SAEDNEWS: The ancient Ghala Dashi or Kazem Dashi Castle is a spectacular and historic monument in Lake Urmia (also Oroumiyeh).
Perched like a rocky island 65 kilometers northeast of Urumia and just 1.5 kilometers from Gurchin village, Kazem Dashi Castle stands as one of the oldest monuments of the region, dating back to the Ilkhanate era. Islamic historians claim that Hulagu Khan hid his treasure within its walls.
During World War I, Kazem Nami of Qushchi, a loyal follower of Hulagu Khan, used the castle as a refuge for nine years. A two-story building, built on Kazem Khan’s decree, served as his family residence and a shelter for local villagers against Russian invasions and Kurdish rebel attacks.
The fortress, also known as Kazem Khan’s Rock or Ghir Khalar (“place for forty inhabitants”), rises over 35 meters high. A hand-carved path, 60 meters wide and 500 meters long, winds around the cliff, narrowing to just 6 meters at the top, providing the only access to the castle. The structure sits atop an imperfect cone-shaped mountain, 2 km southwest of Lake Urumia, overlooking a lush green plain, with a creek and bridge adding to its strategic design.
Every May, the shores of Kazem Dashi bloom with vivid poppies, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle that perfectly complements the castle’s historical allure—a true blend of heritage, architecture, and natural beauty.
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