Sassi Punnu Fort

Sassui Punnhu Fort (Sindhi: سسئي پنهون قلعو, Balochi: ساسی پینو قلعہ, pronounced [səˈsiː ˈpənʊ̃ː ˈqɪləʔ]), also known as Miri Kalat, is a historical fortification located near Turbat in Turbat Tehsil, Kech District, Balochistan, Pakistan. The site closely associated with the legendary love story of Sassui and Punnhu, a prominent tale in Sindhi and Balochi folklore.

Adjacent to the fort lies an ancient burial site, where several open graves containing human skeletons have been discovered, adding archaeological significance to the area. The fort and its surroundings are currently in a deteriorated state, with structural remnants at risk of complete disappearance if preservation measures are not taken.

The nearby Miri Qalat archaeological site, believed to be part of the broader historical complex, dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. The name "Miri Kalat" translates to "Prince's Fortress," derived from Mir (a title of nobility with Arabic roots meaning "prince") and Qalat (from Arabic and Persian, meaning "fortress"). The site reflects both cultural heritage and early settlement patterns in the Makran region.

Situated in the larger region of Kech-Makran in the southwestern part of the Pakistani province of Balochistan, Miri Qalat is often regarded as "the most important archaeological site of the Kech Valley," although it represents only a small part of the entire region.

Archaeological excavation of the site of Miri Qalat took place during the late 20th century, initially revealing signs of settlement which consisted of mud-brick and stone structures. Through various dating methods, archaeologists dated the site to the beginnings of the Indus Valley Civilization (2500-1900 BCE), placing it in the second half of the 3rd millennium BC.

Led by archaeologist Roland Besenval, the excavation was aimed at understanding the site's strata along with its paleo-economical and paleo-environmental context. These findings are crucial for understanding the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age periods in South Asia, and provide insight on the region's first urban civilization.

The archaeological trench excavation not only led to a greater historical understanding of local tradition and its connection to Iranian culture, but also shed light on trade interactions within the region and with the Oman Peninsula.