miraculousAshabi-Kahf Shrine
The Ashabi-Kahf cave, near Julfa, is one of the most legendary and mysterious places in Nakhchivan. It is believed that this sacred cave complex is related to the ‘Seven Sleepers’ mentioned in one of the chapters of the Quran. According to historical accounts shrouded in mystery, it is thought that seven young men, fervent believers in Allah, sought refuge in the cave and slept there for more than 300 years, waking up in a different era. Due to this staggering event, the sacred shrine has become a place of pilgrimage visited by devotees from all over Azerbaijan.
The cave is located 12 km to the east of the city of Nakhchivan, close to the main road to Julfa. Visitors to the shrine can perform sacrifices, make wishes in the chapel and carry out other rituals.
Even the radon-rich mineral water that flows out at the foot of the mountain is famous, not only as similar to the waters of Pyatigorsk in the Northern Caucasus, but also for its use in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
