World Archeology Day; An opportunity to read the history and civilization of Qazvin plain

Maryam Mahdavi, Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Qazvin province, wrote in a note commemorating the World Archeology Day: Archeology is an attempt to read the historical memory of mankind and discover the narratives that have been hidden over time, in the heart of the soil and among the remains of ancient civilizations. This knowledge, beyond the exploration of historical sites, opens a window to the knowledge of cultural roots, social developments and the path of the formation of civilizations; A mission that archaeologists, with knowledge, accuracy and patience, turn it into an opportunity to better understand the past and protect the historical identity of nations.

Qazvin province, with a civilization background of several hundred thousand years and valuable sites that contain parts of the history of the central plateau of Iran, is one of the important fields of archaeological studies in the country. In the meantime, the ancient sites of Tepezagheh, Segzabad and the cemetery in Qazvin Plain have a higher position; Since 1349, these three sites have become one of the most important fields of field training for archeology students of the University of Tehran, in addition to hosting many seasons of exploration, and during nearly six decades, they have played a role in training many generations of Iranian archaeologists.

The importance of these sites is not only limited to the continuation of explorations and their educational role, the discoveries that are of high historical and scientific value and each one opens a new window to the knowledge of the way of life, beliefs, social relations and capabilities of the previous societies, they are part of the valuable evidence of the history and civilization of this land and their protection is considered a scientific, cultural and intergenerational necessity and accordingly, the General Administration of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Crafts of the province Qazvin follows the preservation and organization of Qazvin Plain grounds and the creation of a museum site as one of its important programs.

In the continuation of this process, planning for exploration with the aim of making the Manqosh Temple of Zagheh and the architectural spaces of its seven-thousand-year-old village readable and restoring the architectural remains along with pursuing the creation of the Qazvin plain museum site, puts a new horizon in front of the protection and introduction of this heritage; A horizon in which archaeological findings will not be the only subject of specialized studies, but by providing a basis for introducing them, it will be possible for society to become more familiar with the historical and civilizational background of the region.

In this direction, the formation of a strategic board, the appointment of the director of the national cultural heritage base of the Qazvin plain, the organization and targeting of exploration programs, the determination of the area and the proposal of the cemetery hills and Segzabad, as well as the determination of the area and the proposal of the Zagheh hill in two stages during the years 1404 and 1405, among other actions, have been carried out. The beginning of the second phase of the enclosure of Tepe Zagheh is also considered a step towards better protection of this valuable area.

Of course, the realization of this goal requires the continuation of scientific research, the provision of protective infrastructure, the participation of experts and the support of responsible institutions. The Qazvin plain museum site, if it is realized and developed in principle, can create a link between archaeological research, protection of artifacts, education and cultural tourism and provide the basis for the benefit of today's and future generations from this historical treasure.

It is hoped that with the continuation of archaeological excavations, the expansion of scientific research and the strengthening of protection and introduction programs, the ground will be provided to introduce as many valuable sites of the Qazvin Plain as possible at the national and international level, and these unique treasures of civilization will find their rightful place in the cultural heritage of the world.

In the end, while honoring the World Archeology Day, I appreciate the scientific and field efforts of professors, researchers, archaeologists and all activists in this field and I hope that with the continuation of responsible research and the strengthening of conservation approaches, valuable historical and cultural heritages will be recognized more and these civilizational treasures will be remembered for future generations, preserving their originality and identity.