Qaleh Khan Tepe

Qaleh Khan Tepe is located near Maneh and Samalqan County in North Khorasan Province. The mound lies in the center of Resalat village (formerly called "Qaleh Khan"), about 25 kilometers west of the city of Ashkhaneh and 3 kilometers from the town of Qazi. It covers an area of about 5 hectares and rises to a height of roughly 18 meters. It was registered as a National Heritage Site of Iran in 1386 (2007).

This site is considered one of the largest prehistoric settlements in the region, and archaeological evidence shows that human activity here began at least in the Neolithic period and continued until the Sassanid era. Several cultural layers have been identified in the mound, including the Neolithic period, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the historical and Islamic periods, which greatly add to its research and historical value. One of the mound's most notable finds is the painted walls from the Chalcolithic period, scattered throughout the surrounding area, which reflect the art and skill of earlier peoples in building defensive and residential spaces.

To reach Qaleh Khan Tepe, after arriving in Ashkhaneh or Qazi, you can travel to Resalat village by private car or taxi; the road is clearly marked and relatively easy. The best time to visit is from spring to early summer, when the weather is mild and the light is good for seeing the details of the ancient structures. Visitors are also advised to practice responsible nature tourism, such as not entering restricted areas, not removing any artifacts and not littering, so as to prevent damage to this valuable heritage.