Markouh Ghale

Markouh Castle dates back to historical periods after the advent of Islam and is located in Ramsar County, in the city of Kataleh, along the Talar Sar road. It was registered as a national heritage site of Iran on March 15, 2001 (25 Esfand 1379 in the Iranian calendar) under registration number 3484.

 Markouh Castle History

There is no consensus on the exact date of construction, but historical evidence suggests the castle existed as early as the 3rd century AH. Its architectural style resembles other structures from the same period, such as Babak Castle. The castle is mentioned in historical texts, including Zaydeh al-Tawarikh and Jami’ al-Tawarikh by Khawaja Rashid al-Din Fazlullah Hamadani, which records events in 536 AH when the castle was captured by the Ismailis. Mirza Hassan Khan Etemad al-Saltaneh, who visited the castle, wrote:

"In Tonekabon, there is a mountain called Markouh, with numerous chambers and many moths in these chambers. The moths fly around and prevent entry into the chambers. At the top of the mountain, there is a place known as Naqareh Khaneh (Drum House). If a stone is struck there, it produces a drum-like sound that can be heard up to half a farsakh away."

Architecture of Markouh Castle 
Markouh Castle covers approximately 600 square meters. Today, only four side walls and supporting towers remain of this grand and beautiful structure. The primary materials used in construction are stone, mortar (sarooj), and plaster. The interior of the castle could accommodate around 100 soldiers comfortably. Its dimensions are as follows:
•    Eastern side: 70.17 meters
•    Base: 30.2 meters
•    Height: 30.6 meters
•    Western side: 9 meters
•    Northern side is divided into two sections by a 

•    stone: the western part is 80.14 meters, and the eastern part is 15 meters
The castle is strategically located, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. From the top, one can see the sea to the north, Tonekabon to the east, Ramsar to the west, and the Alborz mountains to the south. Local residents mention a tunnel within the castle, supposedly leading to the village of Niasteh at the foot of Markouh. It is said that soldiers used it for emergency entry and exit. However, research indicates that this is not accurate; the pit within the castle was actually a water reservoir due to the lack of direct access to water, not a tunnel.

Scenery and Access of Markouh Castle 

The castle provides a breathtaking view of the opposite mountain, attracting visitors and tourists. Reaching the castle requires traversing a narrow, winding, and steep path. The climb is challenging but rewarding. Once atop the mountain, the world spreads beneath your feet, and the sea is clearly visible. The effort to climb this steep path is well worth the visit. We hope, in the near future, that the Sana Persian team will welcome you to explore this historic site and assist you in this memorable experience. Looking forward to that day.