July 24, 16:29

Burial of Two Newborns Found in Toilet of Roman Odeon in Ephesus

Archaeologists from Austria discovered an unusual burial of two newborns in an abandoned toilet located in the Roman odeon in Ephesus. This discovery was made in 2010.

Discovery and Dating of the Burial

Inside the tomb found in this unusual location were the remains of two infants. Both children were premature and either died at birth or shortly thereafter. According to a publication in the journal Childhood in the Past, this burial dates to the Byzantine period, specifically the 7th–9th centuries AD.

The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, located on the western coast of Asia Minor, are approximately 55 kilometers from modern Izmir. This city was historically famous for the cult of Artemis, whose renowned temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. During the Roman era, the sanctuary of Artemis was located outside the city. Less than 200 meters from the temple, the remains of a rectangular building were discovered, research on which began in 2009.

Anthropological studies of the skeletons showed that both children were premature and died around 33–34 weeks of gestation (i.e., in the 7.5–8th month). Without further analysis, it is impossible to determine if they lived even one day or died before/during birth. Researchers did not find serious pathologies but discovered one anomaly—an extra cervical rib. Although the children might have been twins, this requires genetic confirmation. If they were twins, this could have been the reason for choosing an unusual burial site, given some cultural concerns regarding multiples.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 24, 20:26

Review of Tehran's Art Galleries and Current Exhibitions

Tehran's art galleries feature diverse exhibitions, including sculptures and paintings by various local artists. These shows take place in different parts of the city and have specific running dates.

Sculpture Exhibitions

The CAMA – Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of Amir Maftoun's sculptures titled 'Between Body and Mask.' This exhibition will be available to visitors until July 28th. The gallery is located at: 10th Golestan, Pasdaran St., House 44.

Additionally, the Negah gallery presents Farzaneh Mehri's sculpture exhibition titled 'Silent Witnesses.' This exhibition runs until August 9th and is located at: Jam St., Motahhari Ave., 64 Ghaffari St.

Painting Exhibitions

The Sohrab gallery showcases a collection of paintings by Alireza Espabood titled 'Restless Soul.' The exhibition concludes on August 3rd and is located at: 142 Somaye St.

E1 Gallery is hosting a painting exhibition by Shabnam Shabani called 'Catastrophes,' which will be shown until July 31st. The gallery is in the Elahieh area, located at: Jebeh St., opposite Lesani Alley, 1 Hamid Dad And.

Saba Hashemi displays her latest works at Bostan Gallery. Her exhibition 'Fragmentation' will run until August 4th and is located at: Larestan St., 22nd Alley, House 71.

Mohaddeseh Eivazkhani's paintings are presented at Asr Gallery. The exhibition titled 'Last Look at the Final Light' will run until August 3rd and is located at: 18 Delavis St., near North Mirzaie Shiraz St.

Sharif Gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings by Negin Taheri, Mobin Mahdian, and Ayda Maalah. Their joint exhibition 'Trio No. 17' will run until August 4th and is located at: Shariati Ave., 11 Mahroozadeh Alley, near Quds Square.

Niloufar Rakhnam is exhibiting her new paintings at Bavan Gallery. This exhibition will run until August 17th and is located at: Larestan St., 7 Abdo, near Motahhari Ave.

Shirin Gallery 2 is also holding a painting exhibition by Shadi Talei titled 'Unfinished Flowers.' The exhibition will be available until August 11th and is located at: Karim Khan Ave., 13th St., House 5.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 24, 20:25

Legendary Baluchistan musician Shir Mohammad Espandar dies at age 98

Shir Mohammad Espandar, a distinguished Baluchistani performer on the donali instrument whose life was dedicated to preserving one of Iran's most ancient regional musical traditions, passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 98 years old.

Contribution to Iranian Music

Espandar was a significant figure in Iranian folk music. For many decades, he introduced audiences both domestically and internationally to the music of Sistan and Baluchestan, becoming a recognized master of the rare double flute, the donali.

Life Journey and Legacy

Born in Bambur, southeastern Iran, he traveled to neighboring Pakistan during his adolescence to study traditional music before returning to Iran in 1958. In the following years, he devoted himself to protecting the Baluchi musical heritage, performing across the country and mentoring young musicians.

Espandar's mastery earned him an honorary doctorate in traditional music from France, and many considered him the last great master of the donali in Iran.

The Donali Instrument

The donali is a traditional wind instrument made from two reed pipes played simultaneously. It is among the most technically complex instruments in Iranian regional music. Only a few musicians have managed to master its unique style, which requires exceptional breath control and coordination.

Funeral and Condolences

Following the announcement of his death, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to Espandar's family, the country's artistic community, the people of Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as fans of Iranian culture. In his statement, the President called Espandar a 'long-standing figure of Iranian regional music' and one of the main preservers of Baluchi cultural heritage.

Pezeshkian noted that the deceased musician dedicated his life to preserving, reviving, and promoting the authentic music of the region, adding that his performances transformed the sound of the donali from a local custom into a cultural value known far beyond Baluchestan. He also emphasized that Espandar's legacy will inspire future generations, describing his music as a constant symbol of peace, friendship, and Iran's rich cultural identity.

Burial of Two Newborns Found in Toilet of Roman Odeon in Ephesus

Discovery and Dating of the Burial

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