Mount Damāvand (Persian: دماوند ) also known as Donbavand, is a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Iran with a special place in the Persian mythology and folklore. Located in the middle Alborz Range, adjacent to Varārū, Sesang, Gol-e Zard and Mīānrūd, it is the highest point in the Middle East and the highest volcano in all of Asia. Though not volcanically active[2], there are fumaroles near the summit crater that deposit sulfur, which were most recently known to be active since July 6, 2007[3]. The mountain is located near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, in Āmol county, Māzandarān, 66 kilometres (41 miles) northeast of Tehran. [edit] Symbolism and mythology Damavand is, as any cursory reading of Persian literature will indicate, the Mount Olympus of Persian mythology.[4]
Damāvand is the symbol of Iranian resistance against foreign rule in Persian poetry and literature. In Zoroastrian texts and mythology, the three-headed dragon Aži Dahāka was chained within Mount Damāvand, there to remain until the end of the world. In a later version of the same legend, the tyrant Zahhāk was also chained in a cave somewhere in mount Damāvand after being defeated by Kāveh and Fereydūn. Damāvand is also significant to the Iranian legend of Arash. The mountain is said to hold magical powers in the Šahnameh.
The famous poem Damāvand by Mohammad Taqī Bahār is one of the finest examples of the mountain's place in Persian literature.
The first verse of this poem is:
ای دیو سپید پای در بند Ay dīve sepīde pāī dar band, Oh white demon with feet in chains ای گنبد گیتی ای دماوند Ay gonbade gītī, ay Damāvand Oh terrestrial dome, Oh Mount Damāvand
Damāvand Elevation 5,610 metres (18,406 ft)[1] Location Māzandarān, Iran Range Alborz Prominence 4,667 m (15,312 ft) Ranked 12th Coordinates 35°57′19″N 52°06′33″E / 35.95528, 52.10917Coordinates: 35°57′19″N 52°06′33″E / 35.95528, 52.10917 Type Stratovolcano Last eruption Unknown First ascent 1837 by W. T. Thomson Easiest route Hike Listing Volcanic Seven Summits Country high point Ultra __________________________________________ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Damavand ;)
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