| Kapitel | Titel | Seite |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract / Zusammenfassung | 4 | |
| 1. | Acknowledgements | 5 |
| 2. | An assessment of the current situation of speleology in Iran | 6 |
| 3. | Geological and hydrogeological settings of Iran with special reference to kastifiable rocks | 11 |
| 4. | Cave directory of Iran (as at 30th June 2009) | 13 |
| 4.1 | General remarks | 13 |
| 4.2 | Table 1 (some karst formations in Iran with extensive outcrop) | 16 |
| 4.3 | Table 2 (caves according to their names in alphabetical order) | 17 |
| 4.4 | Table 3 (further cave locations) | 77 |
| 4.5 | Table 4 (caves according to provinces, arranged from NW to SE) | 87 |
| 4.6 | Table 5 (caves according to their length, extract) | 118 |
| 4.7 | Table 6 (caves according to their depth, extract) | 122 |
| 5. | References | 123 |
| 6. | Annex 1 (cave maps) | 127 |
| 7. | Annex 2 (geological map of Iran) | 143 |
This edition of the “Berliner Höhlenkundliche Berichte” is based on volume 10 of this publication series, which was released in the year 2003 and described more than 515 cave locations. Although due to the political circumstances the possibilities for foreigners to conduct karst research in Iran are somewhat limited a number of explorative projects have taken place since 1997, yielding the long–awaited discovery of the world’s longest salt cave by a Czech team in 2006, the survey of the new longest cave of Iran (Ghar Katalehkhor), as well as several interesting speleological projects carried out by an Iranian–Austrian group, Iranian–British explorations as well as a UIS training expedition. Furthermore additional lists on Iranian caves were evaluated and more publications of an older date were checked. In the course of own speleological investigations in Iran it was realised that a significant number of Iranian publications exist that deal with speleology 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. It was regarded to be a useful contribution to speleology to make this information on the state of cave research in Iran known to international circles. About 850 cave locations are described below. The entry of additional information may be the subject of another updated edition in the future. The following list should encourage speleologists 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.