Rasht is the capital city of Gilan province and the largest and most populated city located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Known as the city of silver rains, this city is one of the most important rice and vegetable producers in the country due to its humid and rainy climate. Similar to the rest of Gilan province, Rasht has a beautiful nature.
The Iranian city of Rasht gets UNESCO’s recognition as one of the best places in the world as far as cookery is concerned.
Rasht has made it into UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for its gastronomy (the practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food).
The people of Rasht are among the most energetic and kind people in Iran and their language is Gilaki. Rasht welcomes between 12 and 15 million visitors every year and is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Iranians.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Shahrdari Square
Shahrdari square is the beating heart of Rasht and one of its most important attractions. This square is surrounded by several historical monuments such as a clock tower, the post building, the historic Iran hotel and the city hall. The name Shahrdari, meaning city hall, refers to the city hall building in this square which is the first one built in Iran. Shahrdari square was built between 1919 and 1924 and is still the main square of Rasht. The architecture of this square and the beautiful surrounding buildings is inspired from Saint Petersburg city. Shahrdari square is a popular choice for spending the evening or strolling around and enjoying the delightful weather.
Kuchak Khan Mausoleum and Home
Mirza Kuchak Khan was an Iranian activist in the constitutional revolution of Iran, the leader of Jungle movement and the founder of the Soviet Republic of Gilan. He was a beloved character and a hero to Gilanis. Today his home serves as a museum displaying his personal possessions. Visiting his house helps visitors learn about an important era in the history of Iran. The mausoleum built in his memory is also visited often by locals and travelers.
Rasht Grand Bazaar
Unlike most traditional bazaars in Iran, Rasht Grand bazaar is an open-air one. This bazaar contains 14 caravanserais dating back to the Qajar and early Pahlavi era. Rasht Grand Bazaar has long been popular among locals and visitors and is a suitable place for buying souvenirs, local food etc.
SOUVENIRS
Rasht is famous for its variety of foods. Most of the local foods from Rasht are made from fresh walnuts, olives, rice, fish, etc. all of which are among the popular Rasht souvenirs. In addition, you can also buy tea and sweets like Reshteh Khoshkar and special cookies called Kolucheh to take home. Rasht also has a variety of handicrafts such as knitwear clothes, wicker baskets and ground cloth.
Tālīsh is a region that stretches north from the Sefīd-Rūd river, which cuts through the Alborz mountains in Iran's Gilan Province, to the Aras river in the south of Azerbaijan. The region is inhabited by the Talish people who speak the Talish language. The territory and the language set apart Talish from its neighbors.
Hashtpar is a city and capital of Talesh County, Gilan Province, Iran. The Iranian dialect of Hashtpar is a dialect of Talysh language
Geography
Talish is located in the southwest of the Caspian Sea and stretches to the north for more than 150 kilometers. Talish consisted of the Talish Mountains and supplemented by a narrow coastal strip. High rainfall, dozens of narrow valleys, discharging into the Caspian Sea, or into the Anzali Lagoon, fertile soil and dense vegetation ( home of the extinct Caspian tiger) are some geographical features of this land. In the north, Talish merges into the Mugan plain. This territory shapes the historical habitat of Talishi people who have lived a nomadic life, moving along the mountainous streams. Northern part of the Talish includes the districts of Astara, Lankaran, Lerik, Yardymli, Masally, and Jalilabad.
Bandar-e Anzali is a city of Gilan Province, Iran. Anzali is one of the most important cities in Iran in terms of tourism, economics, and athletics. Tourist attractions include a clock tower called Manareh, the long harbour promenade, and the water-logged delta and beach along the Sefid Rud.
Its wonderful lagoon, Customs and City Hall edifice (Shahrdari), Mian Poshte Palace and Motamedi Edifice, are its tourist attractions. The structure Of Naser-al-din Shah Place which was built by Moayer-ol-mamalekk and its famous Sangi Bath was destroyed by people and natural factors.
In the past, citizens of Anzali were mostly involved in the fish trade. Rice farming and agriculture are the other traditional jobs in Anzali, and are practiced in the villages surrounding the city. The majority of Anzalichi's are adherents of the Shia Islam sect, although there is a sizeable Armenian Christian minority.
The people of Anzali speak Gilaki as the maternal language and Persian as the national language.
Deylaman is a city and capital of Deylaman District, in Siahkal County, Gilan Province, Iran.
Deylaman is a dreamy region in Gilan province and near Lahijan. This remote place has breathtaking sceneries, fresh air, and beautiful natural attractions.
If you want to experience some relaxing time in a far far away dreamy village, with no disruption elements of city life, Deylaman is a perfect choice. Imagine waking up in a crispy air in a beautiful village house, look out of the window and see the most beautiful color of the sky and the livestock in the grass.
Deylaman is almost a remote area. If you want to explore more tourist attractions nearby, you have to at least drive about 50 kilometers to get to Lahijan, another beauty in Gilan. If you continue your way toward the north, you will reach Rasht and you can visit Rasht Shahrdari Square, Caspian Sea, Caspian Complex, Masouleh, Masal, and Bandar-e Anzali.
Why to visit Deylaman?
It is said that Deylaman is the highest place in Gilan province. The only way to realize why travelers consider Deylaman as one of the most beautiful and intact county areas in Gilan province is to travel to this area. The climate is cool and agreeable in the mountainous Deylaman and there are plenty of springs flowing from snowy peaks into lush landscapes. In terms of civilization, Deylaman is one of the ancient areas in Iran. There have been found plenty of archaeological evidence, including indications of cave life and clay, bronze and copper-made tools date back to two thousand years B.C.
Top Sights in Deylaman
Deylaman County
Pass a sea, beaches, padding fields and tea fields; drive in an alluring forest road; enjoy spectacular sceneries; watch the passing horses and be prepared to see the dreamy Deylaman: a verdant county with situated on the hillside of snowy peaks.
Lounak Waterfall
On the way to Deylaman, the sound of a roaring waterfall will be heard. The Lounak waterfall is situated in the middle of forests and can be visited on the road to Deylaman.
Titi Caravansary
Apart from natural attraction, there are some historic sites in Gilan province near Deylaman including Titi Caravansary. The Caravansary is made of river stones. The Titi Caravansary used to be a resting place for merchants traveling from Siahkal and Deylaman to Telaghan. If you are a history enthusiast, having a visit to the historic Hammam (Bath) of Deylaman, built in Qajar era, is also recommended.
When to Go to Deylaman
Deylaman records memorable moments for you no matter when to travel for a visit. However, if you want to get the most out of your trip, most tourists recommend spring and summer. Summers are cool and winters are cold here.
Gilan Rural Heritage Museum is located in the heart of Saravan Forests, near Rasht City and before Fuman road, many rural houses have been gathered in the Gilan Rural Heritage Museum from the surrounding villages and they have been reconstructed here.
These fields can be divided into nine parts, according to the findings of these studies, based on the cultural and architectural diversity of the province and regardless of the country divisions. These fields include two main branches of the east and west each one with four coastal, plain, submontane and mountainous subcategories.
It also should be said that some places have been considered in designing this museum for resting, restaurant, mosque and bazar.
There also exist the Gilan Museum of Celebrities, mosque, the entrance building, researchers’ forum, market, coffeehouse, the traditional coal kiln, forging workshop, school and administration, support and service buildings, inside the museum area in addition to the rural houses.
Different agricultural equipment is exhibited in this museum. Also, the museum houses include traditional decorations most of which have been gifted by local people.
Astara is a city and capital of Astara County, Gilan Province, Iran. It lies on the border with Azerbaijan Republic and on the Caspian Sea. It is an important border trade center between Iran and the Caucasus.
Tourism
Astara has various attractions and is considered a major tourist destination for Iranians and foreigners, especially those from the Caucasus. The city has a selection of beaches and is near to a Temperate rainforest. Annually over six million Iranians, and six hundred thousand foreigners visit the city.The most popular beaches in this city are Shariati park and sadaf beach. Shariati beach park is located in the city, and Sadaf beach is 7 kilometers far from Astara city
Agriculture
Rice has been cultivated in this region for many years, where some indigenous cultivars (landrace) were conventionally bred by farmers.
Climate
Astara has a humid subtropical climate with relatively cold, wet winters and hot, humid summers.
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All forests in the north of Iran are on the slopes of Alborz Range and off the Caspian coast. Only in 3 or 4 small spots you can find a forest that has reached the sea!
Imagine a straight road with tall trees growing on both sides of it. On the horizon of this road, you can see the sea waves.
It can be said that the Gisome Forest Park is a Touch of paradise in the real world. Towering trees of this forest as well as its dream road are one of the reasons for traveling to North of Iran.
Gisoom forest, The only forest road to the Gilan Sea
Gisome forests are located in Gilan province with an area of about 80 hectares. Plenty of trees and plant species have been identified in the plain in which totally, there reach to about 76 species of plants. Name of Gisoom is derived from a village in this area which is successful to attract many tourists annually.
The road leading to this forest is so beautiful and spectacular as if you were crossing the corridors of paradise with nice & huge trees. you never will forget your experience.
Masal village in Gilan is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in the northern parts of Iran that have a special place in Iran tourism. Masal is called the lost heaven in Gilan and its lush and green nature, temperate climate, and eye-catching landscape prove that this name is completely suitable for Masal village.
If you are tired of urban life and populated cities full of cars and people, regular jobs for weeks after weeks, Masal village can be the best option for you to feel the peace of mind for a few days. In this article, we are going to introduce the Masal village and all the activities you can have there for you. Stay with us.
You can see anything that makes you love rural life in Masal village. After falling asleep in a wooden hut under the starry sky, you wake up to the sound of birds. Get out of the hut as soon as possible to see a carpet of clouds beneath your feet. Prepare yourself for a day of eating local food.
Lahijan is a city near the Caspian sea and the capital of Lahijan County, Gilan Province, Iran.
Lahijan has both traditional and modern architecture. The city, which has an Iranian-European urban structure, lies on the northern slope of the Alborz mountains. Its culture and climatic favorable condition have made Lahijan a major tourist hub in northern Iran.
The city is basically founded on the sediments remaining from big rivers in Gilan, including the Sepid-Rud (White River). Historically, the city was the major business center and the capital of East Gilan during the time of special rulers. Lahijan has also been a tourism hub of the Islamic world during different eras in Iran's history.
Lahijan enjoys a climate known as "moderate Caspian". This weather pattern emerged from the influence of the currents of both the Alborz Mountain slopes and the Caspian Sea.
Tourist Hubs
Lahijan lake at Night-Lahijan Satan's Hill telecabin
Sheitan Koh (Satan's Hill) and its waterfall - Sareshke - Baam-e-Sabz - Lahijan Pool (Estakhr) - the Tomb of the Four king (Char Padeshahan) - Golshan Bath - Sheikh Zahed Gilani Tomb - Shen Chal & Sustan Pool - Lahijan Daily Markets No.1 and No.2 - Iran National Tea Museum - Brick Bridge (pole Kheshti) - Amjadossoltan (Tomb of Farah Pahlavi(Diba)'s ancestor - National Library) - Lahidjan gondola - At'ah Kuh - Bulvar . . .
Anzali Lagoon in the Caspian Sea near Bandar-e Anzali, in the northern Iranian province of Gilan. The lagoon divides Bandar-e Anzali into two parts, and is home to both the Selke Wildlife Refuge and the Siahkesheem Marsh.
Although the lagoon suffers from pollution, it is known as a good place for bird watching.
The lagoon has decreased in size since the 1930s to less than a quarter of its former extent.پ However, in the last ten years (As of 2007) water salinity has increased both by the rise of the level of the Caspian Sea which has caused greater interchange of waters, and due to greater salt transport in incoming "fresh" water due to increased upstream irrigation.
Located in an area of 15,000 hectares near the northern port city of Bandar Anzali in Gilan Province, Anzali is one of the few Iranian wetlands which have been registered as an international wetland in the 1975 Ramsar Convention. Wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems; however, the Anzali Wetland has also been the victim of the authorities neglect, putting it in danger of grave ecological changes.
Roodkhan Castle, is a brick and stone medieval fortress in Iran that was built by the Gilaks to defend against the Arab invaders during the Arab/Islamic invasion of Sassanian Iran. With the fall of the Sassanid Empire, this area became a defensive position against the Arabs in the then-newly established Tabarestan.
Located 25 km southwest of Fuman city north of Iran in Gilan province, it is a military complex which was constructed during the Sasanian era (224-651), and later rebuilt in 1096 by the Nizari Isma'ilis for use by the Assassins. The castle is built on two tips of a mount, with an area of 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres). Its architects made use of natural mountainous features in the construction of the fort.
The Rudkhan Castle River originates in the surrounding heights and flows from south to north.
After crossing a mountainous winding route with dense forests, the first thing that one notices about the castle is its big entrance gate.
Masuleh is approximately 60 km southwest of Rasht and 32 km west of Fuman. The village is 1,050 meters above sea level in the Alborz mountain range, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.
the province of Gilan has a long history. The first village of Masuleh was established around 1006 AD, 6 km northwest of the current city, and it is called Old-Masuleh (Kohneh Masuleh in Persian). People moved from Old-Masuleh to the current city because of pestilence and attacks from neighbouring communities.
Masouheh-Rood-Khan is the river passing through the city, with a waterfall located just 200 meters away from the village. It's cut-off by snow during the winter months. Fog is the predominant weather feature of Masuleh.
Architecture
Masuleh’s architecture is unique. The buildings have been built into the mountain and are interconnected. Courtyards and roofs both serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. Masuleh does not allow any motor vehicles to enter, due to its unique layout. It is the only city in Iran with such a prohibition. However, the small streets and many stairs simply wouldn't make it possible for vehicles to enter.
The spectacular architecture of Masuleh is popularly known as "The yard of the building above is the roof of the building below".
Buildings are mostly two stories (1st floor and 'ground' floor) made of adobe, rods and bole. A small living room, big guest room, winter room, hall, WC and balcony are usually found in 1st floor. A cold closet, barn and stable are located on the floor below, which are connected to the upper floor by several narrow steps inside the building.
