Sorkh Deh Tomb, Rock-cut tomb in Harsin County, Iran.
Sorkh Deh Tomb is a burial chamber carved into rock formations located between Shams Abad and Sorkh Deh villages along the left bank of the Gamasiab river. The structure displays features of both Achaemenid and Seleucid architectural styles and was created by cutting into the natural rock.
The tomb dates to the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, a time when ancient Persia was shaped by different ruling powers and cultural influences. The mix of building styles reflects how civilizations of that era came together and exchanged ideas.
The tomb was registered as Iranian National Heritage in 2003 and shows how ancient Persian people buried their dead and carved spaces into rock for this purpose. These practices reveal what those communities believed about death and the afterlife.
The site can be reached via an asphalt road from Shamsabad and is located about 800 meters north of Sorkheh Deh village. It is best to arrive with enough time and wear proper footwear, as the terrain is rocky and may require some walking.
The tomb is also known by the local name Otaq-e Farhad, a designation rooted in regional history and local memory. This alternative name reflects how people in the area understand and remember the site differently than through its official designation.
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