7,000-Year-Old Godin Tepe: Untapped Cultural and Tourism Gem in Iran

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Godin Tepe, an ancient settlement established around 5,000 BC, stands as a testament to Iran’s rich archaeological heritage. Located in the Kangavar Valley between Hamadan and Kermanshah, this site has remained largely overlooked for nearly six decades, despite its profound historical significance.

In discussions with local media, Geravand highlighted the site’s historical role as a major trade center, strategically positioned along a vital commercial route facilitating exchanges between Mesopotamia and southern Iran.

Excavations at Godin Tepe have unveiled evidence of continuous human occupation spanning from prehistoric times through the Islamic era.

Notably, during the Median period, a fortress was constructed, likely serving as an administrative or military center.

Despite these findings, the site has not received the attention it merits. Geravand expressed concern that, unlike other contemporaneous sites such as Tepe Sialk in Kashan, Nushijan in Malayer, and Hasanlu in West Azarbaijan province—which have been developed into research and tourism centers—Godin Tepe remains neglected.

The last significant excavation at Godin Tepe was conducted by a Canadian archaeological team nearly 60 years ago.

Since then, the site has seen minimal archaeological activity, leading to the deterioration of many uncovered structures.

Recent efforts have aimed to delineate the site’s boundaries; however, financial constraints have impeded comprehensive conservation initiatives.

Geravand estimates that an initial investment of approximately one billion tomans (around $11,000) is necessary for essential preservation and interpretative measures.

Further funding would be required to fully develop the site into a research and tourism center. He emphasized that, with adequate support, Godin Tepe could emerge as a major cultural attraction, delivering economic benefits to the underdeveloped eastern region of Kermanshah province.

While Kermanshah is renowned for sites like the UNESCO-registered Bisotun and Taq-e Bostan, many significant historical landmarks in the province’s eastern part remain underappreciated.

Geravand advocates for increased attention to these cultural treasures, noting that Godin Tepe, also known as Tappeh Imamzadeh, was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1965.

Advocates like Geravand aspire that, with enhanced investment and recognition, Godin Tepe may one day attain UNESCO World Heritage status, positioning it among Iran’s most esteemed archaeological sites. He stated in October 2023, “Godin Tepe is worthy of gaining a UNESCO status.”

The site’s major occupation periods have been categorized as follows:

• Periods XI-VI (c. 5200-3800 BC): Early settlements showcasing the region’s initial habitation.
• Period VI: Phases 3-1 (c. 3800-3000 BC): Developmental phase with emerging architectural structures.
• Period IV: Phases 2-1 (c. 2800-2600 BC): Era marked by significant cultural and societal advancements.
• Period III: Phases 6-1 (2600-1400 BC): Period indicating extensive trade and external interactions.
• Period II: Phases 2-1 (c. 800-500 BC): Median period featuring the construction of fortresses and administrative centers.

According to the World History Encyclopedia, Godin Tepe was initially a Sumerian settlement established around 5,000 BC, comprising a village and a fortress.

It evolved into a crucial stop along the Great Khorasan Road trade route, commonly known as the Silk Road, serving as a major conduit for trade over nearly three millennia.

The term “Silk Road” was first introduced in 1877 by German geographer Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, referencing the trade of Chinese silk.

Today, with strategic investment and preservation efforts, Godin Tepe holds the promise of becoming a focal point for cultural tourism, offering visitors a tangible connection to Iran’s ancient past and contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.