Mount Khajeh, Archaeological site and mountain in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran
Mount Khajeh is a black basalt hill standing in the center of Lake Hamun with ruined structures visible on its surface. The site contains remains from multiple periods, including carved reliefs and wall paintings scattered across the slope.
The mountain was home to an ancient fortified settlement called Ghagha-Shahr and housed a fire temple from antiquity. Early exploration and excavation work in the 1910s revealed and documented much of what we see preserved today.
The mountain holds the tomb of Khwaja Ali Mahdi, a descendant of Ali ibn Abi Talib, drawing visitors on religious journeys to this sacred location. The layering of ancient and Islamic elements here speaks to how different periods have shaped the meaning of this place for local communities.
The site is located in the middle of Lake Hamun and is most accessible during the dry season when water levels drop. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and rocky slopes requiring careful footing.
Three carved reliefs depicting riders and horses from the Sassanid period remain etched into the rock face. These sculptures represent a rare example of artistic work that has survived in this remote location.
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