Traveling has always been a journey of discovery for me, not just of places but of stories and legends that shape our world. One such tale that has long captivated me is that of "Dou Al-Karnayn," a figure mentioned in the Quran, translated as "the one with two horns." This enigmatic leader is depicted as a righteous traveler, journeying to the farthest corners of the earth, aiding the oppressed and curbing the oppressors. His ventures to the places where the sun sets and rises, and his encounter with a peculiar tribe complaining about the havoc wreaked by Gog and Magog, fueled my imagination and curiosity.

Intrigued by the possible historical connections, I delved deeper, uncovering theories that linked Dou Al-Karnayn to Alexander the Great. However, mapping Alexander's conquests offered no clear answer until I stumbled upon a reference to Georgia. Known for its unique language and the imposing Caucasus mountains, Georgia seemed to fit the narrative of a land “between two barriers.”

Compelled to explore this possibility, I embarked on a journey to Georgia. My destination was the narrow path between two towering mountains, which today marks the border between Georgia and Russia. From Tbilisi, I traveled to Kazbegi, a town close to this border, also famous for the breathtaking Gergeti Trinity Church.

The 20 km journey from Kazbegi to the border was an adventure in itself. I opted for a bicycle, allowing myself to be immersed in the beauty and mystery of the landscape. Along the way, iron-rich water springs caught my attention, the ground around them stained with rust – a subtle hint that I was perhaps on the right track.

Reaching the border, the sight of the two mountains was awe-inspiring. They stood tall and unyielding, with only a slender path between them. Could this have been the site where Alexander the Great, if he were indeed Dou Al-Karnayn, commanded the construction of a wall to restrain the tribes of Gog and Magog?

Near one of the mountains, I noticed the ruins of a small church, possibly a sentinel over the long-lost wall. Back in Tbilisi, my curiosity led me to some local journalists I had met in Prague. Their knowing glances hinted at familiarity with the story. After some persuasion, they shared a similar local legend involving the Khazars, a tribe I hadn’t heard of before.

Eager for more information, I researched the Khazars, uncovering fascinating details too lengthy for this narrative. Here's a link to their Wikipedia page for those interested in delving deeper.

This journey, while inconclusive in confirming the identity of Dou Al-Karnayn or the exact location of his legendary wall, was a profound personal achievement. It brought me to a place that closely resembled the descriptions in the Quran, surrounded by majestic mountains and steeped in mystery. It reminded me of the beauty of travel – not just in discovering new places, but in exploring the stories and legends that connect us across time and culture.