Anjoman Heritage Evening: The Great Wall of Gorgan

Dear Anjoman Members and Friends,

Join us for an inspiring evening at the Holiday Inn, London Kensington

We are delighted to invite you to our first professional gathering of the year at the Holiday Inn Kensington, featuring a talk on The Great Wall of Gorgan by Professor Martin Bates.

The Great Wall of Gorgan, known as the “Red Snake,” is a 200 km Sasanian defensive system from the 5th–6th century AD, featuring over 38 forts, a unique water-supply canal, and one of the most advanced frontier designs of its era.

Professor Martin Bates is a distinguished multidisciplinary geo-archaeologist whose career spans archaeology, Quaternary geology, engineering geology, and major international research projects. His work includes the discovery of the Dover Bronze Age Boat and the oldest human footprints outside Africa, for which he received the Henry Stopes Medal in 2021.

His talk will explore how archaeological evidence reveals patterns of human movement, focusing on how the Gorgan Wall acted as a barrier during the Sasanian period.

Event Details:

Date: 30 April 2026
Time: 18:30 – 22:30
Venue: Holiday Inn London – Kensington, Wrights Lane, W8 5SP

Evening Programme:

• 18:30 – Welcome drinks
• 19:15 – Keynote on the cultural and historical significance of the Great Wall of Gorgan
• 19:30 – Q&A
• 19:45 – Persian finger-food selection
• 20:45 – Anjoman Cultural & Historic Challenge: teamwork, collaboration, and prizes
• 21:15 – Socialising

Registration Fees:

• Members: £40 (subsidised)
• Non-members & guests: £60

Early Bird Special Offer (until midnight, Monday 6 April):

• Members £35 | Non-members £55

Tickets are non-refundable and transferable only with prior agreement. Cancellations are not permitted.

RSVP by: Midnight, Sunday 26 April 2026.
After the deadline, if places remain available, a flat rate of £70 per person (for all) will apply.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Location Map: For your convenience, here's the Google Map link to the event venue: Holiday Inn, Kensington

Please book your tickets here: https://anjoman.co.uk/event-6632339

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at  mailto:membership@anjoman.co.uk

We look forward to an inspiring evening of learning, conversation, and to grow our community. We hope you will join us and create new connections and memorable moments.

Anjoman Board