Was Makhunik an Ancient Iranian Lilliput?

In August 2005, a tiny mummified body was found in the ancient Persian village of Makhunik in what is now Iran. The discovery caused an international sensation when researchers reported that the remains belonged to an adolescent dwarf and that excavations of the ancient town revealed architecture that suggested it was a city of little people. Now the city, sometimes referred to as an Iranian Lilliput, is back in the headlines because the country is trying hard to draw in tourists to their unique site.

Efforts to Put Makhunik on the Tourist Map

Albawaba reports that there is currently a belief that “the unique architecture of the village and its historical background are still an untapped potential for tourism.” Recently work has taken place to make the site more appealing, with about $17,000 being infused just in past year’s restoration work and a comprehensive study.

The governor of Sarbisheh, Mohammad Mohammadi recently suggested necessary changes to make that goal a reality. He said:

“We should try [our best] to develop capacities of the wonderful villages of Chensht and Makhunik to boost tourism and to attract foreign tourists. Such goal[s] will not be achieved unless [we] provide necessary infrastructure for passengers and create residential spaces in the form of eco-lodges in villages that bear cultural and tourist attractions.”