An Overview of 7,000-Year-Old History of Badroud
Jam-e Jam (Persian Morning Daily)
Oct 17, 2002, No. 706
By: Zabihollah SolatianPage: 16
Word Count: 781
According to the archaeological research, one of the greatest centers of civilization of Iran with a 7,000-year old background inhabited by Aryans located in Iran's central desert is known as Badroud. At present it appears as a city 140 km from Isfahan. Among the historical monuments of Badroud, Nougheh Bathhouse of the Safavid era, Adineh Mosque known as one of the most ancient historical mosques of the 8th century, Karshahi and Dehabad Castles, Birin Mosque in Khaledabad, charming houses in Hadj-Amou and tens of other archaic sites are the most important.
Text: The archaeological research conducted at the central desert of Iran shows that one of the greatest centers of ancient civilization with a 7,000-year old background is located here. The area, which was primarily resided by the Aryans, is known as Badroud.
Before 1966, the area was known as "Baad" (wind), since wind was taken by Aryans residing there as one of the significant creations of the great Lord. In 1966, it was converted into a city called Badroud constructed 140 km from Isfahan.
Badroud is undoubtedly one of the most ancient cities in Iran's central desert inhabited by the pre-historic Iranian artisans and artists. Around 6,000 years ago, when man used to live a primitive life in caves, the residents of the area were known as the first city dwellers, in the course of the history. They initiated making copper and earthenware utensils. The hand-made objects of Badroud residents were partially unearthed by an archaeological team from the German Freiburg University during their archaeological excavations conducted at the historical "Siyahboum" hill.
"Baad" or "Badroud" has been repeatedly mentioned in the ancient books. For instance in Ruth White Hars' book titled "The First City", "Baad" is referred to as one of the 14 significant primary cities dating back to 2,500 BC.
By late 9th century, Badroud was one of the important cities located on the route leading to Isfahan. Besides the available historical resources, the local dialect of "Badroud" rooted in Pahlavi (the Middle Persian) is the only remaining dialect reminiscent of the ancient Iran.
"Badroud" historical monuments
The city of Badroud has many historical monuments, among which one might refer to the holy shrine of Imamzadeh Aqa Ali Abbas, Shahzadeh (Prince) Mohammad, one of the sons of Imam Mousa Kazem. The mausoleums of the two auspicious religious figures are marked for their most prominent architectural style of the contemporary era. They are known for their plaster works, mirror works and tile works. The entrance veranda of the shrine is decorated with beautiful seven-colored tiles according to the Ilkhanid architectural style. The plasterwork on the dome's interior, which is the late master Rashtian's last work, attracts the attention of every art-loving spectator by its charm and beauty.
The auspicious mausoleums shelter the hands and hearts of the oppressed, where the innermost secrets of castaways are ensured to be heard. They are, in fact, a refuge for the needy and those suffering from any pain. Early spring (May 11), late summer and early autumn are the occasions, when hundreds of thousands of loving pilgrims from across the country are welcomed at the mausoleums.
Besides Nourgheh Bathhouse (one of the valuable monuments of the Safavid era), Adineh (Friday) Mosque (one of the most ancient historical mosques of the 8th century), Karshahi Castle (the mud and unbaked-mud brick citadel of Ilkhanid era), Dehabad Castle, Birin Mosque in Khaledabad, charming residents in Hadj-Amou dating back to the Safavid era, Rahgoshay and Mohaqeqoddoleh sites belonging to Qajar era and tens of other archaic sites of pre-Islamic era are also among the historical monuments of Badroud which have converted it into a museum of various historical periods.
Badroud's Souvenirs
Fruits and handicrafts constitute Badroud's major souvenirs. Major products such as pomegranate, fig, melon, cantaloupe, cucumber, grapes, etc are the main products planted in the green plantations of Badroud. The pomegranate planted in Badroud is known across the Middle East as one of the major agricultural products of the historical area.
Among Badroud's handicrafts, the carpet industry stands first. On opening the door of every house in Badroud, eyes are immediately dazzled by colorful tableaux produced by the artful hands of the people of high taste illustrating the image of love and hope on the warps and woofs of their woven carpets.
Badroud's hand-woven carpets known as "Kashan Shadsar", a masterpiece of Iranian handicrafts ends up in the overseas markets to prove the known phrase that "Iranians are the only nation known for their art."
بادرود وسلامی به بلندای آفتاب کویر