Ali Kosh, Archaeological mound in Dehloran, Iran.
Ali Kosh is an archaeological mound about 135 meters across in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, containing the remains of several settlement layers. The excavated area shows the physical traces of roughly 1000 years of human habitation, with earthen and stone structures still visible today.
The site began around 7500 BCE and was occupied through several phases until roughly 6500 BCE, with archaeological excavations in the 1960s uncovering its remains. These investigations revealed how construction techniques and ways of life shifted over the centuries of habitation.
The name Ali Kosh comes from the local language and refers to the site's location in the mountain region. Walking through the mound, you can still see the outlines of ancient houses that reveal how early communities organized their living spaces.
The mound sits in hilly terrain and can be explored on foot in dry weather, though sturdy shoes are recommended. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and the ground is drier.
Genetic analysis of human remains reveals that early inhabitants came from different populations and displayed considerable genetic diversity. This evidence suggests that early groups interacted and lived together, opening new perspectives on Neolithic social connections.
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