1300-year-old letter to sister discovered in a cave is a beautiful ode to familial bond

Writing letters to loved ones is an age-old practice. Whether exchanging love letters between couples or writing to distant family members, letters have always been a tender form of communication. A 1300-year-old letter written to a sister was recently discovered in an Iranian cave, according to My Modern Met. The cave, located in Iran’s central province, held several treasures and belongings of the families that once resided there. However, the caves were robbed multiple times, and several crucial historical elements were taken to different parts of the world.

The cave in which the letter was discovered was close to not even being spotted till one of the experts stumbled across it, per Khabar Online. The "Hastejan'' Cave was looted and several items were taken to different countries, including letters, artifacts, and more. Mustafa Deh Pahlvan, head of the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in Iran, said, "Neither in the archaeological map nor in the archaeological reports, the name of this cave was mentioned until one of the Pahlavi language experts abroad noticed the leather writings, which contain valuable information provided." 

After being identified and researched, it was discovered that other documents and evidence, in addition to the 1300-year-old letter, had also been looted. A quest was started to track and maintain these valuable resources. The parchment documents, including the letter, provide valuable insights into the periods and dynamics of the time. The letter, written in the Pahlavi script on parchment paper, was published by the research department to highlight the many other discoveries yet to be found. 

The letter revealed that men and women were literate in the Iranian province centuries ago. The writing flow also provided insight into communication styles of the time. It read, “Marwaid, dear sister, may the Gods bless her. Good luck to my sister. I sent you a bottle of oil by Bakhtak. Write me a letter about your and Farrokhzad's health and comfort and be at ease about me and my children. Send the oil soon.” The letter's contents not only conveyed the writer's thoughts but also demonstrated the proper communication skills of the period. 

There was no context given as to why the letter was written or what the content meant during that period. However, the sentiments were well-captured in the writing style and have been preserved to this day. There was no mention of the sender and recipient other than what was in the letter. It is unknown whether the duo were biological siblings or simply shared a respectful and heartwarming way to address each other. The letter is in great condition despite being over 1000 years old and is carefully stored in the Bancroft Library in Berkeley.