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Ali Majdfar | all galleries >> Caves in Iran >> Espahbod -e- Khorshid Cave > Espahbod -e- Khorshid Cave
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11-NOV-2008 Ali Majdfar

Espahbod -e- Khorshid Cave

Mazandaran Province

This cave is located on roadside of Firuzkooh road in Mazandaran province, Iran. Measuring 80x100 meters, its arched entrance is the largest natural one in the world. On the left side of the cave, a four-story-high castle was built; made of stones and mortar, it is the masterpiece of architecture of its time.
On the right side of the cave, numerous trenches and defensive buildings were built, all of which remained firm and intact after centuries.

These two parts were connected through a road made of stones and mortar. 2 meters wide, this road was built 50 meters above ground level. Today only traces of it remain. The remains of a cistern, several silos and numerous defensive monuments are located outside the cave.

Dating back to the end of the Sassanid period (224–651 AD), it was regarded as a fortified garrison and a fortress of Tabarestan later on. According to chronicles, this cave was used as a shelter by Khorshid (Sun), the last ruler of Tabarestan, then surrounded by Arab invaders for several months and seized after poisoning its drinking water supply. This cave is considered as latest Persian stronghold against Arabs.
Access to the cave needs special equipments and also expertise in alpinism.

Canon EOS 20D ,Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
1/1250s f/5.6 at 10.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Liz Bickel29-Nov-2009 08:25
Fascinating! Wonderful shot, too.
Yvonne26-Nov-2009 06:06
What a wonderful sky! v
rabi 21-Apr-2009 18:44
besyar ali ... .
poetry66614-Apr-2009 17:25
Fantastic sky and composition Ali.BV!
TuTmin18-Nov-2008 12:01
perfectly seen and taken.V~
Paco López18-Nov-2008 07:00
Excellent! V!
CIS18-Nov-2008 04:58
Incredible.....things I've only read about...thanks!!!
January Grey18-Nov-2008 04:58
Magnificent scene, beautifully captured, Ali! V~
Marcia Colelli18-Nov-2008 04:38
lovely capture V
Carol Rollins18-Nov-2008 03:51
A wonderful image and great information. V
Guest 18-Nov-2008 02:27
Very nice, ali. well captured, very well composed. v
Hank Vander Velde18-Nov-2008 01:59
Nice image and nice narration. V.
Glenn Dean (Vatorman)18-Nov-2008 01:38
Great piece of history and the upward view really speaks to its strength as a fortress.
Sue Robertson17-Nov-2008 21:11
Thanks for the commentary on this fascinating place.. and an excellent photo.
Guest 17-Nov-2008 20:55
Terrific info to enhance your wonderful capture, Ali..v
Steve Morris17-Nov-2008 20:33
Love the info Ali and the photo is excellent!!BV
Ceya17-Nov-2008 20:12
Beautiful shot, Interesting info! V
Gerard Koehl17-Nov-2008 19:50
Magnifique avec ce ciel... V
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