Mystique of Sepid Chah Cemetery in Behshahr
Sepid Chah is one of the few cemeteries that attract numerous visitors, with people traveling from far and wide to see this historical site. Many go to great lengths to bury their loved ones here, believing that many great figures rest in this cemetery, and there is a prevalent belief that the dead do not decay in this place.
The cemetery is a valuable historical and religious site in Behshahr, Mazandaran Province. The soil here is strikingly white, and local beliefs hold that this soil prevents the decay of bodies, a notion that is not entirely unfounded. The unusual standing tombstones are adorned with intriguing carvings featuring Islamic motifs, geometric patterns, and symbolic designs, each carrying its own meaning, IRNA wrote.
History
Linked to the Timurid period, this cemetery is considered one of the earliest burial sites for Muslims. Within this mysterious burial ground, a shrine has been established for an Imamzadeh, whose shrine dates back 840 years. The historical significance of the coffin-shaped grave in the area dates back to the year 896. Due to its rich history, this cemetery is registered as a national heritage site.
Enigmatic soil
Legends surrounding the soil of this cemetery suggest that the dead do not decay here. Investigations into the soil have shown that this legend is largely true, as the soil contains a high percentage of lime, which delays the decomposition of bodies. The whiteness of the soil is attributed to this high lime content. Additionally, the use of stone slabs brought from the surrounding mountains has contributed to the preservation of the bodies.
As you approach this site from a distance, the coordinated, uniformly colored tombstones standing closely together catch your attention. As you get nearer, the shapes, numbers, and inscriptions carved on the tombstones captivate you. A little research into these tombstones will transport you back to the ancient history of Iran.
The carvings on these stones are designed in the shape of altars and coffins, dating back to the Mithraic period of ancient Iran. However, after the advent of Islam, shapes were carved on the altar-shaped stones that can be categorized into three groups:
Islamic motifs: These stones feature floral borders with Islamic motifs and prayers, often with two to three overlapping arches.
Geometric patterns: Decorative circles and multi-petal flowers, symbolizing the wheel and the sun, along with various geometric designs, are frequently seen in the carvings of this cemetery.
Symbolic designs: Symbolic carvings, such as the word “Allah” inscribed in the center of a lantern, reflect the religious beliefs of that time. In this village, it was customary to engrave information about the deceased on their tombstones. However, after the death of the last surviving engravers and stone carvers in the village, this tradition was forgotten, and today, ordinary tombstones are used for the deceased.