Izeh is one of the good-weather cities of Khuzestan that is also known as the largest open museum in the world. Khong Azhdar is one of the valuable historical heritages of Izeh.
It is two hours driving from Ahvaz, the capital city of Khuzestan, to Izeh. Fifteen kilometers after the city there is an invaluable petroglyph namely Khong Azhdar remained from Parthian period that has been nationally inscribed.
After entering Pian road and a little driving, the sign of Miangaran-e Olya appears. Now you must turn right and proceed until you reach the sign of Behesht Abad cemetery. Be careful! This sign is not so big. After passing the village a large and green plain is seen with a beautiful nature. there is a large rock near the mountain on which the petroglyphs were carved.
There are carvings on two sides of the rock one of which backs to Elamite period. Although this petroglyph has been mostly faded, the other side of the rock is also especially important. The petroglyph of Khong Azhdar is the memorial of Parthian and Elymais periods. This historical monument played a critical role in the investigation of Elymais history.
Elymaises governed the northeast of Khuzestan in Parthian period and was considered to be an independent state. This petroglyph describes empowering independence to Elymais ruler by Mithridates of Parthia.
Mithridates of Parthia is seen horseback in the left side of Khong Azhdar and his valet following him. A man is placed in the middle and three persons are on the right side. It seems that the men are greeting the king.
The man in the middle is one of the local rulers. He is taller than the men on foot and his left hand put on the sword. From three men, the first one is a priest with a thing in hand similar to the pine fruit. In seems two other persons to be the guards.
Two pigeons have been carved between Parthian king and Elymais ruler that the imperial power ring is depicted in their beaks. One is approaching to Parthian king and the other to Alymais ruler’s shoulder.
Those who come to Izeh visit other tourism attractions of this city, too; like the inscriptions of Eshkaft-e Salman located in three kilometers of Izeh, Khong Alivand in five kilometers north of city, Kul-e Farah and Dasht Bandun inscription that all are among the interesting attractions of this region.
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