Visit mysterious and captivating Karaftu Cave in Kurdestan Province
Karaftu Cave, a natural marvel of Kurdestan Province, is situated 67 kilometers from the city of Divandarreh. This limestone and ancient cave was formed during the Mesozoic era and has been inhabited and utilized by humans at different times. One of the reasons for the significance of Karaftu Cave is the presence of a valuable Greek inscription on the third level, which links this site to Hercules, one of the ancient Greek gods.
Karaftu Cave is registered on Iran’s National Heritage List. It is one of the largest, mysterious, and captivating caves in the country. This cave is nestled in a stunning and profound valley, in a limestone mountain range, surrounded by numerous shelters, crevices, and cavities.
In winter and cold weather, the cave is warm, while in the summer it is cool due to a constant breeze inside the cave. Karaftu Cave was formed during the third geological period, emerging from water; even now, there is water in some parts of it, requiring the use of small boats to explore distinct sections of it.
Karaftu Cave has been used by humans during various periods, from prehistoric times to the Islamic era. The cave’s strategic location and favorable climate have made it an attractive settlement for ancient civilizations. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. The cave’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, and mythological stories.
One of the most significant discoveries in Karaftu Cave is a Greek inscription on the third level. The inscription is written in ancient Greek script and describes a heroic deed performed by Hercules. The inscription dates back to around 200 BCE and provides insights into the cultural exchange that took place between Greece and Persia during antiquity.
Karaftu Cave’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike. The cave’s unique geological features, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, are a testament to its ancient formation process. The cave’s cool temperature and constant breeze provide relief from the scorching heat outside during summer months.
Throughout history, Karaftu Cave has been studied by many archaeologists, and maps have been created from it. Robert Koldewey, a German archaeologist, visited the cave in 1818 CE.
The entrance of the cave is located at an altitude of 20-25 meters above sea level and did not have staircases for access in the past. However, currently, it can be accessed by 180 steps.
The main path of the cave is approximately 750 meters long and its ceiling height varies from one to twelve meters. The cave has multiple vaulted halls with different heights and winding corridors that connect to each other, but it is still impossible for anyone to completely map and understand all of them. In addition, due to the excavations made in the surrounding rocks in previous eras, it is unclear how many rooms and passages exist in the entire structure.
The cave has four levels of architectural rock formations. In each level, there are rooms and corridors leading to the outside of the cave. The fourth level of the cave is more beautiful. In the third level, there is a high degree of precision in carving rooms and creating ceilings. The stairs and platforms on this level are well-designed, and the windows and corridors are beautifully decorated.