3 ancient gems that you will visit in Bistoun.

The ancient complex of Bistoun (also spelled as: Bistoon and Behistoun), located in the west of Iran in Kermanshah province, is known for its pre-Islamic heritages hidden in the heart of mountains. This complex has been on the way of the ancient Silk Road between Babylon and Ecbatana, connecting west to east.

1. The honorable remembrance of victory.

This wonderful 2500-year-old rock relief on the altitude of 80 meters is related to Achaemenid era. It is known as the oldest and biggest written document from the ancient times and that is why it has been registered as a world heritage site by the UNESCO.

This inscription describes the autobiography of Darius the great king and the story of his victory over “Goomateh Mogh” in three languages. The old Persian text in 414 line, Elimate text in 593 lines and Babylonian text in 112 line. The relief in the middle of the texts shows nine arrested rebels tied with a rope parading in front of Darius and two guards standing behind him.

Bistoun relief.

2. The great Hercules.

The great statue of Hercules leaning on his elbow and holding a cup, laying on a platform on the other side of Bistoun complex is a remarkable sign of west and east interaction in ancient world. This statue is about 1.47 meters long and is believed to be sculptured by a Greek sculpturer in  153 B.C, during Parthian times.

The great statue of Hercules.

3. A mythical love story!

This hand carved surface on the mountain is the ancient memento of mythical and eternal love. According to the myths derived from the poems composed by Nezami the great Persian Poet and what the locals believe, Farhad was deeply in love with Shirin. He was sent away to the mountain by Khosro-Parviz the Sassanid king, who was in love with Shirin as well. Khosro-Parviz promised Farhad that he would let him marry Shirin if he carved the mountain and reached water. Farhad carved the mountain all on his own but he couldn’t marry Shirin at the end of the story! The historians and archaeologists believe that this area has actually been carved during Sassanid era to become the biggest rock relief in the whole world but it remained unfinished.

The historical Bistoun complex with amazing tokens of three glorious pre-Islamic emperors is one of the greatest places you can visit while you are in Iran. Totally, the west of Iran is the land of uncovered nature, villages and unique historical heritages visited in Iran untouched tour of Uppersia and Kermanshahday tours.

The hand carved surface of Bistoun related to Farhad.