In this article, the author introduces a valuable stone bust discovered in 2010 during the organization of the Dash Kasan historical site near Soltaniyeh in Zanjan Province. The site of Dash Kasan served as a stone quarry during the Ilkhanid era, supplying the materials needed for the construction of Soltaniyeh, including its historic fortress. The discovered bust portrays a middle-aged woman with large eyes and a round, fleshy face. She is adorned with a forehead band and a hat. The stone artifact measures 52 cm in height and 45 cm in width.
Citing reliable historical sources from the Ilkhanid period, such as the Jami' al-tawarikh, the author attributes the bust to "Bulghan Khatun Mu'azzama," one of the powerful and influential women of the Ilkhanid era. Bulghan Khatun Mu'azzama was the wife of four Ilkhanid rulers—Arghun Khan, Gaykhatu, Ghazan Khan, and Öljaitü—and played an active role in the political and social affairs of the Ilkhanate between 689 and 709 AH. She converted to Islam in 694 AH and, due to her considerable influence, acted as an intercessor on behalf of many wrongdoers.
The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that it is the only surviving stone bust of a woman from the Ilkhanid period. As such, it provides researchers with valuable insight into the clothing, adornment, and social standing of influential women during this era.