Mount Khajeh

Also known as: Khaajeh Mountain, Mount Khwaja, Kooh-e-Khajeh Hill, Koohe Khaujeh, Oshida Mountain, Rostam Mountain

Kooh-e-Khajeh (Khawjeh Mount or Mount Khajeh) is one of the most valuable and historical relics of this province, and is located in the territory of Sistan. This hillock is at an elevation of 900 m. and is located in the midst of the Hamoon Lake, just like an island.

On top of this hill are the remnants of a fire-temple and a colossal palatial structure, with spectacular architectural finish and overlooking a vast court-yard. The fire-temple of this hill has a large gateway and a square hall with corridors around. This structure dates to the first century AD. The surrounding ruins are related to the Parthian and Sassanide periods.

In the southern sector of this hillock is the place of worship of Venus (Nahid) known as 'Karchak Chel Ganjeh'. Another relic on top of this hill from the post-Islamic period is the tomb of ' Khajeh Mehdi-ebne-Mohammad Khalifeh', besides the pilgrimage sites of 'Khajeh Qaltan' and 'Peer Gandom Beryan'.  This mountain has gotten its name from Khajeh Mahdi one of the lovers of Alavi dynasy whose grave is atop this mountain.

Other relics that have come to hand in this hillock are related to the 'Seka' tribe who had migrated to this area in about the 2nd century AD. Currently this site has an aggregate of relics from various periods in history. In addition to which anthropological studies of the inhabitants around the Hamoon Lake and its panoramic view are the attractions of this area.

Numerous ancient monuments of Sassanid and Arsacid eras and remains of Islamic places and Buddhist temples are remaining in this place that include a series of palaces, Castle Kahak Kahzad, Forty Girls Castle, Sarsang Castle, tomb of Khajeh Ghaltan, the old building of Gandom-e Beryan, House of Satan, separate tombs and Islamic graves. Investigating the complex, Ernest Herzfeld selected the title “Adobe Persepolis” for the series of the palaces in 1925-1929.

Over the archeological studies on Khajeh Mountain in Sistan, 7 areasrelated to the paleolithic era were discovered for the first time. Getting to know these areas, Khajeh Mountain is the sixth place in Iran with monuments of that era. The oldest monuments discovered in Khajeh Mountain were related to pieces of pottery from Achaemenians. Additionally, another cave was discovered during the investigations.