Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

An Exploration and Elucidation of Islamic Pottery in Buzhgan City during the Early and Middle Islamic Periods

Authors
mahdiye rahmati 1
Abed Taghavi 2
Hassan Hashemi Zarjabad 3
Hassan basafa 4
1 Doctoral Student of Archeology, Department of Archeology, University of Mazandaran, corresponding author: mahdiye
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Archeology, University of Mazandaran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Archeology, University of Mazandaran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Archeology, University of Neyshabur
10.22034/fakh.2024.452651.1660
Abstract
Introduction
The eastern region of Iran, specifically Khorasan, played a pivotal role in the cultural, economic, and political developments of the Islamic era, particularly during the first to middle centuries. The region's rich cultural heritage, including its pottery, can be studied through the analysis of remaining data. The Jam Plain, supported by written sources and archaeological findings, has been a significant contributor to the region's historical developments. Specifically, the city of Buzhgan (also known as Buzhgan) has been identified as an important urban center situated on the ancient trade route connecting Neyshabur to Herat. The examination of pottery findings is crucial in archaeology, as it enables the reconstruction of chronology and the determination of historical periods.
In this context, the typological analysis of pottery from the first and middle Islamic centuries is essential for understanding the formation and development of Buzhgan. This study aims to address fundamental research questions, including the identification of typology and production methods, chronology, and the significance of Buzhgan in the broader historical context. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining field and library research, this study utilizes a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology. Preliminary findings from the analysis of pottery pieces have provided valuable insights into the pottery cultures, cultural periods, and evolutionary dynamics of the Jam basin. The diverse species and production technologies evident in Buzhgan’s pottery art can be interpreted within the framework of the region's pottery tradition.
Research Methods
The data utilized in this study was collected through a systematic and painstaking archaeological approach, incorporating both fieldwork and documentary research. The research design consisted of two stages: first, fieldwork was conducted in Buzhgan, followed by a comparative analysis of the samples to establish a relative chronology. This involved comparing the findings with prominent ceramic centers in eastern Iran. Additionally, key historical and geographical sources were consulted to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban developments.
 Findings
The ceramic samples collected from the systematic excavation of Buzhgan were categorized based on variables such as type of piece, manufacturing technique, quality of construction, firing temperature, decoration type, clay body color, glaze color, and type of mixture. Furthermore, the Buzhgan ceramics can be broadly classified into six groups: rim, body, base, foot, handle, and lid, with the body accounting for the largest proportion. Following this, the base, rim, handle, and lid account for the remaining proportions. In terms of manufacturing techniques, considering Buzhgan's Islamic period, most pieces were wheel-thrown, with hand-building and coiling methods also being employed. The ceramics were produced in advanced kilns, and the clay bodies were well-fired, suggesting that Buzhgan was an important production center during the Islamic period, particularly during the Seljuk and Khwarazmian periods. Regarding the typology of the Buzhgan ceramics, the primary variables were glaze type, design motif, and decoration style. Based on these variables, the ceramics can be broadly categorized into two main groups: unglazed and glazed wares. Unglazed ceramics typically served daily functions and were often found in residential areas and daily life spaces. The unglazed ceramics can be further divided into two categories: plain unglazed and decorated unglazed wares. The plain unglazed ceramics include simple, undecorated ceramics, while the decorated unglazed ceramics feature engraved, stamped, or molded designs. The glazed ceramics, on the other hand, can be classified into two categories: simple glazed and ornate glazed wares. The ornate glazed ceramics feature intricate designs, including underglaze painting, overglaze painting, and luster techniques. Notably, the glazed ceramics with geometric and floral patterns, which are characteristic of Islamic ceramic art, were also found in Buzhgan. The presence of these ceramics suggests that Buzhgan was an important center for ceramic production during the Islamic period.
Conclusion
The Jam region, due to having suitable infrastructures for development, has been a suitable place for human gatherings since ancient times. The city of Buzhgan is considered one of the key cities of the Islamic period in the region, but unfortunately its remains have been severely affected by post-settlement processes. However, systematic archaeological studies of the Buzhgan area have yielded valuable information about its urban life. Various types of pottery have been obtained in this city, and comparative iconography shows that urban life existed in the early and middle Islamic centuries. Based on studies of pottery collections from the early to seventh centuries, main types of pottery such as plain pottery (without glaze or decoration), plain decorated pottery (without glazed decoration), plain incised pottery, and molded decorated pottery can be distinguished. These types, except for molded pottery which was popular in the Seljuk period, have been used in most Islamic periods. Floral and incised motifs under plain glaze spread in the first to fifth centuries and single-colored glazed examples, such as turquoise, black ink, golden enamel, and blue and white in the middle centuries, are datable. Additionally, Buzhgan was developed in the early Islamic centuries alongside the city of Nishapur, and flourished in its cultural zone and played an important role in communication with Herat. Other pottery types indicate its flourishing in the middle centuries. The overall evidence from archaeology, along with historical sources, shows that Buzgan has been a stable city and has had an influence on the historical developments of Islamic cities in eastern Iran alongside important cities like Neyshabur and Herat.
Keywords
Islamic Archeology
Khorasan
Buzhgan
Pottery art
Dasht Jam

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 21 April 2024
  • Revise Date 08 May 2024
  • Accept Date 10 June 2024