Gharbalbiz: An Ancient Site and Scenic Recreational Area

It is said that our early ancestors used to move from place to place in search of game, taking shelter in caves or similar locations. Gradually, however, as they learned the techniques of agriculture and animal husbandry, they were able to settle in specific areas and become sedentary. Easy access to water was the most important factor that early humans considered when choosing a settlement location. In the central regions of Iran, which are largely arid and water-scarce, small ancient civilizations mostly developed near springs and at the foothills of mountains, where the climate was better and the soil and water suitable for farming. Gharbalbiz is also recognized as one of these ancient settlements in Iran, a place that today, thanks to its pleasant climate, serves as a popular recreational area for local residents.

Features and History of Gharbalbiz

On Gharbalbiz Mountain, there is a spring whose water emerges through small openings. The catchment area of this spring is nearly 10 square kilometers, and trees grow around it. It is said that the place was named Gharbalbiz because the small and large holes among the rocks resemble the perforations of a sieve through which the water flows. The Gharbalbiz Spring has a water flow of up to 1,270 liters per second, with its maximum discharge occurring in spring, the peak rainfall season. This spring is the source of the Hassanabad Moshir Qanat, which is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The spring water is crystal clear and maintains its purity and quality throughout its course. Gharbalbiz Spring is considered one of the important springs of Yazd Province, and historically, it has provided favorable environmental conditions for human settlement and the development of a cultural region. The existence of the ancient Gharbalbiz site serves as evidence of this.

 The Ancient Site of Gharbalbiz

To the south of the spring, near a mountain called Mesqal, lies an ancient site where the first archaeological excavations were carried out in 2000 (1379 Solar Hijri) over a period of 75 days. In the following years, further excavations were conducted in the area. These studies indicate that the oldest buildings in Yazd Province were likely constructed here. The discovered structure is trapezoidal in shape, covering an area of 2,200 square meters, and was built using mud bricks and clay. Stone was used in parts of the building to enhance its structural stability, which is a notable aspect of its architecture. Although centuries of erosion have significantly affected the building, archaeologists have proposed theories regarding its function and layout. According to these studies, the main part of the structure is located in the south, featuring two porches, two corridors on either side, and a small room at the back. This section was enclosed by a thick wall, with its outer surface made of stone. Such construction suggests that valuable items were stored in this room or that it was occupied by important individuals. In this section, archaeologists also discovered a corridor and a thick wall along the eastern part of the structure. In the northern half, there is a central courtyard featuring three porches and a platform made of raw bricks. At the entrance to the courtyard, a small square basin was identified with a platform in its center. Another basin in this area is believed by archaeologists to have been used for special ceremonies. To the west of the building, a circular courtyard enclosed by a thick stone-faced wall forms part of the structure. The main entrances to the building were located in the northeast and northwest. Experts believe that the northeast entrance was used for official comings and goings and remained in use until the final phase of the building’s use. Apparently, in the later stages of the site’s occupation, several spaces—including small rooms built near the entrances to control access—were filled in, and the northwest entrance was blocked during the same period.

The Ancient Site of Gharbalbiz

Archaeologists attribute the age of the site to the Parthian period (3rd century BCE), making Gharbalbiz the only discovered structure from this historical era in central Iran. One of the most significant discoveries during the excavations was 35 graves within an area of approximately 200 square meters. On either side of the graves, four layers of stones were observed. The bodies were buried in a fetal position, with their faces turned eastward. The graves also contained pottery, stone vessels, and small ornaments, indicating that the ancient inhabitants of the region believed in an afterlife.

Where is Gharbalbiz Located?

Gharbalbiz is a mountainous area in Mehriz County, Yazd Province. It lies on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, 10 kilometers from the city of Mehriz and 40 kilometers from the city of Yazd.