Dokan-e-Davood Rock Tomb

Rock tombs are holy places for burial of the dead and a large number of them can be found throughout the land of Kermanshah province. They represent the ancient rituals related to burial. One of the most important rock tombs of Iran is Dokan-e-Davood. It is located in three kilometers of the southeast of Sarpol Zahab at the beginning of Anzal route, and the local people call it by Kal Davood and DokanDavood, too. The followers of Yarsanism consider this tomb to be holy and gather there to perform religious ceremonies. The holiness of this land for them is to the extent that they walk barefoot on the bed of the mountain and present their offerings.

One of the similarities between Dokan-e-Davood and other rock tombs such as Sahneh is the front porch. It was previously thought that this rock tomb and the stone relief beneath belongs to the time of the Medes, but there is also another thesis that they belong to Achaemenid Empire.

The structures of the rock tombs are amazing, even for those who are not familiar with them. Their porches are surrounded by decorative frames. Also, there are two pillars at two sides of the entrance that have square bases. They have been destroyed during time and now only their base and capitals are remaining. There is a passage at the rear wall of the tomb. It leads into another room, inside which there are shelves on the walls. They have been carved into mountain to contain the offerings. There is a grave in the form of an oval in the left side of the room. But the most amazing part of Dokan-e-Davood is the relief of a person in full height that is located beneath the tomb. This figure is wearing a long robe and a cap that covers his neck and ears. He has lifted one of his hands in praying while holding the ritual herb of Barosm in the other.

This rock tomb is located near a vast graveyard and is quite extinguishable from the main route between Sarpol Zahab to West Kerend. Dokan-e-Davood rock tomb was registered as a national heritage in 1931. Since it is located twelve meters higher than the ground level, it can be visited only by climbing the rocks which make its access difficult.