An Integrated Model for Archaeological site Preservation implemented in the Zohreh Prehistoric Project at Chega Sofla, Southwestern Iran

Moghaddam, Abbas

doi:10.22034/ARCHJ.4.4.1

Journals

RICHT Journal Publication

Archaeology Journal

Volume 4, Issue 4 (English Issue 2025) Archaelogy 2025, 4(4): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.22034/ARCHJ.4.4.1

Mendeley

Zotero

RefWorks

Moghaddam A. An Integrated Model for Archaeological site Preservation implemented in the Zohreh Prehistoric Project at Chega Sofla, Southwestern Iran. Archaelogy 2025; 4 (4) : 1
URL: http://archj.richt.ir/article-10-2043-en.html

An Integrated Model for Archaeological site Preservation implemented in the Zohreh Prehistoric Project at Chega Sofla, Southwestern Iran

Abbas Moghaddam ^*

Associate Professor, Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism , abbas.moghaddam@gmail.com

Abstract: (220 Views)

This article presents the Zohreh Prehistoric Project (2016–2020) at Chega Sofla, one of the largest prehistoric sites in Iran, as a case study in applying an integrated model of archaeological excavation, preventive conservation, and public awareness. Located in the fertile floodplain of the Zohreh River, Chega Sofla preserves valuable evidence of human life and burial traditions from six millennia ago. Decades of neglect, industrial encroachment, and environmental damage had placed the site at severe risk. The project’s approach combined meticulous research design, in situ conservation strategies, community involvement, and context-focused heritage presentation, drawing on global best practices such as those implemented at Çatalhöyük in Turkey. This integrated methodology not only safeguarded fragile archaeological remains during excavation but also enhanced public awareness and institutional cooperation. The study demonstrates that in regions facing both developmental pressures and endanger heritage resources, conservation-oriented excavation can be a viable and replicable strategy for sustainable archaeological site management.

Article number: 1

Keywords: Chega Sofla, Preventive Conservation, Public Awareness, Archaeological Excavation

Full-Text [PDF 1850 kb] (126 Downloads)

Type of Study: Original Research Article | Subject: Conservation and restoration of historical-cultural monuments
Received: 2024/11/14 | Accepted: 2025/02/8 | Published: 2026/02/22

Send email to the article author

Rights and permissions
	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.