Ghalat Village in Shiraz: Discovering a Hidden Paradise in Fars
Explore the Natural Beauty and Rich Culture of Ghalat Village in Shiraz
Most tourists visiting Shiraz are drawn to its well-known attractions like the Tomb of Saadi, Hafez, Vakil Bazaar, Shah Cheragh, Eram Garden, Karim Khan Citadel, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, and Persepolis. However, just 36 kilometers northwest of Shiraz lies Ghalat Village, a hidden paradise on earth.
Ghalat Village in Shiraz offers pristine surroundings, remarkable tranquility, and an exceptional climate. SURFIRAN invites you to delve into the unique charm of Ghalat Village.
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Get to Know Ghalat Village in Shiraz
As mentioned, Ghalat Village is located 36 kilometers northwest of Shiraz. The village enjoys a cool and pleasant climate, making it a refreshing escape even during the hottest months.
Situated at an elevation of 2,065 meters above sea level, this picturesque village is home to approximately 7,000 residents. Ghalat Village boasts a range of ancient sites and attractions despite its small size. What truly sets it apart is the stunning natural landscape that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of untouched nature.
Until you get close to Ghalat Village, you might not fully grasp its beauty. From mountain springs to deep, cool valleys, even during the warmest seasons, the refreshing air gives a sense of escape from modern life.
Must-See Attractions in Ghalat Village, Shiraz
Despite its modest size, Ghalat Village is rich in attractions. For instance, there’s a church in Ghalat built between the two World Wars, though unfortunately, it is now facing deterioration.
Additionally, there’s a bathhouse in the village, where elders believe that Saadi once bathed. Sadly, it too is at risk of collapse.
Other notable historical sites include ancient watermills and Qezel Arsalan Fortress, which are among the most significant historical attractions in Ghalat.
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Beyond man-made attractions, Ghalat Village is blessed with natural wonders. Ancient trees, some thousands of years old, stand tall in this village, adding to its mystical allure. Visiting in spring gives you the feeling of walking through the enchanted forests seen in Hollywood movies, with mountain architecture and mysterious alleys featuring clear streams.
Watching waterfalls cascade through rocky paths and listening to the soothing sound of water hitting stones transports you to a different time, far from the modern world.
Along the rivers of Shab Shetari and Cheshmeh Anjiri, you’ll find a variety of medicinal herbs such as yarrow, thyme, mallow, savory, and pennyroyal, adding a unique charm to the riversides of Ghalat.
Why Visit This Beautiful Village?
One of the main reasons tourists, both foreign and domestic, visit Ghalat Village is its ancient history, with towering trees as evidence. Moreover, the warm and welcoming locals, as we will discuss further, make the village even more appealing. Architecturally, the village’s houses have a distinct and beautiful style worth seeing.
Meet the Warm and Welcoming People of Ghalat Village
It’s widely known across Iran that the people of Shiraz are very hospitable, and the residents of Fars Province are renowned for their warmth. This certainly holds true for Ghalat Village. During ancient and religious celebrations like Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri, Muharram, Safar, and Ramadan, the locals host unique and beautiful ceremonies.
In these celebrations, especially weddings, many villagers wear traditional Qashqai tribal clothing. The local music, particularly Washang, is a favorite among Ghalat’s residents. Washang, a type of vocal harmony performed by local women during weddings, is both beautiful and soothing.
Lastly, traditional instruments like the drum, violin, daff, and sorna are commonly played in Ghalat.
Diverse Local Cuisine in Ghalat Village, Shiraz
Ghalat Village has numerous restaurants and cafes, ensuring you won’t need to carry extra food. Kashk-o-Piyaz, Kashk-o-Gerdoo, Kaleh Pacheh, Adasi, and Ash Reshteh are some of the popular local dishes.
Depending on the season of your visit, you can enjoy fresh and delicious fruits like grapes, almonds, walnuts, figs, pomegranates, apricots, and green plums. Additionally, organic dairy products such as milk, cheese, kashk, and butter are some of the village’s offerings.
Popular Games and Entertainment
During your visit to Ghalat, you might see children playing Shesh Khaneh, the village’s most common game. Feel free to join them and learn the rules of this traditional game. During wedding ceremonies, adults engage in stick fighting, and in spring, they sing Taraneh.
Livelihoods in Ghalat Village, Shiraz
Most villagers earn their living through farming, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. They sell fruits, grains, Giveh (traditional footwear), handmade baskets, and mashk (a traditional water container) to sustain their livelihoods.
Architecture of Ghalat Village Houses
The majority of houses in Ghalat are made of stone, mud, clay, plaster, and wood. The roofs are flat, and most houses are one or two stories tall, though there are some three-story homes, though they are rare.
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Conclusion
Ghalat Village is a destination that captivates every traveler with its natural beauty and historical significance. With its central location in Fars Province, it’s easily accessible from all parts of Iran. However, keep in mind that this village has a cold climate, so be sure to dress warmly.
While exploring Ghalat’s nature, don’t miss out on trying the local dishes. Although some of its historical sites face neglect, the village’s charm remains intact. SURFIRAN hopes you enjoy your journey to this beautiful village. Stay connected with SURFIRAN to explore more travel destinations within and beyond Iran.
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