The religious-cultural complex "Ashabi-Kahf" located in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has been considered a sacred hearth for hundreds of years.

It is located at 12 km from Nakhchivan city. This sacred place is located in the 1, 665-m mountain between Hachadagh and Nahajir mountains. Although earlier, it was difficult to climb up here, now, iron stairs have made it easier.

Tens of local and foreign tourists visit this place known as the shrine of the people believing in God and in the power of God.

“Ashabi-Kahf” means “cavemen” from Arabic. According to the legend in the “Kahf” sura of the Quran, young people believing in God hid in the cave to get rid of the cruelty and persecutions of pagan ruler Yunis. Actually, there is “Ashabi Kahf” in Jordan, India and Turkeyas well. However, only Nakhchivan matches all the written.

The structure of the “Ashabi-Kahf” cave, its natural-geographical conditions give the basis for calling it one of the oldest residential points.

“Damjikhana” located at several meters in the upper part of the shrine has been attracting people’s attention for centuries. Here, water is dripping from the ceiling. It is interesting that regardless of the year being wet or dry, dripping does not stop here.  The boiling mineral spring at the bottom of “Ashabi-Kahf” also attracts the attention of people. This spring boils every 30 minutes.

People with various diseases come here. There is a belief among the people that the most efficient period of the spring is when foaming intensifies. Not only people, who are looking for health, but also pilgrims take a shower here and clean themselves.

Gunel Feyzullayeva