Unveiling Gartak: Ilam’s Hidden Ancient Gem Steeped in Rich History

Discover the Gartak ancient site in Sirvan county, Ilam province, a remarkable treasure that offers valuable insights into the lives of ancient civilizations. This hidden gem, as revealed by Habibollah Mahmoudian, a leading specialist in prehistoric archaeology, is a significant archaeological site that includes an ancient cemetery and human settlement area.

Located just seven kilometers from the city of Ilam, the Gartak site is nestled on the slopes of Mount Gachan. It is uniquely bordered by a river on three sides—north, east, and west—and the mountain to the south. The area is characterized by its lush vegetation, comprising pasture and forest, with elderberry trees lining the base of the cemetery.

Mahmoudian elaborated on the site’s features, noting that the cemetery is positioned at a higher elevation than the surrounding residential area, connecting seamlessly to the mountain’s slope. The landscape is strewn with rubble and cobblestone, evidence of unauthorized excavations visible throughout the site.

He stated, “The height of this place is 15 meters compared to the surrounding land, and its area is approximately 500 by 1000 meters. The soil in this region is composed of clay and limestone.”

Through surface studies conducted at the Gartak site, a rich array of cultural artifacts has been uncovered. These artifacts include:

• Pottery
• Shell fossils
• Charcoal
• Animal bones
• Crude glass

Notably, the presence of shell fossils on the cemetery’s surface may be linked to the ancient inhabitants’ belief systems. The use of stone mortars was also prevalent in this area.

Mahmoudian emphasized that the pottery discovered in the region is primarily medium to coarse in thickness. “Plant materials and soft sand were utilized in the pottery’s chamotte, with most pieces being fully baked. These potteries are wheel-made and unglazed, featuring a variety of colors such as pea-colored, brick-colored, and local gray. Some pieces even have a pea-colored clay coating. The decorated pottery falls into two distinct categories: added striped patterns and carved patterns.”

He continued by explaining, “The abundance of rubble and cobblestone suggests that this site may have served as a human settlement. However, agricultural activities have severely disrupted and altered its original surface texture, with many graves within the cemetery having been disturbed by unauthorized diggers.”

The site’s proximity to water springs and abundant natural resources are considered crucial factors contributing to early human settlement in the area. “Graves were often placed in elevated locations, likely due to local religious beliefs or as a preventative measure against natural erosion and destruction from annual floods. Unfortunately, natural phenomena like floods and sedimentation have also contributed to the burial of some graves, while human activities have further degraded this culturally and historically significant site through unauthorized excavations,” Mahmoudian explained.

Based on the discovered cultural artifacts and their characteristics, he inferred that the cemetery and residential area likely date back to the historical era. He stressed the importance of preserving and restoring the Gartak site, stating that it could yield invaluable information regarding the life and culture of the region’s inhabitants during historical times.

“Conducting further studies and regular excavations will enhance our understanding of the settlement patterns, architecture, and belief systems of the people who once inhabited this area. Protecting the site from unauthorized excavations and natural destruction is paramount,” he concluded.

Ilam province, located in western Iran, spans an area of 19,086 square kilometers and encompasses several cities, including Ilam, Mehran, Dehloran, Darreh Shahr, Sarable, Eyvan, Abdanan, and Arkwaz. It shares borders with Khuzestan province to the south, Lorestan to the east, and Kermanshah to the north, while also having a 425-kilometer common border with Iraq to the west.

The climate in Ilam is characterized by hot, dry summers and temperate winters, with the province showcasing breathtaking natural beauty, especially in spring. The capital city of Ilam, surrounded by mountains and forests, benefits from a mountainous climate. Visitors are drawn to the area by its ancient castles, irrigation channels, and river beds, particularly during the spring when the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise.