News
Latest updates from the village
Rethinking Tourism in Semnan Province: From a Transit Stop to a Global Destination
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Semnan Province has emphasized the need for a shift in how the province’s historical and cultural assets are developed and promoted. He noted that, drawing on its remarkable climatic diversity and internationally recognized heritage sites, Semnan has significant potential to transform from a transit province into a lasting destination for domestic and international travelers.
Read more →
Second Phase of Specialized Kilim-Weaving Training Begins in Qaleh Bala, a Global Tourism Village
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County has announced the launch of the second phase of a free kilim-weaving training program in Qaleh Bala, a designated tourism village, aimed at empowering the local community and revitalizing the region’s traditional arts.
Read more →
Revitalizing Historic Buildings and Expanding Accommodation Infrastructure in Global Tourism Village of Qaleh Bala
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County has announced the adaptive reuse of Qaleh Bala’s former telecommunications building as a fully equipped tourist accommodation facility, aimed at strengthening the village’s tourism infrastructure and encouraging visitors to stay longer.
Read more →
Removing Investment Barriers and Advancing Strategic Heritage Projects Named among Semnan Province’s Priorities
The Deputy Governor-General for Economic Coordination of Semnan Province has emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to remove investment barriers, resolve the status of historic properties, develop tourism infrastructure, and support major provincial projects, highlighting the strategic role of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts in economic growth, job creation, and investment attraction.
Read more →
Handicrafts Training Courses Begin in Qaleh Bala, a Tourism Village in Semnan Province
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County has announced the launch of free handicrafts training courses in Qaleh Bala, a designated tourism village, aimed at empowering local communities and revitalizing the region’s traditional arts and crafts.
Read more →
Restoration and Revitalization of Qaleh Bala’s Historic Fabric Begins with the Support of Shahrud’s Housing Foundation
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County has announced the beginning of restoration and revitalization works in the historic fabric of Qaleh Bala, a designated tourism village, in cooperation with the Islamic Revolution Housing Foundation of Shahrud County.
Read more →
The Green Table of Qaleh Bala: Local Produce and the Taste of a Living Village
A significant share of the food served in Qaleh Bala’s guesthouses and local homes is grown and produced right here in the village—in its orchards and fields—and then reaches the guests’ tables with minimal distance and virtually no intermediaries.
Read more →
The Echo of Ashura Laments in the Heart of the Desert: A Report on Tasua and Ashura 1405 in Qaleh Bala
In the heart of the scorching desert, where silence intertwines with the mournful chants of Ashura, Qaleh Bala Village once again bore witness in 1405 to a heartfelt expression of devotion to Imam Hussein, the revered leader and martyr of Karbala. The village’s deeply rooted mourning traditions resonated through its narrow mud-brick alleys, carrying both the passion and spiritual reflection of the Husayni tradition. The rhythmic sounds of cymbals and damams filled the air, while salavati refreshment stations and communal votive meals offered a warm expression of the villagers’ renowned hospitality. This visual report captures the heartfelt participation of young people and children in mourning processions, moments of sincere devotion in the village’s mosques and historic takiyahs, and the profound connection between faith, the village’s historic fabric, and its desert landscape. It is a portrait of a living tradition of mourning—one that, in Qaleh Bala, remains deeply rooted in the memory and spirit of the martyrs of Karbala.
Read more →
Tobacco Cultivation in Qaleh Bala, a Tourism Destination Village
The farmers of Qaleh Bala Village cultivate tobacco through a cooperative, community-based approach. This tradition reflects the strong spirit of solidarity within the village and the community’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the local economy.
Read more →
The Handicrafts of Qaleh Bala Women: A Blend of Heritage and Creativity
Coinciding with Handicrafts Week, the talented women of Qaleh Bala Village, with the support of the Borina Creative Women’s Association, have played an important role in preserving and revitalizing the region’s indigenous arts and crafts. By bringing together cultural heritage and contemporary creativity, their work not only helps safeguard the cultural identity of the region but also creates opportunities for the empowerment and economic independence of rural women.
Read more →
Qaleh Bala Among Iran’s 500 Selected Tourism Villages
The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of Shahroud County has announced that the historic village of Qaleh Bala has been included among Iran’s 500 selected tourism villages. He described the achievement as a reflection of the village’s exceptional potential in areas such as its distinctive terraced architecture, rich biodiversity, and preservation of local authenticity—qualities that have now established Qaleh Bala as a prominent destination on Iran’s tourism map.
Read more →
Khan Khodi Police Station Partnership Strengthens Tourist Safety in Qaleh Bala
The Head of the Shahrud County Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has announced an effective partnership between local authorities and the Khan Khodi Village Police Station to enhance security in Qaleh Bala, a designated tourism destination, and along the route to Touran National Park. He described the initiative as an important step toward improving the safety, peace of mind, and overall experience of both domestic and international visitors.
Read more →
Cheetah and Zagbor Dolls Become Tourism Ambassadors of the World Village of Qaleh Bala
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Shahroud County announced the creativity of the artistic women of Qaleh Bala village in creating symbolic wildlife dolls, considering this action an intelligent integration of local handicrafts and environmental responsibility.
Read more →
The Link Between Art, Environment, and Tourism in Qaleh Bala / Busts of the Saxaul Sparrow and Cheetah Come to Life from Recycling
The head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Shahroud County announced the implementation of a project to create symbolic wildlife sculptures in the global village of Qaleh Bala, stating that this action, while strengthening the culture of recycling and environmental protection, can help enhance the village's visual identity and better introduce its natural and tourism capacities.
Read more →
Qaleh Bala Women's Leap to Conquer National Markets / "Borina" Reaches Its True Position with a Cooperative Structure
The head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Shahroud County announced the formation of the "Borina" women's cooperative in the global village of Qaleh Bala.
Read more →