What is left of the Kangelo fortress, in the Alborz Mountain range, is the remnants of the ancient fortress that stood firm against the attacks of the Arabs and Mongols and did not open its gates to them. This stability was due to the forest cover, the sturdiness of the structure, and the observer’s view of a wide area from the ramparts of the fort.
Kangelo Castle is a masterpiece from the Sassanid period. From a distance, when we see its magnificent structure, it looks like the wings of an eagle that has spread its broad wings on the rocks. These two wings are built so that the central core of the fort is protected from landslides and does not collapse due to the passage of time. In the archaeological excavations of this ancient fortress, a ring was found on which the word “farahi” was carved: A wish for the happiness of its owner!
Kangelo Castle is located in Sawadkooh City, Mazandaran province. The village near it is also called Kanglu. The mountain crevice helped the inhabitants of the fort to stay save from enemies and looters.
The mountain range that surrounds the fort is called Khervnaro Mountain. Its height is more than 3600 meters, and throws its shadow over the eastern part of Savadkuh. The height of the mountain and the fortress hidden in it is such that the natives measure it by the sun’s rising and setting. They say this appearing and disappearing is from one wing to the other wing of the mountain!
The valley at the foot of the mountain and fortress is called Arim. Etymologically, this name is a word from the Pahlavi language. That area was in the hands of the Iranian rulers of the Qaran dynasty for centuries. Then, it fell into the hands of Espahbedan Bavandi. But Kangelo means “bee” in the dialect of Sawadkooh natives. We do not know why such a name was given to the fortress; maybe because the fort and its surrounding posts are like a beehive!
The structure of Kangelo Castle
We mentioned that Kangelo is a Sassanid fortress, but was it built only to guard that area? It is a question that has sometimes been associated with suspicions. Some think it to have been a Mithraist temple, and others think it was a royal palace or a memorial structure. Whatever it is, the southern part of the fortress is built to be seen from the farthest distances. So, whatever its use, its creators have tried to make it a safe and inaccessible place from the point of view of safety.
Kangelo is a stone fortress. Watchtowers can be seen on both sides of it. But its inner space is circular. There were three floors inside the fort. Now, most of it is gone. The two wings of the fortress include the central structure. The fort’s construction method differs from other similar examples in Iran, making Kangelo unique and distinctive. The native architecture of the people of Alborz influences the technique used in its construction. Traces of Parthian architecture is also found in it.
In addition to stone half-pound plaster has bee used in its construction. The soil used in it is red, and therefore, it looks beautiful. Around it, graves that are very old have been found and go back to the Iron Age. Some are Sassanid period graves.
It is worth noting that some researchers have found astrological characteristics in this fort and believe that it may have been used for astronomy. Of course, this is an assumption that needs more research.
We mentioned earlier that some archaeologists have thought that Kangelo is a place of worship for Mehr worshipers. Because the fort’s architecture is suitable for transporting and storing water, it may have been a place of worship for worshiping the goddess of water, Anahita. This is also a point that needs more scientific investigations.
One of the other exciting finds in Kangelo Fort is a 35-40-year-old skeleton woman in ancient times who had a severe infection and swelling on her arm. This disease is chronic and hereditary.
In Tir 1379, Kangelo Fortress was listed as number 2754 in the list of national monuments.
