Tang-e Tekab

Tang-e Tekab is a gorge about 5 kilometres long and one of the most important natural and historical attractions of Khuzestan Province. The Marun River flows through it. The gorge has two entrances, and the eastern one has been blocked by the construction of the Marun Dam. To the north of the gorge rise the heights of Mount Badil, and to the south those of Khaeez, which add to the beauty of the scenery. Historically, Tang-e Tekab is of great importance, because the famous battle between Ariobarzanes, commander of the Persian army, and Alexander the Great took place here. Ariobarzanes occupied the gorge with an army of 25,000 men and built a wall there to stop Alexander from advancing. In this battle, the Persians rolled huge boulders down from the mountains, defeated the Macedonian army and forced it to retreat.

The area has notable historical remains, including an Achaemenid tomb and rock-cut dakhma in the village of Hosseinabad-e Kopen, which is possibly the tomb of Ariobarzanes. The historical remains of Arjan are also found around the village of Tang-e Tekab and along the banks of the Marun River. Other historical attractions of the gorge are the stone inscriptions in plain Nastaliq script near the entrance of the gorge. Arjan Castle stands on top of a rocky mountain, one of the highest points in the area, and leans against a huge boulder. These historical remains bear witness to the importance of this region throughout Iran's history and to the great battles fought here.

The village of Tang-e Tekab lies inside the gorge, 22 kilometres northeast of the city of Behbahan. It is bounded on the southeast by Mount Tang-e Tankab and on the north by the village of Giveh Charmi. The Marun River flows one kilometre west of the village and is counted among its natural beauties. The village's climate is hot and dry in summer and mild in the other seasons. As a natural and historical tourist destination, Tang-e Tekab has always attracted those interested in history and nature.