Saed News: There is a cemetery in Kirit where the graves, unlike the usual practice, are created on the surface instead of underground. These graves in the Kirit cemetery are referred to as "Sepordani."
According to the news site Saed News, and quoting from Ali Gasht:
In a village called "Krit" near the city of Tabas, amid the ruins caused by the devastating earthquake of September 1978, skeletons can be seen rising from the soil. These bones tell the tale of the long history of this abandoned region. On the hills of this village, which has a history predating Islam, there is a cemetery where the graves, contrary to the usual custom, are created on the surface rather than underground. These graves in the Krit cemetery are referred to as "Sepordani."
The story of these graves has been passed down orally by the locals and is now shared with tourists who visit the area. Join us to uncover this mysterious story.
So, what is the story about? It is said that many years ago, the road to Karbala passed through the village of Krit in Tabas, and pilgrims spent months traveling to visit Imam Hussain (PBUH). Some of these people died during this arduous and exhausting journey. The deceased from these caravans were entrusted to the Krit cemetery to be buried temporarily until the caravan returned, at which time they would be exhumed and transported back to their homeland.
One of the cultural heritage experts from Tabas has written about this cemetery: "Unlike other graves that were dug into the ground, these graves were placed on the surface. The deceased was placed on the ground, and a small chamber was built with bricks or clay over each body. After a year or more, when the caravan was ready to return, the grave would be dismantled, and the body would be taken away."
But why weren't these bodies buried underground? Three possible reasons can be suggested for this practice: First, it was easier to dismantle graves on the surface than regular underground graves. Second, it was a way of indicating that these deceased individuals were not from the village and would soon be moved to another place. Third, since the body was exposed to the air, it would decompose and decay more quickly. When the caravan returned, the remains of their relatives were placed in special bags and transported to their final destination. It is still unclear why some of these bodies were not returned to their original homeland. Perhaps their relatives had died as well, or they could not afford the cost of transporting the bodies.
The exact age of this cemetery is not known. In the historical travel writings of Swedish geographer Sune Heiden, Krit is mentioned as a stopover for caravans to restock on supplies. Some locals recount that intact, shrouded skeletons were found in these graves, which were looted by medical students from Tabas University for use in their classes.
Given that these sites are at risk of severe damage from both illegal excavations and weather conditions, it is important for relevant authorities and individuals to take action to preserve these valuable relics.
Kareem Zarabi, the manager of the historical caravanserai of Krit village, says: "Many local and foreign tourists visit this village, and when they hear the story of these graves, they ask why they are not being preserved. For this reason, we have spent one million toman and ordered glass for one of the graves to place it in an aquarium for preservation. The governor of Tabas has also said that he will cover the cost of glass for five graves, but this has not yet happened."
