TEHRAN - Shushtar's Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has commenced archaeological and research studies on a cavity uncovered during construction at the city's bus terminal. The hole is believed to possess historical significance, according to Davoud Najjar-Asiabani, head of the department.
Reports of the cavity surfaced during the construction of a basement for a shop at the terminal. In response, a team comprising archaeologists, conservation specialists, and the heritage protection unit has been dispatched to the site for preliminary assessments.
Najjar-Asiabani stated that construction activities have been halted to facilitate thorough evaluation. He emphasized the necessity of extensive fieldwork, with the expertise of the Khuzestan province's Cultural Heritage Directorate being utilized for comprehensive data gathering.
Initial observations indicate the cavity may be part of an ancient water channel, though dense clay deposits in the area complicate the assessment of its size and extent. Najjar-Asiabani noted that definitive conclusions would only be reached following detailed research and archaeological studies.
Shushtar is recognized for its extensive historical water structures, with over 100 spanning various eras. Among these is the UNESCO-listed Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, which includes interconnected bridges, dams, mills, waterfalls, canals, and tunnels, all designed to optimize river water usage.
Dating back to the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods, this system was characterized by French archaeologist Jean Dieulafoy as the 'largest industrial complex before the Industrial Revolution.' The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System was inscribed as Iran's tenth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, with the Afzal Caravanserai recently added during the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh.