Kul-e Farah

Kul-e Farah ( Persian کول‌ فرح) is the site of six Elamite rock reliefs. Kul-e Farah is located near the city of Izeh , in Chuzestan , in southwestern Iran . The reliefs were first visited in European research by Austen Henry Layard in 1841. It has been suggested that this was some kind of open sanctuary that was visited for occasional celebrations such as the New Year celebrations. The dating of the reliefs is uncertain, they were perhaps carved into the rock around 700. Only one of the reliefs (Kul-e Farah I) bears inscriptions, which at least in part were added later.

Reliefs

Kul-e Farah I.

Kul-e Farah I dates to the Neo-Elamite period. The field carved into the rock is about 1.10 - 1.30 m high and about 1.66 m wide. The field is dominated by a person named Hanni who looks to the right. Two officers stand behind her. These are the first minister of the army Schutruru and the vizier Schutrurura, both of whom are identified by incised inscriptions. The right side of the field is divided into two tabs. Musicians can be found in the upper section, and sacrificial scenes in the lower section. The upper part of the field is covered with an inscription 24 lines long, which partly goes over the figures. The text therefore comes from Hanni, son of Tahhi, who dedicated the relief to Tirutur. The rest of the text is difficult to understand, but a king is named Šutur-Nahhunte, son of Indada. Hanni doesn't call himself a king. The following are the subjugation of insurrections and the building of temples.

Kul-e Farah II

Kul-e Farah II depicts a single person, probably a ruler or priest, standing and looking to the right. Four small people stand behind him, cattle are slaughtered in front of him. The whole thing is probably a victim scene. There are no explanatory notes.

Kul-e Farah III

Kul-e Farah III is located on a free-standing rock that has a relief decoration on all sides. The south side measures approximately 4.9 × 3 meters. On the right there is another large figure, perhaps a king. Behind and in front of him there are numerous smaller figures in four rows, all of which also look to the right. On the north side you can find a similar representation, only that now all people are looking to the left, i.e. to the east. On the east side there is a representation of cattle. On the west side, people in four registers who look to the right.

Kul-e Farah IV

Kul-e Farah IV is not well preserved. Again, it is a rock that is decorated on several sides. On one side you can see a row of people who are either looking to the right or marching. On another side you can see five registers. A king or priest is enthroned above, while various people below turn to him.

Kul-e Farah V

Kul-e Farah V depicts a single person who is again turned to the right and who appears to be sacrificing.

Kul-e Farah VI

Kul-e Farah VI shows a tall person turned to the left, surrounded by smaller figures.