Draft:Naser Norouzadeh Chegini

Nasser Norouzadeh Chegini (Persian: ناصر نوروززاده چگینی) is an Iranian archaeologist and historian.

Nasser Norouzadeh Chegini's archaeological career encompassed both salvage operations and systematic excavations across Iran. His early work in the 1980s involved documenting cultural heritage in conflict-affected western regions, including Sarpol-e Zahab, Qasr-e Shirin, and Gilan-e Gharb, as well as conducting a comprehensive survey of Aliabad-e Qazvin.

Among his most notable projects were:

• Two excavation seasons at the Sasanian-era Chahar Qapi complex in Qasr-e Shirin
• Co-direction (1999–2002) of the landmark Iranian-German joint project at Arisman, Natanz, focusing on ancient metallurgical technologies
• Multiple excavation campaigns at Yazdegerd Castle in Dalahu, which uncovered significant Late Sasanian and early Islamic occupation layers
• Pioneering urban archaeology excavations at Tehran's Qajar-period Masoudieh Mansion and Qazvin's Heidarieh Mosque-School

In his later career (2009–2017), Chegini led several important preservation and research initiatives:

• 2009: Boundary demarcation of the Sasanian site of Takht-e Shirin near Bisotun
• 2010: Additional excavations in the Gach Gomeh sector of Yazdegerd Castle, revealing new details of its military architecture
• 2011–2013: Renewed investigations at Masoudieh Mansion focusing on Qajar-era urban development^[1]
• 2017: Revised delimitation of Yazdegerd Castle's protected area based on new findings about the fortress layout^[2]

After leaving the Archaeological Research Center, Chegini focused on academia, teaching at several institutions, including the University of Tehran, the University of Art (Isfahan and Tehran campuses), and Shahid Beheshti University.

He has been a permanent member of ICOMOS Iran since 2001 and later served as its Vice President.^[3]

In February 2023, Chegini was awarded the seventh Dr. Ezatollah Negahban Medal, Iran's highest archaeological honor, in recognition of his five decades of scholarly and professional contributions to archaeology and cultural heritage. The award ceremony, held at the National Museum of Iran, was organized by the Iranian Archaeological Association in collaboration with various cultural heritage institutions. It was attended by Minister of Cultural Heritage Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, along with prominent archaeologists and conservation experts.

The award commemorates Chegini's lifetime achievements in academic research, field excavations, educational leadership, and administrative service in Iranian archaeology.^[4]

Chegini is recognized for his significant contributions to Iranian archaeology, particularly in the fields of urban archaeology, heritage preservation, and international collaboration.^[5]

• Ahmadī, H., Ṣāliḥī Kākhekī, A., & Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2023). "Typology of Wells and Qanats in Fars During the Sasanian and Islamic Periods." Athar Journal, 102, 336–350. [In Persian]
• Banīsī, Ṭ., Zārezādeh, F., & Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2022). "A Qajar Tile Painting: Documenting Iran's National Authority in the International Arena (Held at Victoria and Albert Museum, London)." Negareh Journal, 63, 173–187. [In Persian]
• Ahmadī, H., Ṣāliḥī Kākhekī, A., & Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2021). "Water Drainage System of Firuzabad Plain During Sasanian and Islamic Periods." Athar Journal, 93, 118–137. [In Persian]

• Khosrozadeh, A., Norouzadeh Chegini, N., & Nazarī, S. (2020). "Description, Classification and Typology of Parthian Pottery from the Second Season of Yazdegerd Castle Excavations." Journal of Archaeological Studies, 12(1), 117–137. [In Persian]
• Mīrī, F., Norouzadeh Chegini, N., & Khosrozadeh, A. (2017). "Environmental Factors in the Formation and Distribution of Parthian Sites in Rumshgan Plain (Lorestan)." Pre-Islamic Iranian Archaeological Studies, 2(1), 89–102. [In Persian]
• Ahmadī, H., Ṣāliḥī Kākhekī, A., & Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2016). "Introduction to the Study of Ardeshir Khurreh Gardens During Sasanian and Early Islamic Periods." Athar Journal, 75, 3–18. [In Persian]
• Khosrozadeh, A., Norouzadeh Chegini, N., & Nazarī, S. (2016). "Sarpol-e Zahab as Proposed Location for Hulwan Based on Written Documents." Iranian Archaeological Research Journal, 11, 107–116. [In Persian]
• Norouzadeh Chegini, N., Ṣāliḥī Kākhekī, A., & Ahmadī, H. (2014). "From Palace to City: Water Transfer Systems in Ardeshir Khurreh (Gur) During Sasanian and Islamic Periods." Iranian Archaeological Research Journal, 7, 153–172. [In Persian]

• Norouzadeh Chegini, N., & Fāzel, L. (2011). "Archaeological Survey of Firuzabad–Sarvestan Route in the Sasanian Period: Identifying Part of the Sasanian Royal Road." Soffeh Journal, 52, 61. [In Persian]
• Hermann, G., & Moorey, P. R. S. (2006). The Archaeology of Lapis Lazuli [Translated by N. Norouzadeh Chegini]. Bastanpazhuhi Journal, 2, 69. [In Persian]
• Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2001). "The Treasury of the Alavi Shrine During Naser al-Din Shah’s Reign." Book Month Art, 31–32. [In Persian]
• Norouzadeh Chegini, N. (2001). Museum Studies. Book Month General, 5(3). [In Persian]