Ganjnameh

In the southwestern city of Hamadan (the ancient Ecbatana) in Iran, on the Mount Alvand foothills and in the pleasant and verdant region of Abbas Abad, lies Ganjnameh (Literally means “Treasure Epistle”) – ancient inscriptions carved in granite in cuneiform letters, dating back to the 5th century.

Written in three languages (Old Persian, Elamite, Babylonian) in three columns and composed of two parts on two sides, the inscriptions were ordered to be constructed by two of the most famous Persian Kings: on the left by Darius the Great (521-485 BC) and on the right by his son, Xerxes (485-465 BC), having a similar content on praising God (Ahura Mazda) and describing the lineage and deeds of the mentioned kings.

Due to standing along the ancient Imperial Route, connecting two of the most important Achaemenid capitals, namely Ecbatana and Babylonia, the inscriptions were on a safe and frequently traveled road, getting much visibility during the Achaemenid period.

Lacking knowledge to know the Old Persian and to understand the contents of the inscriptions made the next generations think some kind of mysterious thing was written in the rock, as if it was a guide to a hidden treasure, resulting in calling it Ganj Nameh or Treasure epistle.

Registered as a National Historical Heritage, Ganjnameh inscriptions and its nearby waterfalls provide magnificent and memorable views which enthrall domestic and foreign visitors.