Shahr-e Sokhta
Shahr-e Sokhta (The Burnt City), located in present-day Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, has historical and cultural links to the broader region, including Afghanistan, due to its proximity and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. Here's how Shahr-e Sokhta is related to Afghanistan:
Geographical Proximity:
Shahr-e Sokhta is located near the border with Afghanistan, in the region of Sistan. This area historically encompassed parts of modern-day southeastern Iran and southwestern Afghanistan. The Helmand River, which flows through both regions, was a vital water source that connected their ancient cultures.
Cultural and Trade Connections:
- Shahr-e Sokhta was a key settlement of the Bronze Age civilization (circa 3200–1800 BCE) associated with the Helmand Culture or the Jiroft Culture.
- This civilization had extensive trade networks that included connections to Mundigak (an archaeological site near Kandahar, Afghanistan). Mundigak and Shahr-e Sokhta shared similar artifacts and architectural styles, suggesting cultural exchanges and trade links.
- Both sites were part of a network linked to the Indus Valley Civilization, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia.
Shared Archaeological Features:
- Artifacts found at Shahr-e Sokhta, such as pottery, seals, and tools, resemble those discovered in Afghan archaeological sites like Mundigak and Shortughai.
- These similarities highlight a shared cultural heritage between the civilizations of the region during the Bronze Age.
Historical Significance:
- During the Bronze Age, the area that includes modern-day Afghanistan and southeastern Iran was part of a connected zone of early urbanization and trade.
- The Helmand Culture, to which both Shahr-e Sokhta and Mundigak belonged, contributed significantly to the development of early states and civilizations in the region.
Shahr-e Sokhta serves as a testament to the shared heritage and interconnected history of ancient civilizations across what are now Iran and Afghanistan.