Tourists Damage 'Stone Face' in Sarfaryab, Yasouj

A group of tourists climbing the natural 'Stone Face' in Sarfaryab, Yasouj, caused damage to this ancient natural monument while trying to take photographs. According to the state news agency IRNA, on November 5, Gholam-Hossein Atashsoda, the district governor of Sarfaryab in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, stated that 'four tourists who intended to photograph this beautiful natural stone caused its destruction by standing on it.' The rock fell while one of the tourists was climbing it. Mr. Atashsoda told IRNA that the district office and the Cultural Heritage Organization are investigating the cause of the damage and that 'if negligence by the tourists is found, they will be punished.' The Stone Face of Sarfaryab was located on a rock at an elevation of 800 meters and was perched on its edge. Its total height was nearly two meters, with a length of three meters, and it was supported at one point by another stone 30 centimeters away. A deserted village named 'Mahgardi' is located 100 meters from this stone face, which is considered one of the attractive natural areas of the province. The damaged Stone Face could be seen from a considerable distance atop the rock.