Explore Iran’s Most Unusual and Unique Villages
Discover the charm and mystery of Iran's unique villages
Explore Iran’s Most Unusual Villages, where rich traditions meet unique lifestyles. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural and historical tapestry of the country. From ancient cave dwellings to villages with extraordinary customs, these Iran boutique villages promise an unforgettable experience for the curious traveler. Discover the charm and mystery of Iran’s unique villages as you plan your next adventure.
Contents
1. Ista Village: A Qajar-Era Lifestyle
Ista Village, known for its Qajar-era lifestyle, is one of the most unusual villages in Iran. Located in Taleqan, Alborz Province, this mysterious village lacks modern amenities such as gas, electricity, water, mobile phones, TV, and cars. The villagers, originally from Tabriz and followers of Ayatollah Tabatabaei, who passed away 80 years ago, adhere to a belief that during the occultation of the Twelfth Imam, one must halt all jurisprudential matters.
Consequently, life in Ista seems frozen in the Qajar era. The villagers refuse to obtain birth certificates and abstain from participating in political and social activities. While the exact population is unknown, it is estimated that only nine families live in Ista.
2. Makhunik Village
Makhunik Village is located in South Khorasan Province, 130 kilometers from Birjand. This 300-year-old historical village is one of Iran’s most unusual. Makhunik is famous for its short-statured residents, whose average height barely reaches 1.40 meters. In the past, the villagers avoided activities such as smoking, drinking tea, hunting, and consuming meat.
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They even considered television to be evil. However, with the introduction of a more balanced diet, the height of the villagers has become more average. Today, with the influx of tourists, traces of modernity can be seen throughout the village. The houses here are built one meter below ground level, closely packed on the hillsides and in the hollows.
3. Meymand Village: The Rocky Dwellings
Meymand Village, with its rocky dwellings, is another of Iran’s most unusual villages. Situated in Kerman Province, within the mountains of Shahr-e Babak, this village dates back 2,000 years. Long ago, the inhabitants of this region created homes within the rocks using very basic tools. Experts believe these houses were built during the Parthian era or even earlier.
Meymand Village has 406 houses carved into five levels. In addition to homes, the village features ancient structures such as a school, bathhouse, and fire temple. Despite being thousands of years old, these structures have remained well-preserved, showcasing impressive architecture and strength. In recent decades, Meymand has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The village’s climate is cold and mountainous, so if you’re interested in visiting this amazing place, plan your trip during spring or summer.
4. Zarqar Village
Zarqar Village, also known as the Viking Village of Iran, is located in Abyek County, Qazvin Province, 22 kilometers from Abyek and 67 kilometers from Karaj. The native language of the villagers is “Romano,” and their script is in Latin. The villagers are tall and broad-shouldered. Various narratives exist about the Zarqar people; one suggests their ancestors were foreign tribes who entered Iran through the northern borders.
Another story claims they are descendants of Roman soldiers captured during the Roman-Iranian wars, who were later pardoned by the king and settled in this region. The villagers of Zarqar consider themselves Romanian, Greek, or even Italian. Today, they follow Islam and adhere to the Shia sect.
5. Chahar Borj Village: The Village of the Blind
Chahar Borj Village, with its population of visually impaired residents, is one of the most unusual villages in Iran. Located 35 kilometers west of Esfarayen in North Khorasan Province, the village is home to approximately 1,000 people, 90 of whom are blind. The blindness epidemic began about 30 years ago, leading some residents to leave the village.
Experts believe the cause is genetic changes due to intermarriage, though instances of blindness have also occurred among non-relatives and even animals such as cows, cats, and sheep. While the exact cause remains unknown, the spread of blindness has fortunately been contained since 2012.
6. Darkesh Village
Darkesh Village, known as Iranโs natural pharmacy, is located 30 kilometers southwest of Ashkhaneh in North Khorasan Province. This mountainous village, nestled in a lush valley, is surrounded by the Aladaฤ Mountains to the south. The beautiful Darkesh River flows through the village, enhancing the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
In spring and summer, the area blooms with various medicinal plants, including thyme, lavender, and mint. Over 380 types of medicinal plants have been identified in this village, 79 of which are considered rare. However, Darkesh’s attractions aren’t limited to medicinal plants; its oak forests, gardens, and stunning landscapes also draw many visitors. Additionally, the village is a primary habitat for the Maral deer or red deer.
7. Sraqieh Village
Sraqieh Village is located within the Shadgan Wetlands, the largest wetland in Iran. Often referred to as the “Venice of Iran,” this Khuzestan village is known for its charming native architecture and houses made of reeds. The residents navigate the narrow alleys of Sraqieh by boat.
A road runs through the center of the Shadgan Wetlands, which initially obstructed the villagers’ boat traffic, but narrow tunnels were later constructed under the road, allowing small boats to pass. The Shadgan Wetlands are home to a rich biodiversity, housing over 174 bird species, including the white-tailed sea eagle, spotted eagle, and grey-legged pelican. This wetland is also the only habitat for the marbled teal.
8. Hajij Village: Stunning Mountain Views
Hajij Village, with its breathtaking mountain views, is another of Iran’s most unusual villages. Located within the mountains of Kermanshah Province, near Paveh, Hajij features a terraced layout and has a long history. The village’s attractions include the Hajij Mosque, the Sirwan River, and the Shahoo Heights. The central mosque in Hajij is architecturally impressive and holds historical significance. The natural landscapes surrounding the village are exceptionally beautiful and pristine.
9. Sirch Village: The Green Gem of Kerman
Sirch Village, known as the Green Gem of Kerman Province, is another unusual village in Iran. This lush, cool village is located near the Lut Desert and has been a summer retreat for the people of Kerman since ancient times. Attractions in Sirch include its pristine nature, fruit orchards, hot springs, and a thousand-year-old cypress tree. The grapes, cherries, sour cherries, and figs from Sirch are among the best cold-climate fruits in Iran.
10. Sar Aqa Seyyed Village
Sar Aqa Seyyed Village, often called the Masuleh of Kuhrang, is located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. This verdant village, with its terraced architecture, lies on the slopes of the Zagros Mountains. The windows of the houses in Sar Aqa Seyyed open to the village’s pristine landscapes, offering stunning views. The village has managed to preserve its traditional character, and some believe it to be one of the earliest human settlements, dating back to the Paleolithic era.
11. Shahabad Abarkuh: The Twin Village of Yazd
Shahabad Abarkuh, known as the Twin Village of Yazd, is another of Iran’s most unusual villages. A large number of its residents are identical and fraternal twins. In the village school, you can see many twins studying side by side. The villagers of Shahabad Abarkuh follow old traditions, which has led to many familial marriages and, consequently, a high number of twins in the area.
12. Abyaneh Village
Abyaneh Village, with its traditional and ancient atmosphere, attracts many tourists from all over Iran and the world. The terraced houses in Abyaneh are made of a distinctive red clay, giving them a beautiful appearance. Abyaneh is a part of Natanz County, Isfahan Province, and with its charming houses, it is considered one of Iran’s most unusual villages.
The exact date of Abyaneh’s construction is unknown, but archaeologists estimate that it is around 4,500 years old, making it one of the oldest human settlements on the edge of Iran’s desert. The area is home to historical structures and artifacts from the Sassanid, Seljuk, Safavid, and Qajar periods. Abyaneh is listed as a national heritage site of Iran.
13. Ab Ask Village
Ab Ask Village, known for its unique traditions and customs, is located in Amol. The village hosts a tradition called “Zan Shahi” (Womenโs Reign), where, on a specific day each year, a woman is selected as the village’s king. She appoints other women as guards in different parts of the village to report events and the village’s status to her. On this day, men are not allowed to enter the village. Another interesting custom in Ab Ask is “Barf Chal” (Snow Burying), where men bury the last snow of the year in the mountains to use as water for their livestock in summer.
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Conclusion: Iran’s Most Unique Villages
While we often imagine rural life as simple and serene, certain factors can make a village stand out, placing it on the list of Iran’s most unusual villages. In this article, SURFIRAN introduced 13 of Iran’s most unusual villages. We recommend adding these villages to your travel plans for a unique and memorable experience.
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