| Kapitel | Titel | Seite |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract | 4 | |
| 1 | Acknowledgements | 5 |
| 2 | An assessment of the current situation of speläology in Iran | 6 |
| 3 | Geological and hydrogeological settings of Iran with special reference to kastifiable rocks | 9 |
| 4 | Cave directory of Iran (as at 25th Feb. 2003) | 11 |
| 4.1 | General remarks | 11 |
| 4.2 | Table 1 (some karst formations in Iran with extensive outcrop) | 15 |
| 4.3 | Table 2 (caves according to their names in alphabetical order) | 16 |
| 4.4 | Table 3 (further cave locations) | 55 |
| 4.5 | Table 4 (caves according to provinces, arranged from NW to SE) | 58 |
| 4.6 | Table 5 (caves according to their length, extract) | 80 |
| 4.7 | Table 6 (caves according to their depth, extract) | 84 |
| 5 | References | 85 |
| 6 | Annex 1 (cave maps) | 88 |
| 7 | Annex 2 (geological map of Iran) | 101 |
This edition of the “Berliner Höhlenkundliche Berichte” is based on the knowledge of the main author on the state of
karst research in Iran, as well as on the joint Iranian–German–British speleological projects 2000 and 2001 which have been
conducted together with the Geological Survey of Iran (Tehran)1 and Ghar Alisadr Tourist’s Company (Hamadan)2 as well as with
the SINA and SAMAN mountaineering Clubs (Hamadan)3.
In the course of investigations it was realised that a significant nuüber of Iranian publications exist that deal with
speläology in general and cave locations in detail. They all have in common that they are written in Farsi, a language unique
in writing style and spoken in Iran and some of the neighbouring countries exclusively. It was regarded to be a useful
contribution to speläology to make this information on the state of cave research in Iran known to international circles.
More than 515 cave locations are described below. The entry of additional information may be the subject of a future updated
version of this report.
The following list should encourage speläologists and karstologists to visit Iran and to raise the level of knowledge on
Iranian caves. Iran has special entry regulations. It is not possible for individuals to enter the country without an official
invitation and a formally granted visa permission. Hence, it is strongly recommended to officially apply for a joint project
that implies state of the art surveying work, the delivery of a quality report for the Iranian project partners and an
adequate respect for the culture of the host country. On this basis caving in Iran will certainly be an impressive experience
and of sustainable benefit for all participants.
1) Geological Survey of Iran, POB 13185, 1494 Tehran, Iran (www.gsi–iran.org/).
2) Alisadr Tourist’s Company, No. 40 Khajeh Rashid Blvd., Post Code 65166, POB 1178, Hamadan, Iran
3) Nejaei@yahoo.com