TEHRAN The very first site dating back to the Median period in Iran was discovered by Iranian archaeologists in a historic region in Savojbolagh, 70km west of Tehran, said an official here yesterday.

The head of an archaeological team, Youssef Majidzadeh, said the newly discovered site seems to belong to the administrative system of the period of Media which ruled Iran in the first millennium B.C.

The site, in the form of a castle, is located on Ozbaki hill and built over an area of 950 sq.m.

The castle contains several huge halls, warehouses and probably a place of worship.

According to the archaeologists the site had been abandoned and no bag and baggage was left in the castle.

In the meantime, a historic residence "Aminorro'aya" where the Qajar kings enjoyed recreation was officially recognized in the village of Ali-Abad Kavir, Aran and Bidgol city, said the city's Cultural Heritage Organization Manager Seifollah Aminian.

The residence was built by Aminorro'aya Ali-Abadi in a beautiful garden early in the 14th century Hijra, Aminian added.

Qajar kings used to spend a few days at the residence to rest and hunt in the surrounding pastures when they traveled to Isfahan and Kashan.

Aminorro'aya residence is located in northern Isfahan Province in the city of Aran and Bidgol, which has a population of 80,000.