Back to Map
Iraq

Bestansur

Neolithic tell in the Shahrizor Plain

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Bestansur is a significant archaeological tell located in the Shahrizor Plain of Iraq, offering insights into various periods of human occupation. Initially settled during the Early Neolithic period, around 7600-7100 BCE, the site features mud-brick and pisé structures, including rectangular buildings and hearths, indicative of established habitation. The presence of numerous burials, including 72 individuals beneath a single room, underscores its importance as a residential and cultural center. The site's occupation extended into the Neo-Assyrian, Sasanian, and Ottoman periods, showcasing a long history of settlement and adaptation. Artifacts such as pottery fragments and textile imprints link Bestansur to broader Mesopotamian cultures, while its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List highlights its significance in understanding ancient human societies in Upper Mesopotamia.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Bestansur

FileNear_East_non_political.png
FilePestle_and_mortar_found_inside_a_kiln_7800-7500_BCE._From_Bestansur_Sulaymaniyah_Iraq.jpg
FileThe_Neolithic_site_of_Bestansur_October_11_2021._Shahrizor_Plane_Sulaymaniyah_Iraqi_Kurdistan.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Houses

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds

Food Production and Processing Features

HearthsOvensButchering Areas

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Iraq
Source
Wikipedia