Shoaib Cave

Shoaib Cave is one of the natural and spiritual attractions of Jiroft County in Kerman Province. It lies about 18 kilometers west of the city of Jiroft, in the Maroon area. The cave sits among the mountains of the region and has long been revered by local people. Its fame rests above all on local beliefs and stories about it; some residents link the site to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf). Others believe that Shoaib was a mystic and ascetic who once lived in this area and came to the cave to worship and be alone. These beliefs have given Shoaib Cave a special cultural and spiritual standing among the local people, in addition to its natural value.

The cave entrance faces north, and finding it requires a little searching among the surrounding rocks. You enter through a relatively small opening, and beyond it you will see a natural fissure running east to west, where sunlight penetrates in some sections. At the far end of the cave there is a space like a natural room, in which small limestone stalactites have formed. One of the cave's valuable features is that it is home to a number of rare long-tailed bats, which play an important role in controlling the region's insect population. Although Shoaib Cave has no very complex or long passages, it is best for people unfamiliar with it to explore it with a guide or with experienced cavers. Unfortunately, mining activity and the extraction of marble stone around the area in recent years have affected part of the cave's natural structure.

To reach Shoaib Cave, travel from the city of Jiroft toward the Maroon area and, after about 18 kilometers, you will reach the cave's vicinity. Autumn, winter and early spring are the best times to visit this natural attraction because of the pleasant weather in southern Kerman. Visitors should avoid damaging the limestone stalactites, polluting the cave environment, or disturbing the bats that live there. Practicing responsible nature tourism and protecting natural habitats will play an important part in preserving this valuable attraction for future generations.