Mysterious Khurbas Cave in Qeshm attractive for tourists
Hormuzgan Province in southern Iran boasts various attractions, many of which are situated in Kish and Qeshm islands. One of the most renowned destinations in Qeshm Island is the Khurbas Cave. Located 15 kilometers from the city of Qeshm, this cave holds a mysterious and enigmatic past, one that remains open to interpretation.
Dating back to the Medes period, Khurbas Cave is a product of erosion within the Zagros Mountains. The cave features a peculiar and mysterious architecture, nestled amidst short and towering coral hills. Its structure bears resemblance to caves found in Azarbaijan, Kurdestan, Lorestan, Bushehr, and Khuzestan provinces.
The rock walls of Khurbas Cave stand at a height of 20 to 30 meters. The formation of these caves can be attributed to the retreat of seawater within the mountain, leading to the creation of interconnected cavities. Over time, individuals have imparted unique carvings, bestowing it with a distinct shape.
In recent years, artists have crafted new corridors and patterns within the cave to highlight the primary caves. These new passages feature designs akin to ancient carvings, serving to uphold its authenticity.
The Khurbas Cave, a notable tourist attraction in Hormuzgan Province, is located 15 kilometers south of the city of Qeshm, on the right side of the road leading from Qeshm to the villages of Khurbas and Ramchah.
The entrance to Khurbas Cave comprises nine openings. Beyond these openings, there is a hall with two small alcoves that immediately capture one’s attention. Inside the cave, there are interconnected halls, corridors, rooms, springs, and numerous openings. These rooms and halls measure approximately 4 by 5.5 meters. Additionally, at the base of the cave’s entrance, there is a pond utilized for collecting rainwater, which remains full during the rainy season.
There are various theories regarding the people of this region and the use of Khurbas Cave in the past. Some suggest that during the time of the Medes, this cave was used as a place of worship. It is also believed that the cave’s hall was utilized for holding memorial ceremonies for the deceased.
Others propose that after the people of this region converted to the Zoroastrian faith, it served as a “dakhmeh,” a place where the bones of the dead are placed according to Zoroastrian tradition.
Another theory suggests that due to the cave’s layout, it provided refuge for defenseless people who were attacked by pirates in the past. They carved out cavities inside the cave to seek shelter during times of danger for children, women, and the elderly. Additionally, they stored water, food, and stones for self-defense in this cave, while young men would go to war with invaders.