Khalid Nabi Cemetery, Archaeological cemetery near Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran
Khalid Nabi Cemetery is an archaeological burial ground in Golestan Province where hundreds of stone monuments are scattered across hillsides at 700 meters elevation. The site displays different types of markers that have survived for thousands of years.
The cemetery dates back to the Paleolithic period, making it one of the oldest burial grounds in the northeastern region. The stone markers were preserved over millennia and reflect different cultural practices of ancient populations.
The local Turkmen community maintains customs tied to this place, tying cloth strips to trees as expressions of personal wishes. Visitors come to drink from a nearby spring, which people believe offers help according to traditions passed down through time.
The site is located roughly 90 kilometers from Gonbad-e Kavus city and requires travel through mountainous terrain with steep inclines. Visitors should prepare for uneven paths and challenging access conditions.
The site features distinctly shaped stone monuments, including cylindrical markers and cross-shaped structures, with some reaching four meters in height. This variety of marker types shows different burial traditions that developed across extended periods.
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