Journal of Archaeology and Archaeometry

This study presents the analysis of nineteen glass samples from Jorjan (northeastern Iran), dating to the Early Islamic period, using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as a first approach. While LIBS allowed rapid screening of elemental patterns, its quantification is not yet fully mastered; therefore, complementary SEM–EDXS analyses were performed for comparative purposes and validation of the results. Both methods consistently show strong calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) with variable sodium (Na), indicating the dominance of plant-ash flux technology and aligning with the well-known transition from natron to plant ash in the 8th–9th centuries CE. Variability in Na (and minor Al) intensities points to multi-source raw materials and highlights Jorjan’s role in regional production and exchange along the Silk Road. We also provide an integrated spectral comparison, group the assemblage by Na and Ca peak strengths, and discuss the analytical and heritage-conservation advantages of LIBS—when supported by SEM–EDXS—for the study of archaeological glass.

This study examines the so-called “scribe pattern” markers identified in 62 late Proto-Elamite administrative documents housed in the Louvre Museum and the National Museum of Iran. Recent research indicates that Proto-Elamite administrative systems underwent significant developments in the methods used to authenticate and individualize documents. Archaeological evidence suggests that, in the early phases, animal and symbolic motifs predominated in seal designs; however, with the advancement of writing, these were gradually replaced by simpler linear signs. Notably, the emergence of new types of seals inspired by these linear signs characterizes the later stages of this period. These changes reflect a complex phase of interaction between ancient traditions and administrative innovations. It appears that Proto-Elamite society was actively experimenting and seeking optimal solutions for recording and verifying information. Despite recent advances in scholarship, major challenges remain in fully understanding this system, especially regarding the precise status of these markers within the administrative hierarchy. This research not only opens a new window onto the study of early administrative systems but can also inspire comparative studies of the evolution of writing in ancient civilizations. The discovery and analysis of additional examples in the future will undoubtedly clarify many of the current uncertainties.

Safavid and Qajar rulers, following an enduring tradition, inscribed royal decrees on stone monuments concerning issues such as tax exemptions and reductions. These inscriptions served to preserve the king’s direct voice as an authoritative document, aiming to safeguard a just fiscal system, prevent corruption among officials, avert potential uprisings caused by rising taxation, and reinforce the image of a legitimate and benevolent monarchy opposed to innovation and injustice. This study examines the extent to which Safavid decrees retained their authority and effectiveness during the reign of Nāṣer al-Dīn Shāh Qajar, particularly in the context of the interaction between the state and society. The research is based on primary documents and sources, applying a historical-comparative method and content analysis. The findings reveal that Safavid decrees on exemptions and tax reductions, though inscribed as “perpetual,” did not remain effective in practice. With the dynastic shift, and despite the people’s efforts to preserve documents and demand their enforcement, these decrees rarely yielded favorable outcomes, except in cases where the Qajar state itself benefited from their implementation.

Relative chronology in archaeology is determined by various methods, which depend on the nature of the artifacts, that is, the type of data available to the archaeologist. In most cases, the basis of dating is relative and based on comparative studies. Objects are effective in dating always have a special place. One of these ancient data that is still used in contemporary times is the safety pin. This cultural data is considered a standard for relative chronology and, apart from its application to ancient peoples, provides archaeologists with more information. Safety these pins were invented in the early Iron Age (around 1400 BC) of the Mediterranean basin and became common in different regions around 800 BC, and their use by different cultures has continued in various forms to this day. The research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and library tools, and its aim is to study the history and types of uses of safety pins in the western half of Iran in the first half of the first millennium. The results obtained showed that safety pins after The invention in the Mediterranean region gradually spread to other regions. In the late 8th century BC and especially during the 7th century BC in Iran, safety pins in the form of various types and subspecies became common for fastening clothing, personal decoration, votive gifts and in some cases as amulets and magic. This data can be used as a chronological index in ancient sites, considering the time of their emergence.

Based on conducted studies, lighting in Iranian architecture is one of the fundamental and essential features, with skylights playing a crucial role as a primary architectural element. Architecture in different regions is adjusted according to climatic conditions to maximize comfort while also considering the use of local materials. Given this, the design and placement of lighting elements can vary based on geographic location. The aim of this research is to examine the skylights in Qajar-era houses in Kerman and to explore the relationship between climate and regional architecture, considering both lighting and temperature factors simultaneously. Thus, the research questions are as follows: What are the characteristics of the windows in the historical houses of Kerman? Was natural light considered a key element in Kerman’s houses? Were the variety of windows in these historical homes adjusted based on climatic conditions? To achieve this goal, we studied four Qajar-era houses in Kerman: Azimi House, Kazemi House, Dinyar House, and Vaziri House. The research method is applied in nature and employs a descriptive and correlational approach for data collection, utilizing both field studies and library resources. By measuring the skylights and analyzing their design and positioning, we concluded that in desert regions, skylights are designed with small dimensions and colored glass to not only prevent direct sunlight but also regulate the lighting of the space. Additionally, these skylights are placed one meter above the floor and with a depth of less than 10 meters, providing both aesthetic appeal and environmental comfort.

The land of India has been the cradle of different religions and beliefs since the distant past, the religion of Islam opened its way to the land of India shortly after reaching Iraq and Iran. But due to the special conditions of India, it entered this land in different ways and the process of Islamization lasted for several centuries. The purpose of this article is to study and investigate the reasons for the diversity of species and forms of Islam's entry into India. In accordance with such a goal, the present article tries to answer the question why Islam entered India in various forms such as the Islam of conquerors, the Islam of merchants, Sufi Islam, etc. The findings of the research show that the vastness of the land, the ancient civilization of India, the diverse and numerous religious structure, and a spirit of tolerance towards other religions and ideas were among the factors that facilitated the entry of Islam into this land in various forms. And it established a special type of Islamization for this land, which is rare in other places where Islam entered. The research method in this article is based on the descriptive-analytical method and collecting information in that library method.