Naser Norouzadeh Chegini
{{copy edit|date=April 2025}}
{{short description|Iranian archaeologist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Naser Norouzadeh Chegini
| image = Naser Chegini.jpg
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| birth_date = 2 September 1953
| birth_place = Qazvin, Iran
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| nationality = Iranian
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| employer = ICOMOS, Iran
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| website = https://test.iranicomos.ir/my-dashboard/13/single-user-profile/
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Nasser Norouzadeh Chegini (Persian: ناصر نوروززاده چگینی) is an Iranian archaeologist and historian.
Fieldwork and excavations
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, while also conducting a comprehensive survey of Aliabad-e Qazvin.
Among his most notable projects were:
Two excavation seasons at the Sassanian-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 metallurgy technologies
Multiple excavation campaigns at Yazdegerd Castle in Dalahu that 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 important preservation and research initiatives:
2009: Boundary demarcation of the Sassanian site Takht-e Shirin near Bisotun
2010: Additional excavations at Yazdegerd Castle's Gach Gomeh sector, revealing new details of its military architecture
2011-2013: Renewed investigations at Masoudieh Mansion focusing on Qajar-era urban development.{{Cite web|url=https://chaharrah.tv/lecturer/nasser-chegini/|title=سخنران ناصر نوروززاده چگینی /}}
2017: Revised delimitation of Yazdegerd Castle's protected area based on new findings about the fortress layout.{{Cite journal |title=Auteurs d'une oeuvre commentée - Nowruz Zadeh Chegini Naser |url=https://journals.openedition.org/abstractairanica/50208?lang=en |journal=Abstracta Iranica}}
Later career (2000–present)
After leaving the Archaeological Research Center, Chegini focused on academia, teaching at:
University of Tehran, University of Art, Isfahan, Shahid Beheshti University, University of Art, Tehran. He has been a permanent member of ICOMOS Iran since 2001 and later became its Vice President.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/394518/Pillars-to-paradise-The-concept-of-pilgrimage-in-Iran|title=Pillars to paradise: The concept of pilgrimage in Iran|date=3 December 2011|website=Tehran Times}} In February 2023, Nasser Norouzadeh Chegini was awarded the seventh Dr. Ezatollah Negahban Medal, Iran's highest archaeological honor, in recognition of his 50 years of scholarly and professional contributions to archaeology and cultural heritage. The ceremony, held at the National Museum of Iran, was organized by the Iranian Archaeological Association in collaboration with several cultural heritage institutions and attended by Minister of Cultural Heritage Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, alongside prominent archaeologists and conservation experts. The award commemorates Chegini's lifetime achievements spanning academic research, field excavations, educational leadership, and administrative roles in Iranian archaeology.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-20 |title=نشان «عزتالله نگهبان» به «ناصر نوروززاده چگینی» اهدا شد |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/1403110100822/%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87-%DA%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%AF |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=ایسنا |language=fa}}
Legacy
Chegini is recognized for his contributions to Iranian archaeology, particularly in urban archaeology, heritage preservation, and international collaborations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.magiran.com/author/%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B1%20%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2%20%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87%20%DA%86%DA%AF%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C|title=Magiran | فهرست مطالب نویسنده: ناصر نوروز زاده چگینی}}
Selected publications
2020s
- 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]
2020
- 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]
2010s
- 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]
2000s
- Norouzadeh Chegini, N., & Fāzel, L. (2011). "Archaeological Survey of Firuzabad-Sarvestan Route in 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 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]