The new discovery of the Khoshik rock relief and endangered rock reliefs on the eastern banks of the Sirwan River

Local and foreign enemy kings carved rock reliefs on the rock faces of the mountain passes in many places in the Zagros ranges. The mountain ranges east of the Sirwan River also have a number of mountain passes. At two of these mountain passes, two local kings of the ancient Zagros in the Middle Bronze Age carved their rock reliefs, commemorating their victories over their local opponents from neighbouring kingdoms.The Belula rock reliefs and the recently discovered Khoshik rock relief show the image of the victorious king in a larger size than their defeated enemies. These rock reliefs are near the modern Iraq-Iran border, making them vulnerable to smugglers, looters and vandals.This paper addresses the real threats to these rock reliefs. Besides the challenges posed by nature and harsh weather, human threats to these rock reliefs are significant. Smugglers and looters promote the idea of hidden treasure behind these rock reliefs, leading them to target the Khoshik rock relief. Additionally, vandals target the Belula rock relief, using weapons and snipers from the opposite cliff to shoot at these monuments. This paper sheds light on these threats and explores possible solutions.