The largest archaeological exploration of the Persian Gulf will soon be conducted on Qeshm island, CHN quoted Qeshm Free Zone head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department (ICHHTO), Abd-o-Reza Dashtizadeh as saying. Explorations will start in March and in terms of extent and volume, it will be the largest exploration project throughout the Persian Gulf. In 2011, 17 sites on Qeshm Island were registered on the national heritage list. Qeshm is the only island in the Persian Gulf with monuments dating back to the Paleolithic era. “I hope the exploration will be authorized by ICHHTO and the affiliated research institute. We are planning to explore the Paleolithic settlement layer. Some underwater research is included in the plan. Qeshm historical fort, Kharbas caves, and the ancient hill of Koolghan are among the sites to be explored. Operational plans are prepared, and the exploration has been financed,” Dashtizadeh said.
