Beyond the Capitals

Following Genghis Khan’s conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire, vast areas of Asia came under Mongol rule. After his death, Hulagu Khan established the Ilkhanid dynasty in Iran. However, following the reign of Abu Sa’id, Iran descended into political fragmentation until Timur founded the Timurid Empire. These periods are classified in Iranian archaeology as part of the Medieval Islamic period. While research has traditionally focused on urban centers and government buildings, rural areas and marginal regions remain understudied. This article examines the Bavanat Valley during the Ilkhanid and Timurid periods, focusing on rural settlements, public structures, and their socio-political contexts. The study analyzes archaeological evidence, including pottery, inscriptions, and radiocarbon dating, to explore the valley’s settlement patterns and socio-economic dynamics. Unlike major urban centers, the Bavanat Valley lacked significant government-related structures during the Islamic period but hosted numerous rural sites identified through archaeological surveys. Findings suggest that agriculture and mining played crucial roles in the development of settlements and the sustenance of local populations. Additionally, evidence from Kan-Gohar Cave indicates periods of unrest and internal conflict during the transition between the Ilkhanid and Timurid eras. This research underscores the importance of rural archaeology in understanding Medieval Islamic societies, offering insights into the interactions between political transformations, economic activities, and rural life. By bridging the gap between urban and rural dynamics, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and political landscape of Medieval Islamic Iran.

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