Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Hassan Karimian ¹
• Hossein Sabri ²
• Moharram Bastani ²

¹ Assistant professor Archaeology, University of Tehran

² M.A Graduate of Archaeology, University of Tehran

Abstract

There are few Iranian early Islamic cities like Dinevar that attract the attention of classic historians and geographers. Its remains are in a vast and prolific plain northwest of Sahneh, Kermanshah province, and since it was located on the Mesopotamian routs it has gotten a unique status. Based on the authors’ filed surveys, the Dinevar most ancient evidences are related to Seleucids (224-651.A.D) .Confirming the historical information, archaeological data demonstrate a sustaining existence through Sasanids (224-651 A.D), early Islamic centuries to the end of Timurids era (771-911 A.H) in Dinevar. Dinevar’s unique geographical status and its environmental capacities helped it to overcome the natural disasters, and war effects, however,it played significant role in emergence of local dynasties (e.g, Hasanüyeh).
In this study, there is an attempt to identify why a flourished city, with such geographical and historical context,was abandoned immediately.A systematic survey has been done across Dinevar site to achieve the research aim.Dinevar seems being completely abandoned when Kermanshah was designated as the political center of Iranian western regions by early Safavids era. Consequently, it can be accepted that shifting in the centers of political powers can be considered as a reason of their abandonment and collapse.

Keywords

• Jebal province
• Dinevar city
• Mah al-Kufeh
• Sasanid city
• Islamic city