TEHRAN—Prominent archaeologist Alireza Jafari-Zand emphasized that there is no sign of a Seljuk palace in Kamar-Zarrin site in Isfahan, and the published news lacks a scientific basis and is propaganda.

According to Mehr news agency, he expressed regret over the trend of the second phase of recent excavations in Kamar-Zarrin passage. 

Jafari-Zand, who discovered the Kamar Zarrin passage for the first time and prevented its destruction by making it public, emphasized that if he had known in advance that such a process would occur in Kamar-Zarrin site, he would have preferred to remain silent and allow this area to remain under asphalt so that a powerful team of archaeologists, fully familiar with the formation of Isfahan throughout history, could conduct a thorough excavation. 

He reiterated that unfortunately, the second phase of Kamar-Zarrin excavations went astray, just like the first phase. “The news that I receive from the second phase of excavations, are more useful for treasure hunters than for science and archaeology.”

The archaeologist said that the Seljuk palace is not located in Kamar-Zarrin passage and has no connection with this place. “In the next place, a number of Safavid coins have been found that are not important in scientific exploration. The goal of archaeology is to shed light on our dark history, not to provide clues to smugglers.”

Jafari-Zand continued that the foundation of Kamar-Zarrin Mosque, which has been restored and is now renovated, dates back to the Buyid period. “It is impossible for the works of the Seljuk period to have been formed on the Buyid period. If we had works of the Seljuk period, there should have been Al-Buyid works underneath.”

“At first, I warned that this site should be excavated by an expert archaeologist, but this warning was not taken seriously, and it has become a place for internships for archaeology students and people who have no expertise in this field.”

KD