South Korean Archeologist in Search of Stone Age in Gilan 
View of a prehistoric hill in Talesh in Gilan province The areas belonging to the Stone Age and Paleolithic epoch will be examined by Iranian and South Korean archeologists.
Tehran, 22 July 2007 (CHN Foreign Desk) -- Based on an agreement between Iran’s Archeology Research Center, head the committee of Asia-Pacific Regional Organization of ICOM, one of North Korean archeologist, and director of South Korean National Museum, the Stone Age and Paleolithic areas of Gilan province will go under research.
Announcing this news, Hassan Fazeli Nashli, head of Iran’s Archeology Research Center told CHN: “The project for examining the Stone Age and Paleolithic epoch in Iranian Northern Province of Gilan especially in dwelling caves has come into force since 16th of July 2007.”
Byung-ki, director of National Museum of South Korea, Chan I. King head of committee of Asian-Pacific Regional Organization of ICOM, and Chi Duong Di, Korean archeologists will cooperate in this research project.
Regarding the time of the project, Fazeli Nashli explained: “Based on the initial agreements, this research project has been planned for one year during which just the areas belonging to the Paleolithic epoch will be excavated. However, the project may extent for 5 years, depends on what happens in future.”
According to Fazeli Nashli, since little archeological studies have been conducted so far about Stone Age and Paleolithic epoch in Iran, the lifestyle practiced by human begins during these important periods have remained somehow ambiguous. On the other hand, large areas of these important prehistoric sites are on verge of destruction or have been already destroyed due to developing projects in the country, which brings into light the importance of conducting any research project in this regard.
Paleolithic epoch is one of the most prominent archeological periods in history of Gilan province. Therefore, in an attempt to uncover many unknowns about this period, a large amount of studies have been conducted so far by Iranian and foreign archeologists in this province. Two years ago a Japanese team wrapped up their excavations in the area after carrying out 5 seasons of archeological excavations in historical sites of Gilan province the result of which is due to be published in a book.
Roudbar, Amlash, Roudsar, and Siahkal are among the cities in Gilan province which will be studied during this archeological research project. According to Mohammad Reza Bagherian, Iranian head of Iranian- North Korean joint team in Gilan province, the first season of the project will be lasted for a month during which the mentioned cities will be excavated. Afterwards, they will extent their researches in other cities.
Soudabeh Sadigh
foreigndesk@chn.ir http://www.chnpress.com/news/?section=2&id=7233
