TEHRAN -- Babak Castle, also known as Javidan, Jomhour, and Dejband, is one of the most significant cultural and tourist attractions in East Azarbaijan Province.

Located about three kilometers southwest of Kalibar, it stands atop the Jomhour Mountains, 2300-2600 meters above sea level. Surrounded by a 400- to 600-meter deep valley, there is only a narrow gravel road to the castle.

Iranian archaeologists have discovered many artifacts from the castle including earthenware, coins, and ovens from the Atabakan period (9th century).

The archaeological evidence shows that the castle was inhabited from the 9th to 14th centuries and that governments used it as a citadel.