Discover Ilam’s Chogha Golan: West Asia’s Ancient Agricultural Heartland

Discover the incredible history of the Chogha Golan region in Mehran county, Ilam province, which is hailed as the oldest cradle of agriculture in Iran and West Asia. Renowned prehistoric archaeology expert, Habibollah Mahmoudian, recently shared valuable insights regarding this significant archaeological site, emphasizing its profound impact on the development of agriculture and human settlements in the region.

Mahmoudian informed ISNA about the wealth of artifacts found in the Chogha Golan area, which span various eras of human life. The continuous flow of the Konjan Cham River has enabled consistent human habitation in this historic location. He highlighted the following key points:

• Research conducted by late Ali Mohammad Khalilian between the 1980s and 2000s helped identify the sites of Chogha Golan I and Chogha Golan II.
• In 2003, significant discoveries were made, including the Ghaloveh caravanserai and remnants of Islamic-era settlements, all of which have been documented for potential inclusion in the National Heritage List.
• Mohsen Zeidi conducted surveys in 2003 that revealed sites dating from the early writing period to the historical era in the buffer zone between the Mehran and Dehloran plains.

Excavation efforts at Golan Hill began in 2010, marking the start of an extensive mapping and archaeological study. The findings from these excavations have been remarkable:

• Excavations revealed evidence of early plaster baking and remnants of ancient architecture.
• Chogha Golan dates back approximately 12,000 to 9,500 years, making it one of the oldest sites linked with the advent of agriculture and rural settlement in Iran and globally.
• The second season of excavations uncovered architectural remnants, including angular rooms with layered adobe walls and plastered floors.

Mahmoudian emphasized the significance of the findings at Chogha Golan, particularly the thousands of samples discovered during excavations. These included:

• Wild barley
• Wild wheat
• Lentils
• Peas
• Beans
• Fodder

Carbon isotope studies have dated these findings to between 9,800 and 11,700 years ago, showcasing the unprecedented long-term settlement of humans in this area during the Neolithic Age. The transition of Neolithic man from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one of agriculture, where seeds were planted and plants and animals were domesticated, marks a significant evolution in human history.

Located in the marginal plains of the Zagros Mountains, Chogha Golan was a crucial site for the initial attempts at cultivating wild plants. The research conducted in this region has unearthed an astounding 30,000 plant remains from 75 different groups over a span of 2,000 years. This rich botanical history underscores the following findings:

1. A cultivation period of approximately 2,200 years observed in the region.
2. The emergence of the first domesticated plant species.
3. The cultivation of various wild specimens, including barley, wheat, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and other agricultural products that have evolved into today’s consumer goods.

In summary, the Chogha Golan region not only serves as a historical testament to the beginnings of agriculture but also as a vital link to understanding the evolution of human civilization in Iran and West Asia. Mahmoudian’s findings provide a deeper appreciation for this archaeological treasure, shedding light on the agricultural practices that laid the groundwork for modern farming and settlement patterns.