Māhneshān

Mahneshan lies west of Zanjan among rugged hills cut by the Qezel Ozan River. Near the village of Behestan, an old fortress occupies a remarkable mass of eroded rock above the river. Rooms and passages were cut into the formation, using its steep faces as part of the defences. The surrounding valley and its narrow approaches contrast with the high plateau to the east, while the Qezel Ozan winds north through the mountains on its long course towards the Caspian.