Iran's Cool Getaways: From Urmia to Hamedan
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Bojnurd, Khorasan
Bojnurd is the capital of North Khorasan province, located in northeastern Iran. The name “Bojnurd” is pronounced in the North Khorasan dialect. Covering an area of 36 square kilometers, it is considered the 44th city in the country and one of the major cities of Khorasan. The city’s name is “Bijan-gurd” or “Bijan Yurd” in ancient sources and dictionaries. “Bijan-gurd” (Bojnurd) means “built by Bijan” or “populated by Bijan.”
According to historical texts, a significant part of the Bojnurd region was habitable and populated from the fifth to the eighth Hijri centuries. The area faced extensive damage during the Mongol and Timurid periods. Carpet weaving, Turkmen rugs and runners, Turkmen jewelry, local Turkmen clothing, woven fabric, woolen hats, textiles, traditional cloth weaving, marquetry, gilding, and traditional instruments are among Bojnurd’s handicrafts.
Kandovan, Tabriz
Eastern Azerbaijan province has always been mentioned when discussing the cooler regions of the country. Within Tabriz lies a rocky village known to many as Kandovan. Kandovan is one of the three rock-cut villages in the world and is considered one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of Eastern Azerbaijan. Kandovan village is part of the Sohand rural district and falls under the central section of the city of Osku.
In rock-cut architecture, building materials such as plaster, lime, and bricks are absent, and spaces are carved out of stone. Like ordinary residences, these rock houses have various sections like living rooms, storerooms, and kitchens and are even equipped with water and electricity systems. The walls of these houses are about 2 meters thick, and the interior naturally remains warm in winter and cool in summer.
Urmia
Located in another part of the northwestern, Turkic-speaking region of the country is one of Iran’s major cities. This city is the center of West Azerbaijan province and the county of Urmia, situated in the Azerbaijan region of Iran.
The city consists of mountainous areas in the north and west and a vast plain in the south and east. Urmia borders Salmas to the north, Turkey to the west, and Oshnavieh and Naqadeh to the south. Lake Urmia is situated between the West and East Azerbaijan provinces.
Urmia, positioned along trade routes, has served as a customs point for importing and exporting goods to and from Iran. Urmia is a trading hub for agricultural and pastoral products of the people around the city. The type of farm products in West Azerbaijan, especially Urmia, gives this province particular importance. Its vast vineyards and apple orchards are renowned compared to other countries.
Masouleh, Gilan
Few can travel to northern Iran and Gilan without visiting Masouleh. This beautiful, historic village, notable for its architecture, expansive mountains, and lush forests, is among the attractions in this part of Iran. It boasts a verdant nature, a clean and pleasant climate, misty air filled with the sweet scent of chamomile and wild roses, lively spring with rainy clouds, cool summers, colorful autumns, and famous snowy winters.
In addition to its natural attractions, Masouleh, with nearly eight centuries of history and rich historical tourist sites, is one of Iran’s most popular tourist destinations. Near the village is a unique and beautiful natural phenomenon called “Larcheshmeh Waterfall,” another sought-after tourist attraction in northern Iran.
Hamedan
Hamedan is the capital of Iran’s history and civilization, situated in the west. The province borders Zanjan and Qazvin to the north, Lorestan to the south, Markazi to the east, and Kurdistan and Kermanshah to the west. The province’s capital is Hamedan, built during the Median era, known as Hegmataneh at that time, and served as the capital of Iran. One of Hamedan’s most famous tourist spots is the Ali Sadr Cave, slightly away from the city center but among the most beautiful natural caves, attracting numerous tourists annually.
The recreational, tourist, and sports complex of Ganjnameh in Hamedan is located in Ganjnameh Square, 5 kilometers west of Hamedan, surrounded by Alvand mountains. The pleasant mountain climate, Alvand Valley, and the stunning view of the Mishan Plain enhance the attraction of this area.
The tomb of Baba Taher Uryan, a mystic, Iranian poet, and couplet composer of the late 4th and mid-5th centuries, is located in Hamedan. This monument is in a square named after him north of Hamedan. It was registered as a national heritage of Iran in 1976. The mausoleum of the internationally renowned physician, philosopher, and mystic Avicenna is in a square of the same name. The oval square, adorned with ancient plane trees and fountains inspired by Iranian gardens, presents a beautiful recreational spot.
