Mount Qīyeh and Qaban Fortress

Mount Qīyeh in Maku, also known as Sari Qīyeh, is a significant tourist attraction featuring a stone cap with a negative slope and high walls. Located in the northern part of Maku city adjacent to the old city, Mount Qīyeh has an impressive wall stretching six kilometers in length and reaching heights of 150 to 600 meters, surrounding the northern part of Maku. The slope of the mountain is filled with old houses and trees. An ancient structure with cream and white stones, along with two large cylindrical towers, catches the eye right beneath the stone cap, which is the largest natural stone cap in the world with a 40-degree negative slope, called Qīyeh.

The stone cap of Mount Qīyeh is one of the most complete and oldest stone caps in the world, suitable for rock climbing. A fortress with more than 1000 years of history, as evidenced by inscriptions, is located within this stone cap. The Qīyeh Fortress in Maku was destroyed by Shah Abbas II in 1052 AH. The fortress of Qaban has high walls and towers, and it included a royal residence, bath, and prison.

Several other notable sites are located near this ancient and vibrant fortress. Before reaching the fortress, on the right side, you will see finely carved white stones that belong to a Safavid-era bathhouse. Visiting this bathhouse is worthwhile as the small hexagonal pool and water channels inside the walls are still intact.

Another feature is a mudbrick mansion with blue doors and windows belonging to an old local ruler, Safarali Khan. This mansion is situated on one of the large rocks outside the shadow of Qīyeh, with its foundations built in a castle style to harmonize with the fortress's presence.

Additionally, there is a natural spring and its associated pool surrounded by beautiful plants and mosses. The spring flows from the top of the rock, creating a small waterfall that drips into the pool.

One of the unique aspects of Qaban (Qīyeh) Fortress is its location in the city center, symbolizing the mixture of ancient civilization and modern life. This blend adds to its vibrancy. The distant view of the fortress is so captivating that you will be drawn to it even before resting from your journey. Qaban Fortress is also known as Maku Fortress.

To reach the foot of this fascinating mountain, you need to head north from one of the oldest streets in the city, passing through the old market and then reaching the oldest neighborhood of Maku, which has a steep incline. You will notice the stepped structure of the older houses.

The historical significance of Qaban Fortress is repeatedly mentioned in the history of the Timurid, Seljuk, Qara Qoyunlu, Safavid, and Qajar periods.