Urartian inscription and erected inscriptions of Qirkh Qizlar Sarab

Urartian inscription of Qirkh Qizlar

This cuneiform inscription is located near the village of Qirkh Qizlar on a rock in the Qarakooh mountain. The inscription has 12 lines and narrates the victories of Argishti II (Urartu kingdom) in the conquest of the lands of Girdu, Gitu Hani, and Tuaishdu.

Next to the Urartian inscription, there are several standing stones known as the "Forty Girls." According to local legends, these stones were people who strayed from the path of God and were turned into stone. Others believe that every commander who won a war placed a stone here as a memorial of their victory. Some sources also mention that these stones were the sacrificial altar of a large temple in ancient times.

The Qirkh Qizlar inscription or the Urartian cuneiform inscription of Neshtban is registered as one of Iran's national heritage sites.

Ask the locals in the area for directions.