Hasanlu Tepe

The ancient mound of Hasanlu is located in West Azerbaijan Province, 9 kilometres northeast of the city of Naqadeh, between the two villages of Hasanlu and Aminlu. Set in the heart of the Solduz Plain, this ancient mound is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran because of its distinctive geographical position. The mound is more than 6,000 years old, and the artefacts discovered here point to a number of different civilisations, including the Mannaeans, the Urartians and the Assyrians.

Excavations at Hasanlu Tepe have uncovered valuable finds such as the Golden Bowl of Hasanlu, bronze daggers, jewellery and human skeletons. These finds reflect the high level of art and civilisation among the people who lived in this region in ancient times. The Golden Bowl of Hasanlu, regarded as one of the masterpieces of metalwork in ancient Iran, is kept in the National Museum of Iran. The famous skeletons known as the “Hasanlu Lovers”, buried side by side, are another important discovery made at this ancient mound.

Geographically, the mound lies in a lush plain with beautiful views, beside Lake Hasanlu, so a visit is both a historical experience and a nature outing. To reach Hasanlu Tepe, drive from the city of Naqadeh towards the village of Hasanlu. The roads along this route are in good condition, and signposts mark the way. A visit to the mound usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. The best time to visit Hasanlu Tepe is spring and autumn, since the area is very hot in summer and cold in winter. During your visit, it is important to practise responsible nature tourism: do not touch or write on the walls, do not leave any litter behind, and visit this historic place with respect.