As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Iran has been among the world’s most thoughtful civilizations from the very beginning. Let’s dive in and get to know some of the hidden gems of Iran through this traveler’s guide. In this article, we’ll travel all around the country and get to know some of the roads least traveled in the cities of Ardabil, Rasht, Mashhad, Qom, Ahvaz, Kish Island, Yazd, and Hamedan.
Mount Sabalan Crater Lake, Ardabil
As the 3rd highest mountain in Iran, after Mount Damavand and Mount Alam, Sabalan is the world’s 66th most prominent peak. This semi-active volcano is located in the northwest of Iran, in Ardebil Province. The beautiful nature in summer, the hot springs on its slopes, and Alvares Ski Resort make Sabalan a tourist magnet. But Sabalan’s distinct uniqueness comes from the beautiful crater lake on top of Sultan Peak. As one of Iran’s most scenic natural lakes, it is covered with ice all around the year except in summer. The crater lake on the top of this mountain is so incredibly beautiful that makes the long path leading to it worth it. The land’s natives believe this is the mountain where the ancient Persian prophet, Zoroaster, received a revelation. Friedrich Nietzsche’s masterpiece ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ also mentions Zoroaster descending Mount Sabalan.
Rudkhan Castle, Rasht
As one of the unique historical monuments of the country’s northern region, Rudkhan Castle is one of Iran’s most beautiful historical sites. This castle is situated on the summit of tall mountains, near the deep valleys, and in the middle of Fuman’s lush forests. In the beautiful forest area of the mountains stands the great Rudkhan Castle.
The monument is made of a brick and stone medieval fortress, built by the Talysh people to defend against the Arab invaders during the Muslim conquest of Persia. With the fall of the Sasanian Empire, this area became a defensive position against the Arabs in the then-newly established Tabarestan. The Rudkhan Castle River originates in the surrounding heights and flows from south to north. After crossing a mountainous winding route with dense forests, the first thing that one notices about the castle is its big entrance gate.
Tomb of Ferdowsi, Mashhad
Shahnameh, the masterpiece of the Persian epic defining the identity of the Persian culture, was created by Ferdowsi. Buried in his garden in Tus, near Mashhad, his tomb has always been famous among those who were interested in poetry. Although his tomb was destroyed many times, it was rebuilt again and again by those who loved him.
Ferdowsi Tomb resembles the tomb of Cyrus the Great. The pool reflecting the sunlight located in front of the tomb makes the place more delightful as well as the statue of Ferdowsi himself. It was built in the early 1930s under the rule of Reza Shah, using mainly elements of Achaemenid architecture to demonstrate Iran's rich culture and history.
Salt Lake, Qom
Hoz-e Soltan Lake was formed as the result of the Tehran-Qom road construction in 1883. The lake is a remnant of the Paratethys Sea, which started to dry from the Pleistocene epoch, leaving Lake Urmia and the Caspian Sea and other bodies of water. It is a section of an ancient lake, currently dried up and rich in mineral sedimentation due to gradual evaporation.
The Salt Lake contains water only in the winter months, whereas in summer a crust of salt attracts attention. The harvest of salt begins in the early summer because of the high salt layer in the southern region of the lake. Various rivers enter this lake most of which pass across the surrounding salt marshlands.
Karun River, Ahvaz
Karun River is the largest and most water-rich river in Iran that has divided Ahvaz city into eastern and western halves. The 900 km river flows through Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces as well as Khuzestan province. Enlisted as a Natural Heritage of Iran, the river’s main branch water source is located in Zardkooh in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Karun River passes through the heart of Ahvaz, reaching Khorramshahr and then its name is changed to Arvand River, emptying into the Persian Gulf eventually.
The first human civilizations were created next to the Karun River, with signs of prosperity always existing on the banks of the river. During the Qajar period, shipping was done on this river and Iranian and British merchants could import and export their goods to Ahvaz or Shushtar via the Persian Gulf. There are 8 memorable bridges built on the Karun River in Ahvaz. The oldest bridge that was constructed in Ahvaz was the Black Bridge, which was built during the first Pahlavi era in 1929 to pass trains. The Black Bridge is also known as the Victory Bridge, as it played the main role in the Allied victory in World War II.
Harireh Ancient City, Kish Island
The ancient 8th-century city of Harireh is located on Kish Island. Harriet was first built sometime between the late Sasanid period and the early Islamic era on the northern coast of the island. The 800-year-old ancient city has been referred to in Saadi’s book Gulistan. The ruins include the remains of a mansion with Ilkhanid era (1256-1353) tiles, a public bath, and industrial workshops.
Archeologists believe that the multi-floored monuments of the town were destroyed in an earthquake. There are also many wells and qanats around the extant monuments, which were used to provide drinking water for the population of the city. Harireh Ancient City was also one of the centers for the trade of pearls.
The largest mud brick city in the world, Yazd
The remarkable brick city of Yazd with its unique Persian architecture has one of the largest qanat irrigation systems in the world. This has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Yazd had a historically important role on the Silk Road trade route and is still a city economically reliant on trade. The first structures built in Yazd date back to the pre-Islam era when most buildings were made of adobe in the form of layered structures. The earthen architecture of Yazd has escaped the modernization that destroyed many traditional earthen towns, retaining its traditional districts, the qanat system, traditional houses, bazaars, hammams, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, and the historic garden of Dolat-abad.
Alvand Mountain, Hamedan
Alvand Mountain, with an elevation of more than 3 thousand meters, is the highest mountain summit in the Alvand subrange and one of the important peaks in the Zagros Mountains. The Alvand subrange surrounding Hamedan city is like a great wall northwest to southeast, covering 1300 km2. Although no settlements exist on the mountains themselves, the valleys and surrounding plains are home to many towns and villages. The major cities formed around the foot of the Alvand range include Hamadan, Malayer, and Tuyserkan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iran is a treasure trove of hidden gems that offer a unique and captivating adventure for intrepid explorers. From the technicolor dreamscape of Hormuz Island, also referred to as Rainbow Island, to the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of Kish Island, each location offers a distinct experience. These lesser-explored treasures, along with well-known cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, make Iran a must-visit destination. Whether it’s the rich history that dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, the unique blend of Persian and Arabian culture, or the natural beauty of the landscapes, Iran’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags and get ready to venture off the beaten path to explore the mystifying characteristics and elements of these beautiful paradises.