"The Ashabi-Kahf"
The Ashabi-Kahf sanctuary is located approximately 12 km from the city of Nakhchivan, in the Julfa district, between the Hachadag and Nahajir mountains, at an altitude of 1665 meters above sea level. Studies have confirmed that the “Ashabi-Kahf” cave mentioned in the Holy Quran is situated in Nakhchivan.
The name “Ashabi-Kahf” is derived from the Arabic language. “Ashab” means “adolescent boys,” and “kahf” means “cave” or “place of refuge.” “Ashabi-Kahf” is not only a shrine but also one of the oldest historical monuments in Azerbaijan. The shrine comprises several parts, including “Yeddi Kisena,” “Garden of Paradise,” “Black Stone,” “Damcikhana,” and a Mosque.
Under the directive of the esteemed leader Heydar Aliyev, improvement and restoration works were carried out at the shrine. At the entrance of the shrine, an inscription informs visitors that the “restoration and beautification works at the Ashabi-Kahf shrine were conducted in 1998 under the order and patronage of the honorable President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.”
