By Pejman Akbarzadeh
Source: BBC Persian Service
4 December 2020

Derbent was the Northern border of the Persian Empire in the Sasanian era. In the 6th-century AD, Sasanians built a massive fortress with defensive walls in this region. The goal was defending Persia (Iran) against the onslaught of the northern tribes. Its builders have left inscriptions in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) language in various parts of the structure. The inscriptions refer to the name of the builder, accountant or the date of construction.The Middle Persian inscriptions of Darband represent the northernmost extent in the spread of Pahlavi writing; the official language of the Sasanian Empire which is the predecessor of Modern Persian; the official language of Persia (Iran), Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

“The Middle Persian inscriptions of Derbent are of certain historical significance. The letters and numbers date back to around 1500 years ago but they are of extra importance to us who live in Derbent as they show the exact date of the fortification’s construction” says Prof. Murtazali Gadjiev, head of the archaeology department of Dagestan Scientific Centre. “We also know the names of some of architects, supervisors and accountants such as Dariush, Moshig and Adur Gushnasp by these inscriptions” Gadjiev emphasises.

Despite their unique historical value, the Pahlavi inscriptions in Derbent are in danger of destruction. The inscriptions are left unprotected and exposed to wind and rain. Even Some of them are now located in private properties due to  recent constructions in the city.

“The houses have been built years ago beside the [historical] wall. A number of recently-built installations including few garages were destroyed by the government.” says Ali Ibragimov, director of Derbent Museum. “But there are also Soviet-era houses which have been built legally and people still live there. They will remain for now.” Ibragimov says.

One of the most famous Middle Persian inscriptions in Derbent is the inscription No. 3. It refers to the fortress’ date of construction in the city. For years after the collapse of Soviet Union, this inscription was visible in the public urban space. But now it is located in a private storage and even scholars can not see it. There is no supervision system in the city to monitor the inscriptions’ condition. There is no signage to identify the inscriptions either.  

“These issues need planning by the state. Compensation needs to be paid to owners of private properties. Perhaps this is an issue the next generation will have to follow up.” says Ali Ibragimov.

The Fortifications of Derbent – including its historical walls and inscriptions – was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Whenever World Heritage Sites are in danger, or guidelines are violated, UNESCO warns the state parties. But in this case states, only a letter of advice may be submitted to the state party.

(Original link in Persian)

Keywords: Darband, Derbent, Sassanid Empire, Albania, Caucasus, Daghestan, Dagistan
Государство Сасанидов, Среднеперсидский язык, Пе́рсия, персидский, Иран, Россия, Дагестан, Дербент, Сасанид, персидская империя, Би-би-си