Chenesht Cave

Chenesht Cave is one of the most important historical and natural attractions of South Khorasan Province. It is located in the village of Chenesht, in Sarbisheh County. The village lies in the Baqeran mountain range, 60 kilometres from the city of Birjand, at an altitude of 2,150 metres above sea level. Thanks to its greenery, four seasonal rivers, thriving orchards and cool mountain climate, it is recognised as one of the province's target villages for tourism. The village's name was originally "Chand Shat" ("several rivers") and gradually changed to "Chenesht"; because of its natural beauty, people regard it as equal to "Behesht" (paradise).

To the north of Chenesht village, Chenesht Cave lies deep within the mountain and was formed by repeated earthquakes throughout history. The cave is only about 60 metres long, but passing through its various sections is difficult and requires great care. Its historical importance lies in the discovery of bone remains, human tools, pottery vessels, a spinning wheel and pieces of cloth dating to the second and third millennia BC. Chenesht Cave was also the hiding place where Seyyed Hamed Alavi and his children were ultimately killed during the Abbasid caliphate. Their bodies were later removed from the cave by Seyyed Mohammad Mosha'sha' in 614 AH (lunar Hijri) and buried at a site in the same village.

Next to Chenesht Cave lies Chehel Chah Cave. According to historical evidence, it was a refuge for a group of people, including women, men and children, who probably lost their lives when the cave entrance became blocked. Together with the shrine of Seyyed Hamed Alavi, the village's traditional architecture and the surrounding nature, these two caves make up a rare combination of history, anthropology and nature tourism in a cool mountain region that attracts every kind of traveller.