Ashabi-Kahf in Nakhchivan, Religious cave sanctuary in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

Ashabi-Kahf is a pseudokarst cave on the southwestern slope of a hill in the Zangezur range, near Julfa. Its entrance lies at the end of a narrow gorge hidden behind rocks. The hall is over 5 metres high and about 10 metres long, with walls pierced by large recesses made by nature and human hands. A mosque built in 1998 stands nearby.

According to tradition, young men sought refuge in this cave from persecution by Roman Emperor Diocletian in ancient times. This account became central to the religious importance of the site in Islamic faith.

The name Ashabi-Kahf comes from Arabic and means "people of the cave". The site is Azerbaijan's largest pir, a shrine, and pilgrims sacrifice animals here; visitors from across the country and from other Muslim states come year-round. The complex also holds a guest house, a guide room and a gift shop.

The cave entrance lies at the end of a narrow ravine hidden behind rocks, reached by a slippery rock passage that is hard to cross. A 13-kilometer road built in 1998 leads to the sanctuary complex, which has a guest house, a guide room and a gift shop. The spring that once flowed from the entrance has dried up, so bring your own water.

The cave's natural entrance is a steep, slippery rock face that once protected those inside from enemies and wild animals. Inside, soot from fires lit over many years has blackened the walls, and the spring that once flowed from the entrance has now dried up.