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Ali-Sadr Cave

Cave in Ali Sadr, Iran From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ali-Sadr Cavemap
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The Ali-Sadr Cave (Persian: غار علی‌صدر), originally called Ali Saadr or Ali Sard (meaning cold), is a water cave which attracts visitors every year.[2] It is located in Ali Sadr, Kabudarahang County, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) north of Hamadan, western Iran.

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Faces of discovers, engraved on a stone board near cave entrance
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Description

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Ali-Sadr Cave

This cave is located at 48°18'E 35°18'N, in the southern part of Ali Sadr village.

In the summer of 2001, a German/British expedition surveyed the cave, finding to be 11.44 kilometres (7.11 mi).[1]

The website of the UNESCO Secretariat or World Heritage Center has described Ali Sadr Cave as being the longest water cave in the world accessible by boat. UNESCO says that Ali Sadr Cave has many water halls and a wide range of beautiful features such as stalactites, stalagmites of various shapes.[3]

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Weather conditions

Ali Sadr Cave is one of the largest underground water complexes in the world, with a network of canals, lakes and water passages stretching for several kilometers. The water of Alisadr Cave is highly hard due to the presence of lime. It is not suitable for drinking. The cave water has an almost neutral pH level. The water depth can vary between 0.5 and 14 meters. This cave has enough space for swimming and is considered one of the largest navigable caves in the world. The water temperature is a constant 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year.The only living creature in the waters of Ali Sadr Cave is the Nifargus.[4]

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Early occupation

Excavations and archeological studies of the cave have led to the discovery of ancient artworks, jugs and pitchers dating back to 12,000 years ago.[5] Animals, hunting scenes and bows and arrows are depicted on the walls and passages of the exit section. These images suggest mesolithic man used the cave as their abode. The cave was known during the reign of Darius I (521-485 BC) which can be verified by an old inscription at the entrance of the tunnel. However, the knowledge of the existence of the cave was lost and it was only rediscovered in 1963 by Iranian mountaineers.[2]

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Cauli Hower Stone

See also

References

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