That was the question pressing for a decision as I said goodbye to my student's family and headed out of Kermanshah. The night had been quiet and there was no sign of further disturbance in the streets. Prudence seemed to dictate an immediate return to Esfahan, but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the Achaemenids yet. From the look of things I wouldn't likely get another chance to see the archeological sights I was interested in. (Americans are still personae non gratain Iran). So, throwing all caution to the winds I headed south towards Susa and the descent into the Mesopotamian Valley. I would add a side note at this point about the agony of Kermanshah, which is only around 100 km. (63 miles) from the Iraq border. Soon after the success of the Islamic Revolution war broke out between Iraq and Iran and lasted throughout most of the 1980s. Kermanshah was hit hard and has not yet fully recovered I hear. I have no idea whatever became of my student or his family.
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Taqwasan--equestrian carving of Khosrau II and his horse Shabdiz in the large grotto |
There are some interesting caves and relief carvings in the cliffs of Taqwasan just outside the city from the 6th Century AD. The largest cave shows a relief carving of the Sassanid king Khosrau II arrayed for battle on his horse. The cave itself is decorated with carvings of the tree of life and flower patterns and winged angels.
To be continued....
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