The northern forests of Iran, known as the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran, are among Iran’s oldest dense forests between Iran, and Azerbaijan in the south of the Caspian Sea. According to existing evidence, the age of the trees in the Hyrcanian Forests dates back to the third geological period, which is related to the era of dinosaurs; however, the good news is the registration of these forests on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the following article from the tourism magazine Eligasht, we intend to talk about the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran. Join us on a journey to the northern region of the country.
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UNESCO World Heritage Registration of the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
Hyrcanian Forests of Iran, which have earned the title of the world’s oldest forests, are located in the northern region of the country and occupy a significant portion of the country’s forests. The antiquity of this area dates back to the third geological period and the Ice Age based on fossils and other discovered evidence. These forests were registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019, which is very important for our country’s tourism industry.
These multi-million-year-old forests have spread across five provinces in Iran and include some of the most important attractions such as familiar areas like Golestan National Park, Shahroud Cloud Forest, Jahannama Protected Area, and Bula Protected Area.
In 2019, UNESCO added the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq and the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran to the list of World Heritage Sites. The Hyrcanian Forests, which have a history of several million years, are derived from the ancient name Gorgan (Hyrcania) and are extensive in five provinces of Iran. The ancient city of Babylon came under the control of this empire following the expansion of the Achaemenid Empire.
Other Names for the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
You might find it interesting to know that the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran are also known by other names such as “Living Fossils,” “Natural Museum,” “Oldest or Most Ancient Forests in the World,” a remnant of the first period of forests on Earth, and a survivor of the third geological period and the Ice Age.
A Brief History of the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
To briefly mention the history of the Hyrcanian Forests, it can be stated that in ancient European times, the old name of Gorgan was referred to as the center of Gonbad, called Hyrcania. The term “Hyrcanian” later transformed into Gorgan, which encompassed areas like the Gorgan Plain, Gorgan Gulf, and so on. The Hyrcanian Forests are considered some of the oldest forests in the world and extend through parts of Semnan, Mazandaran, and surrounding areas.
Location of the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
Geographically, the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran are located about 800 kilometers from Astara to the east of Gorgan, with a width of approximately 110 kilometers. These forests continue from the northern foothills of the Alborz mountain range from sea level to the border of the forests. The area of the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran covers over 8.1 million hectares, constituting 1.1% of Iran’s land.
The Hyrcanian Forests of Iran span five provinces of the country, namely Ardabil, Mazandaran, Golestan, Gilan, and the northern part of Khorasan province. Currently, this area is recognized as one of the ecological regions under the name of the Hyrcanian Caspian Mixed Forests, which has been introduced as one of the 200 ecological regions recognized in the world by the World Wildlife Fund.
Northern Forests of the Country
Close to 53% of the Hyrcanian Forests are located in Mazandaran, 26% in Gilan, and 21% in Golestan province. Some of the attractions where you can witness the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran include the diverse forests, Alimestan Forest, Arasbaran Forests, Naharkhoran Gorgan Forest Park, Bibi Yanlu Forest Park, Shahroud Cloud Forest, Golestan National Park, where you can directly access these forests through these areas. However, this vast area of attractions is not limited to these, and other areas such as Chahar Bagh Chalous, Gasht-e Rudkhan, Siah Rudbar Gilan, Bula, Vaz Forest, Kojour Noshahr area, Palang Dareh, as well as the Lisar Protected Area are also part of these ancient forests.
Unfortunately, half of these forests have been lost, and only 10.3% of them are currently protected.
The Climate of Hyrcanian Forests
The climate conditions in the Hyrcanian forests are unique. While all tropical forests around the world have four types of climates throughout the year, these living fossil forests in Iran have three layers of climate. The weather in the Hyrcanian National Park in Azerbaijan is humid, its summers are dry, autumns are moist, and winters have a moderate climate. The climate conditions in the Hyrcanian region have been very favorable, allowing them to survive for millions of years in the northern part of the country and serve as a sanctuary for a variety of animals.
Fauna and Flora in the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
These forests, which have largely disappeared in most parts of Europe and Siberia due to cold and glaciation, have managed to survive in Iran due to the moderate climatic conditions along the shores of the Caspian Sea.
As mentioned above, the Hyrcanian forests are remnants of the third geological period and the ice age, characterized by a high diversity of native and ancient species, plant coverage, and biodiversity. This region is home to some of the rarest forest species globally, including 150 native tree and shrub species, as well as close to 60 mammal species, 340 bird species, 67 fish species, 29 reptile species, and 9 amphibian species, making it one of the most unique ecological systems in the world.
One of the most famous carnivorous species that used to exist in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran was the Mazandaran tiger, which unfortunately became extinct 20 years ago. Other species whose populations are significantly declining include the brown bear, wolf, jungle cat, lynx, maral deer, Caucasian leopard, and panther. It might interest you to know that the Hyrcanian forests are also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) internationally.
Exploring the Hyrcanian Forests: A Visitor’s Guide
For those lucky enough to visit, the Hyrcanian forests offer a wealth of experiences. Hiking trails wind through the dense woodlands, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife. The Golestan National Park, one of the largest protected areas within the Hyrcanian region, is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
For a unique perspective, consider taking a cable car ride in the Namakabroud Forest Park. As you glide above the treetops, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the lush forest canopy stretching all the way to the Caspian Sea.
Bird watching enthusiasts should head to the Miankaleh Peninsula, a wetland area where the forests meet the sea. Here, you can observe a wide variety of bird species, including migratory birds that use the area as a stopover on their long journeys.
For those interested in the cultural aspects of the region, the forest villages offer a glimpse into traditional life in northern Iran. Many of these communities have lived in harmony with the forest for generations, and their customs and practices reflect a deep connection to the natural world.
Staying in the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran
If you wish to stay in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, you should note that these forests are located in various provinces, depending on where you are in the country, such as Gilan, Mazandaran, Gorgan, Golestan, or Ardabil. It is worth mentioning that there are a variety of hotels and accommodations with full facilities in these areas due to their popularity among tourists, so you can rest assured about your stay.
However, if you prefer camping in the forest, you won’t need information about hotels and can spend the night in a safe area within the forest.
If you plan to stay in the forest, we kindly ask you to be vigilant in preserving and maintaining the forest, refraining from littering the environment and avoiding harming the trees.
Features and Regions of Growth in Hyrcanian Forests
The trees in these forests are of the mixed broad-leaved type on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, which are compatible with the semi-Mediterranean and humid climate. Hyrcanian forests have different vegetation covers based on the altitude they are in (sea level, low foothills, high foothills, very high points). Some of the most famous trees in these forests include oak, beech, hornbeam, alder, Persian ironwood, ash tree, and more. It is said that at geographic latitudes above 40 degrees, there are no beech tree forests, but the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, which are located on average at 38 degrees latitude, have dense stands of beech trees, which are unique in this regard.
Final words
According to the National Project Manager of these forests, the value of Iran’s forests is not in tradable goods and is not quantifiable; these forests, besides producing oxygen, which is considered the most important and fundamental basic need of every human, also greatly contribute to the water storage process and water infiltration into the soil in forested areas is much greater than in areas lacking vegetation cover.
These forests play a role in preventing natural disasters such as floods, which have repeatedly caused major financial and human losses in the northern provinces of the country, and the absence of these forests and grasslands could further exacerbate the trend of environmental degradation and the occurrence of irreparable natural disasters. Alongside all these values, enjoying beautiful nature and being free from daily concerns are among the other values of the Hyrcanian forests. In fact, this beautiful nature can be utilized for the development of tourism and the economy of the regions as well.
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FAQ
What makes the Hyrcanian forests so special?
The Hyrcanian forests of Iran are truly remarkable because they’ve survived for over 40 million years, dating back to the Eocene epoch. They’re a living fossil, harboring an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. In 2019, UNESCO recognized their importance by designating them as a World Heritage site.
Where exactly are the Hyrcanian forests located?
The Hyrcanian forests stretch along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. They primarily cover the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, creating a lush green belt between the mountains and the sea. The forests span several provinces in Iran, including Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran?
The forests are home to a rich variety of wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot the endangered Persian leopard or brown bear. Other animals include wild boars, wolves, and various deer species. For bird enthusiasts, there are over 180 bird species, including the rare black stork and Caspian titmouse. The forests also boast an incredible diversity of plant life, with over 3,200 vascular plant species.