Sefidchah Cemetery

Sefidchah Cemetery, also known as "Espehchu," is located in Behshahr County, Mazandaran Province. More than 1,200 years old, it lies in Yanehsar District, in the village of Sefidchah, and is regarded as the first Muslim cemetery in Iran. The site was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 17 Esfand 1381 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 7845.

Sefidchah Cemetery lies deep in the dense forests of the Alborz, in a valley among the Hezar Jarib mountains. It is famous for its white, limy soil, which has a whitish colour. Locals believe that this soil preserves bodies and keeps them from decomposing. The gravestones here stand upright and are carved with geometric and religious motifs, some of which refer to symbols of Mithraism and pre-Islamic beliefs.

To reach Sefidchah Cemetery, first go to Galugah. From the end of the western bypass, continue toward the village of Niyala. After passing through Niyala, you will reach a fork for Kiasar and Sefidchah. Turn toward Sefidchah, and the cemetery is on the right side of the road at the start of the village. The cemetery can be visited every day of the week, at any hour of the day or night, and there is no entrance fee. However, because of the darkness at night, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. In summer, the hot, humid weather can make a visit unpleasant, and in winter the cold and snow make the cemetery hard to reach.