Khajeh Mountain

Khajeh Mount - Iran’s Sacred Island Fortress Rises from Lake Hamun

Khajeh Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Khwajeh, is a flat-topped basalt mountain located in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, rising from Lake Hamun. It's an important archaeological site with structures dating back to pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, including a citadel, palace, and fire temple. The mountain is considered sacred by Zoroastrians, Muslims, and Christians.

The mountain is a trapezoid-shaped basalt rock formation, rising to 609 meters above sea level and 2-2.5 kilometers in diameter. It's the only natural height in the Sistan area, and its island-like presence in Lake Hamun adds to its unique character.

Khajeh Mountain is a significant archaeological site with ruins dating back to pre-Islamic Iran, including a citadel complex (Ghaha-Shahr) and a fire temple. Investigations by archaeologists like Marc Aurel Stein, Ernst Herzfeld, and Giorgio Gullini have revealed structures from the Arsacid and Sasanian periods.

The mountain is named after Khwaja Ali Mahdi, a descendant of Ali ibn Abi Talib, whose shrine is located on the hill, making it a pilgrimage site. It's also considered sacred by Zoroastrians, as the lake is linked to Zoroastrian eschatology.

The site includes a palace complex, a fire temple with a fire altar, and various other structures. The architecture is described as a great fortress or a small city, exhibiting Parthian, Sasanian, and Islamic influences.

The area is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in history and archaeology. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months.