that direct education and appropriate to children's language can increase their knowledge and interest towards the campus. Even after the visit, some children made replicas inspired by the works of the area and donated them to the base.

Yousefian continued: One of the positive results of increasing public awareness has been the reduction of harmful behaviors in the campus. In the past, a part of the western castle area was turned into a place for teenagers to ride motorcycles, but with a direct conversation, inviting them to visit and installing warning signs, this behavior has been reduced to a great extent. Also, with the increase of public awareness and the continuation of protection patrols, there have been no reports of unauthorized drilling in the mentioned area of ​​the base in recent years.

Lack of manpower and weak protection infrastructure

Referring to the extent of the area and the limitations of the facilities, the head of the Weigel National Base said: The approved area of ​​the site is about 120 hectares and has an area of ​​nearly 56 hectares. Considering the vastness of the area and the possibility of the presence of buried works in the unexplored parts, the protection and management of this complex requires more specialized manpower and facilities.

He added: Currently, the base's expert responsibilities are practically the responsibility of the base manager, and the base lacks expert staff, and we are facing a limitation of human resources in the field of protection. Strengthening the protection unit and providing expert staff is one of the serious needs of this complex.

Emphasizing the necessity of fundamental protection of uncovered works, Yousufian stated: Some of the plaster works of Atashkada are exposed to erosion caused by natural factors, especially sand storms. The existing cover is also a temporary structure and is not sufficient for long-term protection of the works. It is necessary to replace this cover with a standard structure suitable for the conditions of the area in order to provide the possibility of permanent protection of the works.

Referring to the infrastructural problems of the area, he said: the access road to the base is not in good condition and the entrance road is dirt, which does not have standard conditions for visitors.

The head of Vigol National Base added: Water supply is one of the measures that have been followed up in the past year and the water concession has been received, but the implementation of piping is still left. Also, the lack of proper sanitary facilities, the lack of service facilities and the lack of sufficient equipment are among the problems that must be planned to solve them.

Yousufian informed about the development of the comprehensive plan for the development of Weigel National Base and said: This plan was prepared based on the needs assessment and pathology of the complex, and in it, uses were suggested for different parts, from the entrance of the base to the arrangement of the fire place. The implementation of this plan requires financing, the use of specialized consultants, and the provision of implementation preparations.

He emphasized: In the current situation, organizing and protecting the area itself and creating a standard cover for plaster works is one of our main priorities. The scientific and accurate introduction of the area is also very important, because a significant part of the people and tourists are still not familiar enough with the historical background and archaeological values ​​of Vigil.

Weigel is on the way to becoming a tourist center

Referring to the tourism capacities around this area, the head of Weigel National Base said: Weigel is in a position that can be part of a continuous tourism axis next to the historical, natural, industrial and agricultural attractions adjacent to the base.

He explained: Near this area, there are attractions such as the Shasusa mansion, which is linked in local narratives with the title of Sohrab Sepehari's retreat, the Sanbek pits, and the natural, agricultural and industrial tourism capacities of Sulaiman Sabahi Bidgoli town, which is the largest center for the production of machine-made carpets in Iran.

Yousufian added: These capacities now operate largely in a scattered manner and do not have proper infrastructure. If a joint planning is done to connect these attractions, improve access routes and develop tourism facilities, it will be possible to increase the length of stay of tourists in the city.

Referring to the information activities in this field, he said: The publication of the book "Vigal Tamadhan Sarzemeh Aftab" and the launch of the "Vigolia" website in collaboration with the city management group are among the measures that have been taken to introduce the historical capacities of the city. In this website, it is possible to provide additional information and images through QR codes so that visitors can get a more detailed knowledge of the area.

In the end, Yousufian emphasized: the future of Weigel's protection depends on the continuation of people's participation, the scientific introduction of works and the provision of necessary infrastructure. The experience of the past years has shown that the more people learn about the values ​​of this area, the more active they will be in protecting it; But this popular participation should be accompanied by institutional support, provision of expert staff and creation of standard protection and tourism facilities.