Mysteries of Dokkan-e Davud Grave in Kermanshah
Kermanshah, a prominent city in Iran, stands as a hub of historical and cultural significance. Among the myriad historical treasures that adorn Kermanshah, the Dokkan-e Davud Grave (or Dukkan-e Daud Goor Dakhmeh) holds a special place, listed on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1931 and revered as a must-visit attraction in Kermanshah.
As a significant marker of the region’s past, this site beckons visitors to delve into Iran’s ancient history and architectural marvels. Situated three kilometers southeast of Sarpol-e Zahab and Kal Davud village, this rock-cut tomb encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical narratives. While some link its origins to the Medes Empire, suggesting construction during the reign of the last Median king, recent evidence points to its establishment during the Achaemenid period. Additionally, a nearby relief etched on stone is believed to hail from the Seleucid era.
In local parlance, the terms dakhmeh and goor dakhmeh are sometimes used interchangeably, though they hold distinct meanings. Goor dakhmeh refers to rock-cut tombs nestled within mountains and rocks, serving as burial sites. On the other hand, dakhmeh signifies elevated locations atop mountains where bodies are left for carrion birds to consume.
Nestled within a towering rock, the Dokkan Davud Grave stands 12 meters above the ground, shrouded in an air of mystery and inaccessibility. The tomb’s elevated position renders it a challenging, if not near-impossible, site to reach, adding to its enigmatic allure. At the base of the rock lies a tomb housing bodies interred from two millennia past, echoing whispers of ancient rites and traditions.
Venturing inside the tomb unveils intricately carved ledges designed for the placement of religious offerings, evoking a sense of reverence and spiritual significance. Adjacent to these ledges rests an oval-shaped grave, its presence a silent testament to the passage of time and the stories etched within these ancient walls. The tomb’s roof, fashioned in the elegant curvature of an arch, adds a touch of architectural grandeur to this historical site.
Dokkan Davud Grave features an ivan with a flat roof at both its front and rear ends. This ivan spans 9.6 meters in length at the front and 7.32 meters at the back, with a width of 1.95 meters and a height of 2.6 meters. Adorned with intricate frameworks, the perimeter of this ivan exudes a sense of artistic craftsmanship and cultural richness.
The entrance to the Dokkan Davud Grave, situated at the front, reveals remnants of two columns that once stood sentinel on either side. Weathered by time and natural calamities, the column shafts have succumbed to decay, leaving behind only the enduring square bases and capitals as silent witnesses to the passage of centuries.
These distinctive features, from the lofty perch of the tomb to the ornate details within, paint a vivid picture of the Dokkan Davud Grave’s historical significance and architectural splendor.
For those intrigued by ancient mysteries and tales of bygone eras, this site stands as a reminder of Iran’s rich cultural heritage and storied past.
There is an additional entrance discreetly nestled within the rear wall of the ivan, standing at 1.5 meters in height and one meter in width. This secondary passageway leads to a room characterized by dimensions of 2.83 meters in length, 2.31 meters in width, and a height of 2.1 meters. Adorning the walls of this chamber are five ledges, once utilized for the placement of religious offerings, imbuing the space with a sense of sacred reverence. The room’s ceiling, uniquely crescent-shaped, diverges from the architectural motif of the neighboring ivan, adding a touch of distinctive charm to the interior.
Within this room, on the left-hand side, lies an oval-shaped grave with a depth of 70cm.
Adjacent to the grave, a striking relief in the form of a rectangular frame emerges, situated eight meters from the burial site. The frame depicts the side profile of a standing figure draped in a flowing robe.