Kalmakareh Cave: A Historically Important Cave in Iran

September, 01, 2017 - 18:50
Tourism news

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Kalmakareh Cave is located 20km southwest of Pol Dokhtar in the western province of Lorestan. It is situated in a historical and ancient valley known as Darreh Bagh on the heights of Kouh Mahalleh.

The cave holds great importance, as it contains remnants of ancient civilizations. Vast spaces and crevices create a mysterious atmosphere in the cave.

The cave’s entrance is hidden to passersby, hunters and shepherds.

At the entrance and within the cave are evidence of the presence of humans and animals of the past. Due to earthquakes or natural erosion of the mountain, some of the so-called “halls” of this cave have been blocked.

The heights of Kouh Mahalleh are triangular, with the two rivers of Seimareh and Kashkan running on either side. This brings into focus as to why this area was favored by man in prehistoric times and later during the Elamite, Parthian and Sassanid periods.

Vestiges such as earthenware and large pots with limestone residue can be noted within the cave, as well as the hillocks surrounding it.

This cave does not seem to have been permanently inhabited, but was a good hiding place or refuge at the time of attacks and war for the inhabitants of Kouh Mahalleh.

Some of the silver relics found in the cave, including wild animal figures, silver jugs, rhytons, gold and silver coins are kept at Falak-ol-Aflak Museum in Khorramabad.

Also, some of the cave’s objects are kept at Tehran’s National Museum of Iran, and the museums of Tabriz and Ilam.

In addition, Persian Griffin Cup, which dates back to Achaemenid Era, was found in Kalmakareh Cave.

Many of the historical and precious objects discovered in Kalmakareh Cave in 1989, which have been referred to as one of the six global treasures, are today in French, German and Japanese museums.

Many of the objects taken abroad have been displayed in the museums of New York, Los Angeles, London and Vienna.

The artistic relics of Kalmakareh Cave are valuable not only because of their exquisite design and production, but also as precious specimens of Iran’s cultural heritage and their repatriation from foreign museums should be pursued.

Ponds filled with water and holes where objects d’art were hidden are among unique characteristics of the ancient cave.