The Village of Legendary Stones: Xorinc's Mysteries Attract Curious Visitors

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The village of Xorinc (Khorinj) in Pîranşar (Piranshahr), located in the Urmiye province of East Kurdistan (northwest Iran), is renowned as the village of legendary stones.

Thousands of boulders of varying sizes lie scattered near the village, creating a landscape of strange and intriguing scenes.

The origins of these stones remain shrouded in mystery and lore. Although no one knows precisely how or when they arrived, numerous theories and legends have emerged.

Some believe the boulders were transported from elsewhere to a hill near the village, while others suggest they bear the marks of ancient human hands and were used for sculptural purposes thousands of years ago.

Xorinc is situated in the Lajan plain of Pîranşar, just 20 kilometers from the border point of Haji Omeran. To the north of the village, on a hill stretching four kilometers long and 400 meters wide, a significant number of large boulders are piled up, with some exceeding 10 meters in size.

The villagers have named many of these rocks, each with its unique story and shape.

Salah Azernia, a resident of Xorinc, shared some of these names: “We have a Mullah Stone, which stands tall and straight, resembling a religious figure. There's also the Crib Stone that moves in its place, and the Reddish Rocks named for their color. Additionally, we have Buffalo and Sabat stones, which are high up on the hill where people go in the evening to rest and enjoy the view of the village.”

The first recorded mention of the village and its stones was by Sir Robert Ker Porter, a Scottish artist, author, diplomat, and traveler, in 1820.

According to local lore, an old man in the area recounted that Xorinc is the remnant of a once-great city whose inhabitants were turned to stone by the wrath of God.

Despite the lack of scientific or academic research on the stones, their allure continues to draw tourists from across Iran.

Rasoul Rahmani, another resident, lamented the village's neglect: “Unfortunately, it is a neglected village. Its location and reputation have not been used for the benefit of the village. It is marginalized in every way, but it can be valued and become a good source of income and economy.”

Local stories about the stones vary. Some say a prayer by an old woman turned the people into stones, while others believe that celestial beings provided the technology to transport and carve the stones.

Some think the stones' shapes, resembling humans or animals, are natural formations, while others see evidence of ancient human handiwork.

The legendary stones of Xorinc remain an enigma, their secrets yet to be unraveled by modern science.

Additional reporting done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Kamil Bokani