Ashabi Kehf (Cave of the Seven Sleepers)

The Ashab al-Kahf Shrine is situated between Ilandag and Nahajir Mountains, some 12–13 km east of Nakhchivan city center. Reached by an asphalt road which turns off the Julfa road, the site has been opened to visitors since 1998 and was made reachable by car.

Visitors leave their cars in the area provided at the far end of the road, then begin the climb upwards to reach the cave through the use of stone stairs and railings. This will eliminate the possibility of getting lost since the staircase leads directly up to the cave and the area where prayers are performed.

Ashab al-Kahf is open every day of the year and is visited at any time of the day. It’s free to enter; there are no tickets or turnstiles on site. Any money paid covers transport costs or guided tours only.

The name “Ashabi al-Kahf” is derived from its association with the cave associated in Surah Al-Kahf in the Quran, where faithful young men and their dog, Kitmir, took refuge. According to people in Nakhchivan and religious tradition in the region, this was indeed the place described, and thus, the cave serves as a sacred site for pilgrimage.

This complex includes a prayer area and a small mosque. Visitors can be seen reciting Surah Al-Kahf, saying their own personal prayers, and performing their namaz. The 1998 renovation had focused on this very need for worship.

The area is a religious site; both men and women should be dressed in clothes that cover both knees and shoulders. Men will not be considered appropriately dressed in shorts, nor will women in tight or revealing clothing. It is usual practice for women entering the prayer area to cover their heads.

Photography and videography for exterior areas are allowed. However, it is not advisable to frame people who are praying, and flash is not allowed inside the cave. Those with plans for drone or commercial photography should make prior contact with the field staff.

It is a good idea to bring water, a pair of sturdy shoes, a headscarf or shawl for females, and, if needed, a copy of the Quran or digital copy of the Quran. A hat and sunshade are recommended for protection from the sun during the summer months.

Within the complex, there are restrooms and a rest area on the lower level. A small prayer room is also provided near the cave. With these facilities, one can manage quite well without interruption; food and drink are usually planned in the city center.

The road from Nakhchivan to Ashhab-i Kehf, traces of which are still seen today, is 13 km. long and paved. The time of the visits should be preferably in spring or in autumn. Only morning and evening hours are suitable during summer, while ice should be avoided on the stairs during winter.

You can combine your Ashhab-i Kehf visit with the Mausoleum of Mömine Hatun, the Mausoleum of Yusuf bin Küseyir, the Han Palace, and Alınca Castle on the same day. In this case, you will experience both the religious heritage of Nakhchivan and its historical-castle-like atmosphere in one single route.

Sufficient directional signs are placed on site for a visit; however, for first-time visitors a guided visit offers a richer experience by allowing them to hear details of the story of the Cave, and learn about the site’s historical context. Remaining silent during the visit, not using phones, not crossing in front of people praying, and not littering are part of good manners. It is perfectly safe for families to bring along their children; it will be enough to accompany them up the stairs and make sure they behave in a manner fitting for such a religious site.