Friday 30 June 2017

My 19 Day Iranian Azerbaijan circuit - From the Caspian rives to Tabriz and Takht-e Soleiman - Day 14 (morning) - Hashtrud - Qal'e-ye Zahhak archaeological site - The 22nd of May 2017



We left Tabriz early in the morning and drove towards Hashtrud so as to visit the ruins of a Parthian fortification and an archaeological site located at 1,800 metres.



















The climb was a lot harder than it looked and took longer than we had initially anticipated. There were quite a few dangerous and slippery paths, as well as obstacles to overcome in order to reach the top.


The panoramic view was incredible and more so when we reached the fortification. From there we explored the huge surrounding archaeological site, which dates back to the Parthian dinasty and seems to have been occupied before the 2nd Millennium BC. Some of the objects in display have been identified as pertaining to the Neolithic period.  




















Jahlil and Moji (from left to right respectivelly).






































































Cruciate Brick Monument  built with plaster, mortar and brick, clay, stone and mud used for religious ceremonies.
 





The climb down was even harder. There were several moments in which I felt I wouldn't be able to make it, especially because I had left the bottle of water behind and felt really dry. The moment I got back on the bus I almost fainted.
 
 















Thinking back though I feel it was worth the effort ...





 

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