Discover the Rich Tapestry of History, Nature, and Agriculture at Baba Shams Hill in Ilam

Recent archaeological discoveries at Baba Shams hill, a site rich in history and culture, have unveiled evidence of ancient settlements. Scattered pottery fragments, historic aqueducts, and the nearby Karzan River suggest that this location was once bustling with life. According to Habibollah Mahmoudian, a specialist in prehistoric archaeology, this site spans approximately 93,000 square meters and is situated east of the Ilam–Lumar Road, surrounded by the agricultural lands of Baba Shams village.

Mahmoudian detailed several key features of this archaeological marvel:

• The western area of the hill houses the ruins of a structure known as Vali Bath.
• In the southern part, there is another significant site called Chega Khomi.
• The dimensions of the Vali Bath building were recorded at 2.3 x 9 x 33 meters.
• The hill’s north-south length measures approximately 33 meters, while its west-east width is around 9 meters.
• Visible middle layers of the hill have emerged due to an agricultural water canal on the eastern front.

The soil composition of Baba Shams hill is primarily clay; however, unauthorized excavations have caused significant damage to the area. Mahmoudian emphasized the importance of the site’s water sources, which include springs and aqueducts. Access to the site is convenient via the asphalt road that connects Ilam to Lumar. Notably, the closest landmark is a real estate office, located just 303 meters away.

“The surface of this hill reveals numerous cultural relics, notably pieces of pottery from the Islamic era,” Mahmoudian explained.

Delving deeper into the Baba Shams ancient site, he elaborated on its features:

• The site spans approximately 93,333 square meters and is enveloped by agricultural lands.
• Key geographical features include a qanat, the Karzan River, fertile lands, and proximity to mountains and forests, which have historically contributed to the area’s development.
• The dimensions of the site are approximately 323 meters in length (west-east) and 303 meters in width (north-south).
• Nearby water sources include the Baba Shams spring and qanat.
• The nearest monument is the four-arched building of Varmian, located 233 meters to the west.

Mahmoudian further noted the variety of pottery discovered at the site, which includes:

• Simple and rough pottery from the historical period.
• Predominantly red and pea-colored pottery with decorative patterns.
• Fragments of glass and glazed pottery dating back to the Islamic period.

Despite the abundance of pottery scattered across the site, no substantial architectural remnants have been identified. Local farmers have often collected stones from the area, concentrating them in specific locations to facilitate agricultural activities.

On the subject of the area’s topography, Mahmoudian remarked, “The small Baba Shams plain is located on the northern edge of the Karzan River, which has contributed to the creation of the fertile Baba Shams Valley.”

He added that the presence of lateral heights and forest cover in the region influences the climate, rendering the Baba Shams intermontane plain temperate. This climate suggests that the area may have supported permanent settlements in the past, although temporary settlements were also a possibility.

The archaeological significance of Baba Shams hill cannot be understated. It provides invaluable insights into the region’s historical landscape and the lifestyles of ancient communities. As preservation efforts continue, the hope is to safeguard this vital link to the past for future generations to explore and understand.