TEHRAN - Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Kermanshah province in western Iran, Dokkan-e Daud (English: Davids Store) is an enigmatic and traditionally abundant site that beckons history enthusiasts and adventure candidates alike.
Positioned near Sarpol-e Zahab, this late Achaemenid rock website is both a burial place and a relief, offering a glimpse into Irans ancient past and its evolving creative and cultural influences.Perched twelve meters above ground, Dokkan-e Daud is a fascinating rock-cut burial place featuring an intricately sculpted relief known as Kil-e Daud, or Davids Tomb.
The site has captivated historians and archaeologists for centuries, with Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, the British Orientalist, having recorded it as early as 1836.
The tomb itself consists of a chamber accessed through a wide entrance framed by two cylindrical columns, reminiscent of the grand architectural components seen in Pasargadae palaces.
Although time has actually deteriorated much of the structure, the remains of the column bases and capitals still mean its former grandeur.
Inside the chamber, racks sculpted into the rock walls once held sacred offerings, while an oval-shaped tomb on the left side of the space recommends its function as a burial site.A mystical relief with Zoroastrian influencesBeneath the tomb lies the most interesting function of Dokkan-e Dauda full-height relief portraying a robed figure using a distinctive Bashlick cap that covers his neck and ears.
In his left hand, he holds a Barsom, a bundle of spiritual branches utilized in Zoroastrian routines, while his right hand is raised in reverence.This unfinished relief, potentially intended to consist of a fire altar, reflects strong Achaemenid artistic customs, though its precise dating stays a subject of academic debate.Achaemenid, Median, or Parthian? A website shrouded in mysteryFor years, scholars discussed whether Dokkan-e Daud came from the Median, Achaemenid, or even Parthian durations.
At first credited to the Medes due to its stylistic aspects, recent studies recommend it was likely developed throughout the late Achaemenid period (4th-3rd centuries BC) or even under the Seleucid or early Parthian rule.Unlike the Greek-influenced art of the Seleucid period, the reliefs at Dokkan-e Daud keep the definitely Persian style of the Achaemenid Empire.Visiting Dokkan-e Daud, a rewarding challengeFor tourists excited to explore this ancient marvel, reaching Dokkan-e Daud needs some effort.
Found near a large historic graveyard along the path in between Sarpol-e Zahab and West Kerend, the site is visible from the primary roadway but can only be accessed by climbing up the rocky surface.
This included difficulty makes checking out the site a thrilling experience for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.Dokkan-e Daud was formally signed up as a national heritage website in 1931, highlighting its cultural and historic significance.
The website remains an important stop for those interested in Irans ancient civilizations, offering a breathtaking combination of history, mythology, and archaeology set versus the remarkable background of Kermanshahs mountainous terrain.Dokkan-e Daud stands as a silent witness to centuries of history, embodying Irans abundant heritage and the creative mastery of its ancient civilizations.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an archaeology lover, or a curious traveler, a check out to this extraordinary rock-cut tomb guarantees a memorable journey into the heart of Persias past.AM