Ethnoarchaeological Insights into Seasonal Settlements: The Bardeh Mar Site in Hawraman During the Islamic Period

The Bardeh Mar archaeological site in the Hawraman region of western Iran provides valuable evidence about the seasonal mobility and settlement patterns of local pastoral communities. Excavations uncovered unique circular structures and artifacts that point to specialized winter habitation, with Trenches 1 and 2 revealing layers of seasonal use and traces of domestic activities like food processing and animal husbandry. Ethnoarchaeological research in surrounding villages shows that modern pastoralists build temporary winter dwellings called Hawār at lower altitudes to access snow-free grazing areas. Applying Middle-Range Theory, this study combines archaeological findings with ethnographic parallels to reinterpret the site’s function, highlighting how environmental factors influenced architectural choices and seasonal movement. This integrated approach challenges assumptions about permanent highland settlements and emphasizes the importance of connecting material evidence with local intangible heritage. Bardeh Mar deepens understanding of ancient adaptation strategies, mobility, and settlement diversity in the Zagros Mountains and western Iran’s landscapes.