Kelashin Stele

Kelashin Stele is an ancient carved monument located at a high mountain pass in Iran. The stone displays inscribed text in two different languages, with writing systems representing the powers that controlled this strategic area.

The stele was created around 800 BC and records King Ishpuini's conquest of Musasir. This inscription marks a turning point in territorial control across the ancient Near East during that era.

The bilingual carving shows how the Urartians and Assyrians conducted their affairs across the region. Visitors can observe two distinct writing systems side by side, revealing how these powers communicated their authority.

The site sits in a remote mountain location, making access challenging and requiring careful planning ahead. Visitors are advised to arrange a local guide who knows the terrain and conditions of the area.

Friedrich Eduard Schulz first recorded this monument in 1827, but his research disappeared under tragic circumstances. His work remained unknown to the scholarly world for many years until later teams rediscovered and studied it.