Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Borvāyeh-ye Al Bū ‘Azīz, Khūzestān, Iran
1. Yellow City of Abarkuh
A historic city famous for its tall, cylindrical wind towers and mud-brick buildings painted in vibrant yellow. Explore the unique architecture and taste local dates.
- Mud-Brick Architecture: The city is built entirely with sun-dried mud bricks
- Tall Wind Towers: These towers, also called badgirs, help to circulate air and cool the buildings naturally.
- Date Palm Groves: The city is known for its date palm groves, with over 100 varieties of dates
2. Jame Mosque of Boroujerd
An architectural marvel with a unique combination of Seljuq and Safavid elements, featuring intricate tile work and towering minarets.
- Mihrab: The mosque's mihrab is adorned with stunning floral designs.
- Tile Work: The tile work in the mosque showcases a beautiful fusion of Seljuq and Safavid styles.
- Minarets: The two minarets, each with seven storeys, are unique due to their slender, spiral design.
3. Ancient Caravanserai of Saghez
A grand roadside inn that once provided shelter to merchants and travelers along the ancient Silk Road. Marvel at its massive scale and intricate architecture.
- Size: The caravanserai covers an area of over 20,000 square meters.
- Architecture: The caravanserai features a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, stables, and storage facilities.
- Silk Road History: The site offers insights into the history of trade along the ancient Silk Road.
4. Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd
A sacred place of worship for Zoroastrians, featuring an eternal flame that has been continuously burning since 470 AD.
- Eternal Flame: The fire is considered a symbol of faith and purity.
- Architecture: The temple's architecture reflects the blending of Zoroastrian and Islamic elements.
- Religious Significance: The temple is one of the few remaining places where the ancient Zoroastrian religion is still practiced.
5. Dasht-e Kavir Salt Desert
A vast salt desert with striking white landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Experience a surreal sense of tranquility amidst this barren yet beautiful landscape.
- White Landscapes: The salt desert presents a stark, white expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite its barren appearance, the desert supports unique species of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions.
- Silence and Tranquility: The silence and tranquility of the desert make it a perfect place for introspection and relaxation.
6. Bazaar-e Dowlat in Kerman
A bustling marketplace filled with traditional Persian crafts, spices, and textiles. Haggle for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
- Traditional Crafts: The bazaar offers a wide variety of traditional Persian crafts, such as pottery, metalwork, and leatherwork.
- Spices and Textiles: The bazaar is known for its colorful spices and intricate textiles, including the famous Kerman carpets.
- Haggling Culture: Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience in the bazaar.
7. Takht-e Soleymān Fire Temple
A Zoroastrian fire temple built atop a natural pulpit-shaped rock formation. Witness the ancient religion's architectural harmony with nature.
- Natural Rock Formation: The temple is built upon a large, natural rock formation resembling a throne.
- Fire Altar: The temple houses an ancient fire altar that has been continuously burning since the 7th century AD.
- Architectural Harmony: The temple's architecture seamlessly blends with the surrounding rock formations, creating a harmonious landscape.
8. Ardashir Palace in Bishapur
An ancient Sassanian palace complex with impressive rock-cut architecture and intricate bas-reliefs. Learn about the history of one of Iran's most powerful dynasties.
- Rock-Cut Architecture: The palace is carved directly into the rock, showcasing impressive stonework.
- Bas-Reliefs: The bas-reliefs depict scenes from ancient Persian mythology and history.
- Sassanian History: The palace complex offers insights into the history of the Sassanian Empire, one of Iran's most powerful dynasties.
9. Meybod Fortress
A medieval fortress with unique windcatchers and defensive towers. Explore the history of Persian castles and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Windcatchers: The fortress features several large windcatchers, which help to circulate air and cool the building naturally.
- Defensive Towers: The fortress is surrounded by defensive towers, designed to protect against invaders.
- Panoramic Views: The fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains.
10. Fin Garden in Kashan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautiful Persian gardens with symmetrical layouts, ornamental pools, and stunning architecture.
- Symmetrical Layout: The garden follows a symmetrical design, with rows of trees, flowers, and water features.
- Ornamental Pools: The garden features several ornamental pools, reflecting the surrounding architecture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Fin Garden is one of four Persian gardens in Iran that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
11. Tekyeh-e Mo'alla in Naein
A traditional Persian tekyeh (a type of religious gathering place) with beautifully preserved frescoes and intricate tile work. Witness a unique aspect of Iranian culture.
- Frescoes: The tekyeh is adorned with stunning frescoes depicting scenes from Shiite history.
- Tile Work: The interior features intricate tile work, showcasing traditional Persian designs.
- Religious Gathering Place: Tekyehs are unique to Iran and provide a space for the local community to gather for religious ceremonies.
12. Kharanagh Ancient City
An ancient settlement dating back to the Parthian Empire, featuring unique rock-cut tombs and a fortress. Explore this hidden gem of Iranian history.
- Rock-Cut Tombs: The tombs are carved directly into the rock, demonstrating impressive stonework.
- Fortress: The site also features a fortress, providing evidence of its defensive purpose.
- Parthian History: Kharanagh offers insights into the history of the Parthian Empire, one of Iran's ancient empires.
13. Shazdeh Garden in Mahan
A beautifully preserved Persian garden with a stunning waterfall and intricate architecture. Enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst lush greenery and colorful flowers.
- Waterfall: The garden features a beautiful waterfall, which adds to its serene atmosphere.
- Intricate Architecture: The architecture in the garden showcases traditional Persian designs and craftsmanship.
- Persian Garden Design: The design of the garden follows the classical principles of Persian garden layout.
14. Chak Chak Temple in Yazd
A Zoroastrian temple located on a mountain peak, offering breathtaking views and religious significance. Experience the peacefulness of this sacred site.
- Mountain Peak Location: The temple is situated atop a mountain, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Religious Significance: The temple is considered one of the holiest sites in Zoroastrianism.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for introspection and meditation.
15. Jame Mosque of Meybod
An ancient mosque with unique architecture and beautiful tile work. Marvel at the intricate designs and appreciate its historical significance.
- Tile Work: The mosque features stunning tile work, showcasing traditional Persian designs.
- Architecture: The architecture of the mosque is unique due to its combination of Seljuq and Safavid elements.
- Historical Significance: The mosque has stood for over a thousand years and offers insights into the history of Islamic architecture in Iran.