Jin Chimneys (Dudkesh-e Jen)

The Jin Chimneys (Dudkesh-e Jen), located next to Behestan village and 20 km from the town of Mahneshan in Zanjan Province, are among Iran's most remarkable natural and historical attractions. This geological phenomenon, known as a "hoodoo", consists of tall, slender columns of compacted clay shaped by long-term erosion. On top of some of these columns sit flat boulders, which give them the look of chimneys. Close to these chimneys stands a historic fortress called Behestan Castle, or Takht-e Div, which is registered as a national heritage site.

Behestan Castle, also known as Kohan Dezh, Sati Qaleh and Mahneshan Castle, has been carved by hand into the natural cliff walls of the mountain, which have the chimney-like structure of the Jin Chimneys. The castle has 64 rooms and two staircases, arranged over several irregular levels. The upper levels served a defensive purpose, while the lower levels were used as grain storage and as a stockroom. The surrounding area was where the local people lived. From the outside, the castle looks like a wall of fused chimneys together with a number of separate ones. At the base of the castle there are openings that give it a mysterious, enigmatic appearance. The castle is called "Takht-e Div" (the Demon's Throne) because locals believed that demons slept on the flat stones on top of the columns.

To reach the Jin Chimneys, drive from the city of Zanjan toward the Zanjan–Tabriz freeway and, after about 120 km, you will reach the town of Mahneshan. From there, follow the road toward Behestan village. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is milder and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful. To visit responsibly, please do not leave any litter around the chimneys, avoid damaging the surrounding plants and trees, stay out of steep and dangerous routes, and respect the natural flow of water and the area's ecosystem so that the environment is preserved.