Karaftu
Encyclopedia
The Cave of Karaftu is situated 64 km from Seqiz (and 12 km from the village of Kereftu). Strategically, this site connects the ancient road from Syria
and Iraq
, leading through Iran
to Afghanistan
, i.e. it is on the Silk Road
. Throughout history, and yet till today, many caravans have passed through this road, endowing particular importance to this region. Many sites in the immediate surrounding of this rocky mountain have been found to be connected via various tunnels and corridors through the rocks. These complexes date back to 300 B.C., and belong to the Ashkanid dynasty. These have constituted a temple for Heracles (2000 years ago), and the name of this Greek god is carved on one of the walls of the third room, accompanied by a horse rider (hunting a deer) which is believed to illustrate Goudarz the Ashkanid king. Various war triumphs are also illustrated, and these are also believed to date back to the same historical era. The eminent Russian historian Tasit, claimed that these paintings illustrate the importance of this temple causing highly important triumph of Goudarz and Mehrdad the Ashkanid kings.
Entering these caves is still very difficult, as the entrances are placed on the heights of this steep mountain. The corridors are also difficult to pass through, as the sizes are constructed for strategical purposes. Some passages also maintain natural water wells, and many of the labyrinth-like corridors lead to important fire places (in the temple).
Investigating the paintings, have revealed that oil based colors have been used, and attached buildings in the various wings, are signs to an annexed village to the temple.
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
and Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, leading through Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
to Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, i.e. it is on the Silk Road
Silk Road
The Silk Road or Silk Route refers to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa...
. Throughout history, and yet till today, many caravans have passed through this road, endowing particular importance to this region. Many sites in the immediate surrounding of this rocky mountain have been found to be connected via various tunnels and corridors through the rocks. These complexes date back to 300 B.C., and belong to the Ashkanid dynasty. These have constituted a temple for Heracles (2000 years ago), and the name of this Greek god is carved on one of the walls of the third room, accompanied by a horse rider (hunting a deer) which is believed to illustrate Goudarz the Ashkanid king. Various war triumphs are also illustrated, and these are also believed to date back to the same historical era. The eminent Russian historian Tasit, claimed that these paintings illustrate the importance of this temple causing highly important triumph of Goudarz and Mehrdad the Ashkanid kings.
Entering these caves is still very difficult, as the entrances are placed on the heights of this steep mountain. The corridors are also difficult to pass through, as the sizes are constructed for strategical purposes. Some passages also maintain natural water wells, and many of the labyrinth-like corridors lead to important fire places (in the temple).
Investigating the paintings, have revealed that oil based colors have been used, and attached buildings in the various wings, are signs to an annexed village to the temple.