Zibad, a village as old as Shahnameh
Archeologists believe that the city of Gonabad and Zibad village, in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi, were among the oldest settlements in Persia.
Gonabad, known as the cradle of Qanat civilization, was home to the Davazdah Rokh (twelve faced) fight, one of the most popular stories of the Shahnameh, an epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi between 977 and 1010 CE, ISNA reported.
This long story is described as one of the finest in the Shahnameh in terms of “plot, dramatic description, and insight into human nature”. It takes place on the border of Iran and Turan, where a number of Iranian heroes fight with a number of Turanians.
The ancient castle of Zibad village, Shahab Castle, and Dar Sufeh village in the region has witnessed numerous historical moments.
One of the most popular ancient monuments in the region, Zibad Castle is located on a hill, with a height of 25 meters. Access to this castle, with a strong defensive structure, is easy. The castle has been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.
Moreover, there is a porch-like structure in a green valley which lies in Dar Sufeh village. Although it seems that the structure was made by nature, it is similar to those built by ancient people during the Sassanid period.
Shahab Castle, also known as Shah Neshin Castle, is a conical structure located 5 kilometers from Zibad village, at the top of an impassable hill.
Available evidence shows that the castle was the residence of Yazdgerd III, the last Sassanid king. The name “Zibad” has been mentioned in many Shahnameh verses.
Gonabad is located 260 kilometers south of Mashhad, at an elevation of 1,105 meters above sea level. It enjoys a warm and arid climate, due to its proximity to the desert and being far from the sea.
The existence of cultural and tourist monuments represents an ancient civilization in this area. The biggest aqueduct of the world from the Achaemenid era is located in this city.