An Actual Subterranean City Buried Beneath the Historic Homes of Abarkuh, Iran

Iran, rich in a millennial heritage, houses unique testimonies of the ingenuity of its past civilizations, often hidden under the surface of its arid landscapes. The recent discovery of an underground city in Abarkuh, in the province of Yazd , highlights sophisticated solutions developed by its former inhabitants to meet the challenges imposed by their environment.

This find, revealed thanks to the work of local researchers and the support of the provincial authorities, offers an unprecedented overview of urban planning, water management and social organization practices in the desert environment. Located in a strategic region between Yazd, Shiraz and Ispahan, this buried city testifies not only an ingenious adaptation to climatic conditions, but also of the historical and cultural importance of this locality in the development of exchanges and infrastructures of Persia antique.

A treasure under the ancient city of Abarkuh

Abarkuh is about 140 kilometers southwest of Yazd. It occupies a key position in what is called the “golden triangle”, a region connecting three of the most emblematic cities of ancient Persia: Shiraz, Ispahan and Yazd. This triangle represents a historic crossroads where commercial roads and cultural exchanges have been converging for centuries. Abarkuh's geographic position has made it an essential step for caravans traveling through the central plateau of Iran, transporting goods such as spices, textiles and ceramics. This role as a hub contributed to the prosperity of the city and the emergence of an urban culture rich in traditions and know-how.

Abarkuh is also famous for its unique natural heritage, embodied by the Abarkuh cypress. It is a monumental tree over 4,000 years old. This cypress, known locally as “Sarv-e Abarkuh”, is certainly a botanical wonder. But it also constitutes a symbol of resilience and adaptation in this arid climate. Classified as the national heritage of Iran, it is venerated by the inhabitants and visitors as a silent witness of the civilizations who have succeeded in the region. In addition to this natural treasure, Abarkuh houses adobe structures, ornate historic houses and architectural vestiges dating from different eras. They reflect the cultural richness and the historical importance of this city in the Persian landscape.

The discovery of the underground city then still strengthens the cultural and historical importance of this locality. It also illustrates the adaptability of civilizations that have shaped these lands.

Architecture adapted to the challenges of the desert

According to archaeological studies and historical testimonies, the former inhabitants of Abarkuh adopted an ingenious construction method. They built their key houses and infrastructure on solid rocky bases. Between these training courses, they arranged gardens, valuing each plot available in this desert environment. Under these foundations, an elaborate network of underground corridors connected the strategic points of the city. These tunnels fulfilled several essential functions. They facilitate the transfer of water, offered a natural refuge against extreme summer temperatures. In addition, they served as hiding places during armed conflicts or invasions. Hossein Hatami, governor of Abarkuh, stressed that ” These underground corridors bear witness to particular attention paid to safety and to improve the daily living conditions of the inhabitants ».

Among the most remarkable elements is a pipe cut in stone. This system is representative of the infrastructure used under the Qajar dynasty. The latter reigned over Iran from 18th to the 20th century. The stones used in this pipe is therefore similar to those of buildings of the same period. They show how traditional qanats – underground irrigation tunnels – were used to transport water. At the same time, they allowed to cool the spaces thanks to the constant flow. “” These systems prove the extraordinary ability of ancients to optimize their resources to meet the needs of their environment “Added Hatami.

Features and underground life in Abarkuh

Abarkuh's underground galleries were not limited to their functional water transport role. Under some houses, small stone rooms have been discovered, testifying to various and specific uses. These parts, initially designed for occasional needs such as storage or temporary shelter, have evolved over time. Varish spaces are equipped with niches dug in the walls and small alcoves. They were fitted out to improve comfort. These large rooms would have served as fresh shelters in summer. Desert temperatures reach unbearable extremes at these periods. They may also have served as seasonal residences for residents. These structures revealed a clever adaptation to the environment, by exploiting the insulating properties of the rock to maintain more bearable living conditions.

© Irna

Staircases integrated into some houses were directly led to underground tunnels. This detail shows the interconnection between living spaces and these hidden infrastructure. The inhabitants used these stairs to manage the water flows in the qanats. They also allowed them to quickly access the galleries in the event of danger, such as invasions. However, over time, the use of these tunnels has been reduced. The drying up of many qanats, caused by environmental changes and urbanization, has changed their function. Modern constructions, diverting wastewater towards these passages, compromised their integrity.

Preservation of a fragile inheritance

The importance of the discovery of the underground city of Abarkuh greatly exceeds its spectacular appearance. It constitutes a precious testimony to the ingenuity and adaptability of ancient civilizations in the face of a demanding desert environment. With 400 historic sites identified in the region, including 147 registered in the national heritage, Abarkuh embodies a real open -air museum. This underground network covers 60 hectares out of the 170 in the historic center. It illustrates engineering prowess and societal reflection on resource management, security and climatic challenges.

© Irna

In addition, this discovery highlights the current challenges of preserving heritage in the face of growing urbanization and environmental changes. In Abarkuh, as in many regions of the world, modern infrastructure often threatens historical vestiges. This by diverting them from their initial vocation or by damaging them irreparably. The archaeological work in progress, although limited, recall the urgency of investing in research and conservation to protect these treasures, bearers of lessons on human history and lasting solutions of the past.

Source: IRNA