Teymareh Petroglyphs: A Treasure at Risk from Mining Activities

Petroglyphs are ancient artistic expressions etched into rock surfaces. They represent significant cultural symbols from various civilizations. Teymareh, located in Iran, is home to an extensive collection of these carvings, rich in historical and cultural importance.

The artwork of Teymareh consists of around 21,000 petroglyphs. These carvings span over 50 square kilometers, forming a unique outdoor museum. Early illustrations in Teymareh depict animals such as goats, horses, and birds. They also feature images of plants like wheat and cedar, along with scenes depicting daily life.

Dating back over 40,000 years, these petroglyphs offer a glimpse into human civilization's past. Yet, the site is unprotected and suffers from neglect, reports Arkeonews. This lack of attention places Teymareh's status as one of the largest archaeological repositories in jeopardy. Local organizations have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about its significance.

According to ILNA, a national initiative to protect Teymareh has yet to materialize. The regional heritage relies on local efforts, highlighting a serious oversight in government involvement. These circumstances make the preservation of Teymareh essential, as it stands as an open-air museum of invaluable cultural heritage.

Local activists like Rasoul Majidi, director of the Teymareh Friends Association, have sought to promote knowledge about the site. He notes that Teymareh was largely unknown until the early 1990s when Dr. Morteza Farhadi published a book that spotlighted its petroglyphs.

In 2005, two Italian travelers raised awareness after visiting the site. Their experience transformed perceptions, demonstrating the value of Teymareh’s ancient art to many who had underestimated its importance. Local skepticism gradually shifted as continued outreach highlighted the site’s global significance.

Mining activities threaten the survival of the Teymareh petroglyphs. Majidi explained that several large-scale silica extraction projects compromise the integrity of this ancient site. Public advocacy has managed to halt some mining operations, yet others continue to operate nearby.

Efforts initiated by local groups have been at the forefront of conservation. Major protective actions, however, remain elusive due to the lack of national support. Only three areas in Teymareh have been designated as national heritage, with little regulatory framework to provide meaningful protection.

Majidi drew comparisons with Saudi Arabia, where authorities actively promote their rock art heritage. By contrast, Teymareh’s significant potential remains neglected. The absence of a dedicated national initiative hampers conservation and visitor engagement.

Efforts to attract scholars and tourists have not yet produced sustainable outcomes. Teymareh experiences dwindling visitor numbers, despite receiving recognition from the academic community. Greater focus on preservation and promotion is crucial for ensuring the survival of this extraordinary cultural resource.

Earlier, SSP reported that ancient DNA revealed indigenous dog lineages at Jamestown, Virginia.