Abyaneh

Abyaneh

description

The Historical Village of Abyaneh

Abyaneh, a Historical Pristine Village in Iran

Abyaneh is a village at the base of the Karkas Mountains Range in Isfahan Province. It is also one of the highest residential points of Iran and a well-known village featuring a unique architectural style. This village has a population of 300 people and is one of the oldest human habitations. It is located on the halfway of Tehran-Isfahan Road after Kashan City.

It is noteworthy that the people have been away from modernity for centuries due to the impassibility of the region. As a result, they have maintained their traditions such as their accent and costumes. Men wear loose pants, and women wear flowery colorful dresses and white long scarves.

The customs reflect the unique culture of the past which are still alive.

 

A woman in the traditional Abyaneh dress

The Lifestyle of People in this Village

Most of the villagers are educated. You can visit the remain of one of the first Iranian schools in the village. The people go back to the village on the ritual occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, Nowruz, Mourning of Muharram, etc. One of the most important rituals is palm-carrying in Ashura.

Farming, gardening and animal husbandry are the most important occupations in Abyaneh. Women also play a decisive role in economic affairs, along with men. In the past, they were engaged in weaving a kind of light cotton shoes. At present women are active in rug weaving workshops.

 

Abyaneh mosque

The Pilgrimage Sites of Abyaneh Village

The Fire Temple of Abyaneh is the oldest monument of the village. Jameh Mosque of Abyaneh also has a high importance. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to visit them due to the high number of tourists who visit the village.

The jameh mosque features two Shabestans, ancient wooden Mihrab and Minbar. The Mihrab and Minbar, decorated with vegetal motifs and Kufi Calligraphy, dates back to the 10th century. More importantly, this Minbar is on the lists of Iran National heritage.

According to the locals, what makes this Mihrab different is the wooden material used in its construction. The Mihrab, dating back to the Seljuq dynasty, also consists of inscriptions.

the wide view of Abyaneh village

The Architecture of Abyaneh Village

Located on the northern steep slopes, the village looks multistory. A river also lies in the northern part of the village. You can see the houses in the shape of cube featuring wooden latticed doors and windows, porches and balusters in the alleys. Besides, the exterior of the houses is covered with the red soils exploited from a mine at the vicinity of the village. In the past, people dug the caves outside the village to preserve livestock, fodder, food and unnecessary objects. Because there was not enough space in the village.

The Architecture of Abyaneh Village

 

Abyaneh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This village is on UNESCO Tentative List due to the monuments having remained since the Sassanid era. The monuments include Fire Temple, Jameh Mosque and the houses fitting to the mountainous climate of the village. Above all, the architecture, culture, language and costumes make the village different. In 2007, the proposal of Iran Heritage Organization on registering the village in UNESCO World Heritage Site was accepted.

 

Abyaneh village

Tourism in the Highest Village of Iran

1001 Nights Tours, provides the opportunity for you to enjoy the historical and cultural attractions as well as the pristine nature of the village. It is also enjoyable to experience a mountain climbing with professional guides. Passing a river and a small hand-dug well, you will reach an old castle on top of the mountain. It offers you a unique panoramic view to the village.

On your trip to Iran, it is a good choice to discover this village. Click here to view the tours including overnight or visiting this unparallel village. To know more about the villages of Iran, click here.

To accommodate in this area, there are some hotels which are so close to the historical texture of the village. For instance, there are two 2* and 3* hotels at the beginning and end of the village. It takes 20 minutes from your hotel to travel to 1000 years ago!

 

Country: IRAN
State: Isfahan