Bord-e Asheqan Rock-Cut Tomb

The Bord-e Asheqan rock-cut tomb is located in Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province, near the village of Maleh Dizgeh, on the slope of a mountain. The tomb lies about 2 kilometres from the village and is also known in the local dialect as "Behrd-e Asheqan". Because it is carved into a single large block of stone and has an architecture different from that of typical rock-cut tombs, it is regarded as one of the outstanding examples of stone architecture in western Iran.

In terms of architecture, the Bord-e Asheqan tomb is similar to another famous monument, the San Rostam tomb. That is, it was not cut into a rock face but into a cube-shaped stone block roughly 5.40 metres long, 4.40 metres wide and 2.50 metres high. Inside the block is a chamber measuring approximately 1.46 by 1.05 metres. As for its age, some researchers attribute it to the Median period, but recent studies mostly date it to the Sassanid period. These features, namely the form of carving within a single large stone and the absence of any inscription or distinct relief decoration, have made this tomb one of the less-studied but valuable monuments.

To reach the tomb, after entering Sarpol-e Zahab County, take the road toward the village of Maleh Dizgeh; you will then cover about 2 kilometres of foothill track to reach the site of the stone block. The best seasons to visit are spring or early autumn, when the weather is milder and the dirt track is easier to travel. Visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including refraining from writing on or carving into the stone surface, avoiding sensitive side paths and respecting the local environment. By observing these practices, this historic monument will be preserved for future generations as well.