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Aerial
Photo of Mount Ushidar (Kuh-e Khwaheh) (Click to enlarge)
Mount
Ushidar Eastern Slope, known as Kuk-i Kohzadh (Click
to enlarge)
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The Kuh-e
Khwajeh (Ushidar-Kuh) historical site in the
southeastern province of Sistan-Balouchestan is set to
undergo laser mapping in order to assess damages it has
suffered over the ages. Considered one of the largest
mud brick structures of the pre-Islamic period, it
covers an area of 40,000 square meters.
The Kuh-e Khwajeh (Khajeh mountain) is a black basalt
mountain located 30 km southwest of the town of Zabol in
the Hamoun lake.
On the mountain are built a vast structure with a fire
temple, two mud brick castles, remains of an old route
and walls, numerous stone graves from the Arsacids era
as well as a few pilgrimage sites from the Islamic
period.
State-of-the-art devices will be used for laser mapping
which is scheduled to be carried out over the next three
months.
Earlier, preliminary damage assessment of the area was
completed by digging boring pits, photography, filming
and mapping after 45 days.
The oldest and by far the most important structure of
the site is an ancient fortress on its eastern slope,
called by different names such as the Rostam castle, the
Kaferoun castle, etc.
Unique murals had decorated the walls of the fortress,
few of which have survived. Over the recent years, a
complete documentation of the site was carried out. In
addition, partial restoration and fortification of the
castle were conducted on its walls and arches.
Once its laser map is prepared, a list of all research
and restoration works of the site for each season can be
drawn up.
Mount
Ushidar although it is in the possession of ICHTO, but legally
due to historical and present records belongs to
Suren-Pahlav clan.
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