Zendan-e Soleyman

Zendan-e Soleyman (Solomon's Prison) is a hollow, cone-shaped hill about three kilometers west of Takht-e Soleyman. It was formed thousands of years ago by mineral deposits from the water of its lake. The hill rises 97 to 107 meters above the surrounding land, and at its top is a deep crater of about 80 meters, with a mouth roughly 65 meters in diameter. In the time of the Mannaeans (830 to 660 BCE), the hill served as a place of worship. Locals call the mountain Zendan-e Soleyman or Zendan-e Div, and believe that Solomon imprisoned in it the demons who disobeyed his commands. The mountain was named after this local belief. On 25 Esfand 1379 (registration number 3257), this historical and natural site became the first natural monument of West Azerbaijan to be added to Iran's National Heritage list, and on 14 Tir 1382 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The historic structure on top of the mountain, dating back to the Mannaean period, is another of the area's tourist attractions and includes rooms, a terrace and staircases. Long ago, after the famous Azargoshasb Fire Temple was built, the Zoroastrians were amazed to see a mountain with streams of water flowing from its crater, and so they built a temple on top of it. It is said that Zoroastrian priests, after worshipping at this place, would use the barsom to lead the animal chosen for sacrifice to its designated spot and dedicate it as an offering to this fire temple.

You do not need any special equipment to climb Zendan-e Soleyman, and the way to the crater is a simple hike that is not very difficult. Keep in mind that you will need a full day to visit the area and explore the surrounding nature. On the way up, you will first come across an ancient inscription decorated with a script resembling cuneiform. Further along, you will gradually reach the remains of historic buildings that once stood on this mountain. After reaching the top, you may be able to see inside Zendan-e Soleyman of Takab traces of the ancient lake, carbonated springs and gas vapors inside the cavity.

To reach Zendan-e Soleyman, you need to go to West Azerbaijan Province. Then take the Bijar road to Takab and turn onto the Dandi road. After passing Takht-e Soleyman, continue 3 kilometers west to reach the mysterious mountain of Zendan-e Div, or Zendan-e Soleyman.