Warning from Two Archaeologists About the Spread of Illegal Excavation and Trafficking of Antiquities in Broad Daylight

Reza Mehrafarin, an archaeologist and university lecturer, warned about the rampant trafficking of historical artifacts, stating that illegal excavations have accelerated and "historical sites in Iran are facing widespread destruction." According to ILNA news agency, this archaeologist, who specializes in the antiquities of Sistan and Baluchestan, added that a large portion of "historical and valuable architectural sites have suffered serious damage." Mehrafarin reported that "currently, social media easily showcases pages for buying and selling metal detectors and magnetometers, as well as consultations and training for treasure hunting, which are accessible to everyone," and warned that "the administrators of these pages continue their activities without any fear or apprehension from legal authorities." This archaeologist discussed the lack of legal oversight and the spread of trafficking of historical artifacts, stating that the economic situation, unemployed youth, and "a wide range of physically active young people who have the ability to search for treasure for hours in deserts and mountains" have made it easy to conduct illegal excavations with advanced technology in "broad daylight." He described the oversight situation for illegal excavations as "tragic," adding that despite the lack of cooperation from archaeologists with these individuals, "the work of illegal excavators has reached a point where if it is not once a week, it is definitely once a month that they contact and send messages to archaeologists requesting cooperation." He added that the code phrase for excavators seeking advice from archaeologists is: "Darius's cargo is asleep, will you come for expertise?" Abdolreza Mohajerinejad, another archaeologist, also stated in an interview with ILNA that "while there is not a single hill or archaeological site left undamaged in the country, there is also no clear judicial procedure in dealing with traffickers and illegal excavators." He criticized the government's inaction regarding illegal excavations, noting that "since there has been no registered structure, there has been no punishment either, while perhaps only 20% of archaeological assessments have been conducted on sites and hills across Iran, and due to lack of funding and other existing problems, many structures remain unregistered." Reports of illegal excavations in the year 1403 indicate a growing trend in the trafficking of the country's antiquities. Previously, users on X network reported on June 22 that, according to cultural activists from Urmia, dynamite was used in illegal excavations at the historical castle of "Dam Dam" located near this city in West Azerbaijan province. Government media also reported that only at the beginning of this year, 29 illegal excavators were arrested by the police. Mansour Sohrabi: Ground subsidence in Iran is like a silent earthquake that engages parts of the country each time. Khorasan Razavi province holds the record for "20 centimeters" of subsidence in Iran; a government official stated: Mashhad is at risk. A government official announced the danger of destruction to the relief of Rostam, Persepolis, and Naqsh-e Jahan Square due to ground subsidence.