Summary: In the English language video Maruchi Yoshida, Dipl. Rest, and Dr. Natascha Bagherpour, M.A. are explaining how an archaeological project in Iran developed to a comprehensive program. Starting from the scientific research of the mummies and organic finds from Chehrabad Saltmine in Zanjan, conservational measures are now being carried out to keep the world´s heritage of the saltmummies. The village next to the excavation site is protector of the ancient saltmine. The people of Hamzelooh, however, live a precarious life. They will also be long-term profiteer of the archaeological site as soon as the measures – water supply and economic growths – will be implemented. Additionally, within an Open-Lab project the societies in Iran and Germany will be able – with an easy access – to participate in the projects and take part in the discussions. The continuity of work in difficult times and the success of the patrimonial projects are based on a trustful and amicable cooperation between European and Iranian scientists and local residents.
Spectacular finds but no drinking water
The saltmine in the province of Zanjan has been playing an important economic role and today the historical saltmine of Chehrabad is a source of inestimable cultural and historical remains. The ancient saltmummies from Chehrabad are the most spectacular witness of ancient salt mining in the region. The archaeological remains of the saltmine are now stored and presented in the Saltmen-Museum in Zanjan, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. However the salt deposits in the region cause high chlorid concentrations in soil and groundwater, making water supply for agriculture and livelihood very difficult. Families and young people are migrating to the cities to escape the sparse life.
Three projects - cultural heritage preservation, water supply, communication
An Iranian-German joint project is working on a sustainable preservation strategy for the cultural heritage of the saltmines. Two projects, both financially supported by the German Gerda Henkel Foundation, are actually undertaken tackling two major issues: 1. The long-term preservation of the mummies and related objects in the Saltmen-Museum and 2. Water supply for the population around the historic saltmine of Chehrabad. A third project is recently approved by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the main focus of this project lies in the communication and intercultural dialogue by using different communication formats under the title OPEN LAB. Via social media a diverse group of online audience is invited to learn what happens behind the scenes: they observe conservators cleaning and mounting the saltmummies for a new presentation concept, they are asked to contribute their ideas on the dignified presentation of human remains, and children are addressed with online activities and games around the salt and the saltmummies.
Local capacities
In all projects, involving local professionals and building local capacities to develop feasible solutions rather than importing western technologies are the key to achieving sustainability. However, the effects of sanctions and economic pressure are omnipresent. Therefore, solutions have to be adjusted to e.g. long-term availability of spare parts. All projects aim to support the self-help capacity of the local people in both environmental and economic development.