Gorgan

Gorgan: The Lost Paradise of Iran!

Old Gorgan, called Jorjan in Arabic, was an important city near the Gonbad-e Kavous and now its ruins are located near Imamzadeh Yahya bin Zeyd. The present name of Gorgan, which has been replaced by the old name, Astrabad, is actually derived from the Arabic word Jorjan, due to its permanent greenery and prosperity. Most historians believe that after the Aryan tribes migrated to Iran and settled there, some settled in Hyrcana, which we now call the city of Gorgan. According to historical evidence, the city dates back to more than 6,000 years ago. Also, since the city of Gorgan has been a cultural center for many years, during the Safavid era it was called Dar al-Momenin.

Gorgan is the center of Golestan province in the northeast of Iran. The climate is temperate. However, the summers are relatively warm and humid. The natural features of the region are very diverse and include mountains, forests and meadows, plains, deserts and dunes, sea and bay, rivers and lagoons and agricultural lands. Gorgan has many underground aquifers that are used by various wells and aqueducts (qanats).

Gorgan is one of the most fascinating cities of Iran in the northern part of the country that welcomes many tourists every year. This beautiful city with its spectacular attractions, tourist services, amenities, and friendly and hospitable people makes a pleasant and memorable time for tourists.

 Local foods of Gorgan:

Gorgan is the center of delicious foods. Various types of dishes such as Kei-Torshak, Mash-Pati Kharesh, Morghaneh Tahchin, Dou Ash, Tomato Ash, and Torshi Ash are among the most popular and favorable Gorgani dishes. Remember; if you are traveling to this city be sure to try Younani Kebab and Dizi.

Natural Attractions of Gorgan:

The evergreen nature of Gorgan and its unique climate always play important parts in the city’s tourist attractions and many tourists come to the city every spring and summer to see this pristine and untouched nature.

Nahar Khoran forest-park:

These forests are part of the Hyrcanian forests, which are 40 million years old.

On Thursdays and Fridays, the locals and travelers walk along through the jungle’s entrance boulevard, with a mist covering the forest. It’s not just the forest’s boulevard with its restaurants, and cafes that make this park famous. In the jungle, we can sit and relax under the pergolas and enjoy the sound of birds.

This forest -park has a variety of amenities including parking, pergola and a playground. Apart from this, the Sefid Cheshmeh, Baba-Taher Hill and the Paradise area with its amusement park, restaurant and hotel are among the spectacular views of this forest.

 Tushan village: lake and forest in one frame!

Tushan Village is one of the most attractive options for a fun picnic. The stunningly beautiful nature, the pleasant climate and, of course, the village’s short distance to the city are some of the reasons why tourists and travelers choose this amazing village to spend a memorable weekend. One of the most important natural attractions of this village is a beautiful lake. Tushan Lake among the villagers is also known as the Ab- bandan.

The Great Wall of Gorgan:

The Great Wall of Gorgan or the Great Wall of Alexander or the Red Wall, also known in ancient texts as the Red Snake. It is a historic wall that started from the Caspian Sea in the Gomishan area and continued to the Gildagh Mountains northeast of Kalaleh. Almost all of this wall has now been destroyed and only a small part of it which is buried beneath the soil remains. Gorgan’s historical wall is the largest defensive wall (6,000 kilometers long) in the world after the Great Wall of China.

Among other natural attractions of Gorgan are:

Ziarat hot spring, Alangdareh Jungle-Park, Qoroq Jungle-Park, Garmabdasht village, the Gates of Alexander, the Nomel Dam and the Jahan Nama Protected Area.

Gorgan’s unique and historic attractions:

The main part of the historical attractions of the old city of Gorgan is its valuable historical texture. Traces of the past architecture can be found in buildings in various old neighborhoods.

Emadiyeh School: Safavid Science Center at the heart of Gorgan’s historical texture!

Gorgan Emadiyeh School is one of the monuments of this city, built during the reign of Shah Suleiman, the Safavid king. This school has a rectangular plan and has four verandas on two floors and one-storey chambers. This school has been repaired several times. Emadiyeh School, also known as Aga Hossein Emadiyeh or Darvazeh-nou (New Gate) School, with a 1550m area along with the Ab-Anbar, cemetery, bathhouse, various shops, Golshan Mosque and the multi-storey complex are part of the city’s historical texture.

The Dimeh-Lou Inn:

Dimeh Lou caravanserai (inn) belongs to the Safavid period and is located in Shahkoh village in Gorgan city and this historical monument has been registered as one of the national monuments of Iran. Its main materials are mountain rocks, river rocks, plaster, lime, and mortar.

Gorgan Handy Craft Museum:

Gorgan Handy Craft Museum or Amir Latifi’s house is located in the old texture of Gorgan in front of the Jame Mosque and the Naalbandan Market. This historical and beautiful monument was built on two floors by “Mehdi Khan Malek” in the late Qajar period as a residential home that has now become the Gorgan Handy Crafts Museum. The museum strives to familiarize people with the local crafts and the culture of the people of Gorgan. Applying the exact principles of symmetry and harmony along with using the climate-appropriate materials makes this spectacular building special.

The house of Taghaviha: a beautiful and historic house belonging to the Qajar era:

The Taghaviha House is one of the historical houses of Gorgan which dates back to Qajar period and has the specific and typical characteristics of the architecture of houses in northern Iran. Gorgan’s Taghavi House is about 2000 meters and houses 10 beautiful yards. The building is made of two floors and the second floor is made of wood to provide less weight for the lower floor. The building was constructed one meter above ground level and vacant space below it prevents moisture from penetrating the building.