Astara: Archaeological exploration work has begun at Shindan Castle, one of the important historical and archaeological monuments of the southern region, APA's southern bureau reports. Located approximately 6-7 km southwest of Sym village in Astara district, on one of the high peaks of the Talysh Mountains near the Iranian border, Shindan Castle is a significant site for historical and archaeological studies.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, although above-ground monumental fortress walls were not clearly recorded from visual observations, new archaeological traces have been discovered in the area. A natural rock cave, approximately 10 meters long, was identified on the territory of Shindan Castle. The upper and side parts of the cave consist of natural rock formations without regular masonry on the interior surface, and the entrance seems to have been formed due to natural rock erosion.
Inside the cave, remains of a wall made of fired red bricks measuring approximately 22 22 cm, as well as ceramic fragments, were observed near the base of the rock. While the functional purpose of the structure has yet to be precisely determined, it is assumed that it may have served as a storage area. The ceramic materials found are preliminarily associated with the medieval period, but further typological and laboratory studies are required to ascertain their exact chronological attribution.
Shindan Castle is already described as an abandoned architectural site. The castle stands at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet on a rocky peak, with its lower section surrounded by a strong stone wall with towers, although it had fallen into ruin by that period. Higher up, a second stone wall, the ruins of various structures, and at the highest point, a flat stone platform, a cistern, and an elongated structure are also noted.
The description from 1833, which noted the defensive walls as already being in a ruined state, explains why monumental above-ground remains are not clearly visible today. This indicates that the site has undergone a long-term process of natural erosion and deterioration. The name and geographical location of the monument, along with written sources, provide insights into its historical function.