Historic Iran cemetry at risk

As the Alborz Dam in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran nears completion, Iranian cultural heritage experts have raised concerns regarding its possible consequences on the historic Lafurak cemetery.

Located near Savadkooh in Mazandaran, Lafurak is a cemetery dating back to the Iron Age. Archaeologists fear that the dam would submerge the 3,000-year-old cemetery and inundate five other ancient cemeteries and nine historic villages.

Excavation work at the cemetery remains incomplete due to lack of funds. Lafurak's excavation team had requested the provincial dam authorities to give them another chance to start excavation operations. Even though the dam's inaugural date is drawing near, they are yet to receive a response in this regard.