Semnan Province's Tourism Target Villages: Memorable Attractions
Proximity to the capital, being located on the route of pilgrims to Holy Mashhad, historical and natural sites, special climatic conditions due to the northern areas being located on the southern slopes of Alborz and other areas on the northern edges of the Central Iranian Desert, and... are among the potential attractions of Semnan province for attracting domestic and foreign tourists. ... The tomb of Sheikh Hassan Juri, the cleric and leader of the Sarbadaran during the Mongol Ilkhanate, is also located near this village. Qaleh Bala Village (Biarjmand) this village...
Miras Aria: The presence of 27 percent of the country's protected areas in the province, the desert, forests, suitable conditions of the night sky for stargazing, etc., are among the other capabilities of Semnan province.
However, one of the most important tourist attractions of Semnan province is its villages, each possessing a distinct attraction for lovers of cultural heritage, nature, linguistics, traditional culture and rituals, anthropology, etc. A not-so-significant amount of planning and investment at the level of these areas can transform and revolutionize the province's economy by attracting domestic and foreign tourists.
In this report, an attempt has been made to briefly introduce a number of Semnan province's tourism target villages.
Paydeh Village (Aradan)
This village is located 25 kilometers east of Garmsar city and three kilometers east of Aradan, south of the Tehran-Mashhad road. This village was once one of the reputable villages of Khar (the old name of Garmsar), and its age dates back about six centuries. Qaleh Gabri and Imamzadeh Abu Saeid are among the structures in this village, and Aradan Bazaar, Imamzadeh Shah Nazar, and Imamzadeh Khalilollah are structures near this village. The language and dialect of the people of this village is Alikahi, and the main agricultural products are wheat, barley, cotton, melon, watermelon, figs, pomegranates, etc.
Tuyeh Darvar Village (Amirabad Damghan)
Tuyeh Darvar village is located 48 kilometers from Damghan city, north of Qushah village, amidst the northern mountains of Damghan. The people of this village speak the Mazandarani language, and the main agricultural products are walnuts, apples, grapes, wheat, barley, etc.
Animal husbandry is one of the occupations of this village, and its products include yogurt, milk, butter, whey, qurut, etc. This village has a cold mountain climate, and abundant rainfall in different seasons creates a suitable climate for it, hence the people of Damghan spend their hot summers in these villages. "Qaleh Baghestan", Imamzadeh Mir Jibra'il, Kalateh Zakaria, Qelqel Spring, ancient trees that have been nationally registered, etc., are among the important attractions of this village.
Chashm Village (Shahmirzad)
Chashm village is located 25 kilometers north of Shahmirzad, next to the mountains, with natural landscapes including the mountains of Nizva, Chapard, Bardar, Garamdarr, Aram, and Safidkuh. In the past, Chashm was called "Mircheshmeh" due to having numerous springs. The existence of rich pastures, abundant water, and fertile lands were the main reasons for the formation of this village. This village has a cold mountain climate with a long freezing period and very cool summers, and abundant water is one of its advantages, originating from Mircheshmeh and Sud Kalam. The watchtower, the mausoleum of Imamzadeh Abolqasem and Imamzadeh Mehdi, the mausoleum of the late Hajj Agha Seyyed Zain al-Abedin Nabavi and Agha Seyyed Soleiman Emadi, Bibi Parhiz Khanum, etc., are among the historical sites of this village.
Rashm Village (Damghan)
Rashm village is located 105 kilometers south of Damghan in the Sar-e Kavir region. The area of the village and its pastures is about 150 square kilometers. This village is situated amidst the Anar and Dezina mountains, which surround the village from the north, northeast, and west, and faces the Dasht-e Kavir desert from the south and southeast. Due to its location near the mountains, this village has a suitable climate and a green and pleasant atmosphere compared to neighboring villages, which distinguishes it from desert villages. The presence of numerous springs in this village has boosted the cultivation of many agricultural products, and this village is inhabited by nomadic pastoralists. The old cemetery of this village, known as Iraji, is located west of the village, and the villagers believe this cemetery belongs to the time of Sheddad. The mausoleum of Imamzadeh Abbas, which has a square space with a stepped dome and an octagonal tomb inside that occupies almost its entire space, is located in this village and likely dates back to the Timurid era. The Baseri mansion, built with adobe, is also one of the old mansions in this village.
Forumed Village (Meyami)
This village is located in Meyami county. Among the old structures of this village are the Tomb of Ibn Yamin and the Jameh Mosque. The tomb of Sheikh Hassan Juri, a cleric and leader of the Sarbadaran during the Mongol Ilkhanate, is also located near this village.
Qaleh Bala Village (Biarjmand)
This village is located 24 kilometers southeast of Biarjmand district, on the edge of the desert, with a semi-arid location and moderate vegetation. The occupation of most of the residents of this village is animal husbandry and agriculture, and the main products of this region are wheat, barley, sesame, walnuts, apricots, etc. Due to the village's foothill location, construction is terraced, using adobe in the old texture and bricks in new houses. The proximity of this village to Turan National Park and the presence of wild animals such as the Asiatic cheetah, Asiatic wild ass, gazelle, etc., are among the important attractions of this village.
Maladeh Village (Mehdi Shahr)
Maladeh village is a part of Mehdi Shahr county, located 55 kilometers north of Shahmirzad. Its climate is temperate in spring and summer and cold and snowy in winter. Among its historical attractions is the Maladeh Mansion in the village. This complex consists of two mansions built in a lush garden, including the Ibrahim Khan house in the western part and the watch house or kiosk in the northeastern part. The heights of Maladeh have unparalleled scenery, including high views of the mountains, which are covered with snow, rocky terrain, and steep slopes in winter, the presence of animals such as partridges, bears, foxes, wolves, and wild boars, fruits such as barberry, oleaster, and kandus (native plants), etc., juniper forests, oak bushes and trees, and birds like tits and mountain nightingales can be mentioned in this village.
Report by Samaneh Soltanipour, Deputy of Handicrafts, General Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Semnan Province