Dire Rock-Cut Tomb

The Dire Rock-Cut Tomb, also known as Taq-e Farhad, Otagh-e Farhad or Farankan, is one of the notable historical monuments of Kermanshah Province. It is located in Gilan-e Gharb County, near the village of Shelin in Dire Rural District, and was registered as a National Heritage Site of Iran on 29 Azar 1316 (20 December 1937) under registration number 304.

This rock-cut tomb takes the form of a rectangular entrance carved into the rock face, leading to an interior chamber of roughly 6 metres in length, 3 metres in width and 2 metres in height. Inside the chamber, niches have been cut for placing votive offerings and religious objects. The entrance is built of dressed stones laid without mortar, which shows the architectural skill of the Median period.

The route to the Dire Rock-Cut Tomb runs from Sarpol-e Zahab toward the village of Dire, and beyond the village the tomb lies in Tang-e Hammam. The route passes through the unspoiled mountain scenery of the region, and the walk usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is green. Practising responsible nature tourism, including taking your litter with you and wearing suitable footwear, is essential for preserving this cultural heritage.