Meymand Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique and ancient settlement located in the heart of Iran. Known for its remarkable troglodyte dwellings carved into the mountains, Meymand offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its early inhabitants and their ingenious adaptation to the environment. Human life in the past, when resources were very limited, was extremely difficult. Despite the advancements of today’s world, the way of life and how people spent their time in the past still remains intriguing. The lifestyle and some of the strategies that humans adopted in the past to adapt to nature and its constraints are quite thought-provoking. In this article from Eligasht, we will travel to the heart of the mountain and become acquainted with another example of human adaptation to nature. We intend to discuss the village of Meymand, a village nestled in the heart of the mountain. Stay tuned with Eligasht to learn more about this unique and fascinating village.
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What makes Meymand unique in the world?
most of you have heard or read the sweet story of Shirin and Farhad. Let’s indulge our imaginations a bit and consider the villagers as descendants of that same lovestruck Farhad, the mountain carver, a Farhad whose entire strength and motivation were born out of a love he held in his heart for Shirin. The most interesting point about the village of Meymand is that all the houses in this village are built within the heart of the mountain without using conventional building materials. This means that the people of this village have constructed their homes by carving into the mountain. This architecture led to Meymand being listed in 1394 on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the 19th global heritage site in Iran and the 7th historical and natural landscape in the world. This village is one of the most important and largest villages in Iran and the world, carved by hand and with a history dating back thousands of years.
Where is Meymand village located?
The village of Meymand is located in the province of Kerman in Iran. Meymand is a rocky village situated about 38 kilometers northeast of the city of Babak. However, there isn’t a specific route designated to reach it due to its location between the cities of Sirjan, Babak, and Rafsanjan, which means there are various ways to travel to and visit it.
Reason for the name Meymand
Although the exact reason for naming the village Meymand is not clear, there are several common beliefs surrounding this issue that have been formed based on speculation.
Some people believe that the word “Meymand” is a combination of two words, “mey” (wine) and “mand” (skilled). Since the formation of the village dates back to pre-Islamic times, it is said that the men of this village used to drink wine (“mey”) and when they got drunk, they started carving houses into the heart of the mountain.
Others say that Meymand is derived from “mobaraki” and “meymanat.” Some suggest that the word “mey” has transformed into “beg” or “magh,” which in ancient times meant God or great. On the other hand, the word “mand” means skilled or knowledgeable.
History of the village
There are various theories about the history of the village of Meymand. One theory suggests that Meymand dates back to the time of the Medes when people followed Mithraism, considering the mountain as a sacred symbol. Mountains were a source of light for ancient Iranians, representing the abode of gods and chosen ones on Earth. Therefore, many of their religious rituals and ceremonies were held on mountaintops. Followers of Mithraism believed in immortality and invincibility, and building houses within the heart of the mountain might have been a clever idea to uphold this principle.
Another belief is that the emergence of the village of Meymand dates back to the Arsacids and early Sassanian period. Due to its location within the heart of a mountain, Meymand enjoys a moderate climate, which could have attracted nomads seeking favorable climates during that time.
However, various pieces of evidence such as the surrounding fortifications, discovered tombs, and pottery jars found in this area near the village of Meymand align more with the second theory. Additionally, the presence of dolmen graves in the village further supports the credibility of the second theory. According to archaeological research, dolmen graves are often associated with the Sassanid era.
The architecture of the village
The architecture of Meymand village is pretty fascinating. Meymand rock village features 406 hand carved houses, with kitchens stacked on five different levels. Each of these kitchens has its own unique rooms, adding up to a whopping 2,560 rooms in total across the village.
When you step inside these homes, you’ll find a living room, several other rooms, and even stables. Each house has its own layout, making them all a bit different from one another. The entrances are small and low, and the unique design of these cottages helps keep them insulated, so they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, the village is known for its impressive fire resistance, which is a big plus for a rocky settlement.
Inside the houses, you’ll see various small and large niches covered with curtains, where locals store everything from dishes and clothes to bedding and lamps. They also use traditional stoves called Didon for heating and cooking. The interior of Kiche is the most attractive part of the village; A suitable place for the room, niche, dishes, chest, etc. has been carved in the interior of the rock. The temperature of Kitcheh is usually 5 degrees cooler in cold seasons and 5 degrees warmer than outside space in cold seasons. The light of the space is provided by a short entrance with a height of 75 cm. The different parts of the house are separated by a fabric curtain and the floor is covered with felt, rugs and carpets.
As you walk in, you can’t help but notice the darkened roofs, which are stained from the smoke of the kitchen stoves. Interestingly, this has actually helped extend the lifespan of the kitchens.
Meymand and its Honors
The historic village of Meymand, encompassing an area of 420 square kilometers, is recognized as one of the most significant and largest hand carved villages both in Iran and globally. The community continues to thrive, maintaining numerous ancient traditions. In 2014, Meymand was inscribed as the 19th World Heritage Site of Iran by UNESCO. Additionally, in 2004, it received the inaugural Melina Mercuri World Award, distinguishing it as the seventh cultural, natural, and historical landscape worldwide. This award is conferred biennially by the Greek government in collaboration with international cultural organizations such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, honoring sites that exhibit exceptional cultural, natural, and historical attributes.
Attractions of the village
Attractions in the village of Meymand include a mosque, a school, a Hussainiya (a congregation hall for Shia Muslims), a public bathhouse, and the Meymand fire temple. The rock bathhouse in Meymand, like other Iranian bathhouses, features a treasury, dressing rooms, and more. The treasury of the bathhouse, like other parts of the village, exhibits ancient craftsmanship. Nowadays, the bathhouse is equipped with electricity. In the past, there was a hole in the ceiling of the dressing room where placing a marble stone would reflect light into the bathhouse.
According to the history we discussed about the village, the construction of the Meymand fire temple dates back to the time of Mithraism. Meymand has a folk museum that introduces you to the handicrafts, customs, livestock, and agricultural products of the village. This museum is now located in the place of the village’s fire temple.
Residents of Meymand village
Residents of the village of Meymand are semi-nomadic and mostly engaged in occupations such as animal husbandry and agriculture. They utilize the mountain pastures around the village for grazing their livestock in spring and autumn and temporary settlements.
Most seasonal buildings in Meymand are regularly reconstructed in a systematic seasonal cycle. This practice is a form of traditional custom that ensures the durability and longevity of the buildings for future generations. The villagers have their own specific customs. For example, they still use words from the Middle Persian (Pahlavi) language in their dialect and speech.
Access route to Meymand
Maimand village is located between the cities of Sirjan, Shahre babak and Rafsanjan, and there are different ways to visit it:
Airplane: If you plan to travel by plane, you should go to the nearest airport to Meymand, which is located in Sirjan; Continue to the village by taking a taxi.
Train: The nearest train station to Meymand is Khatun Abad station, which is approximately 60 km away from this village. If you plan to travel by train, you have to take a taxi the rest of the way to Meymand.
the bus: If you are going to use a bus to travel to Meymand village in Kerman, it is better to know that Shahre Babak has a direct bus line from Tehran, Kerman and Yazd. You can reach this city using direct buses from Shahre babak and travel the rest of the way to the village by taxi.
Best time to visit Meymand
Since the weather in the village is very cold during the fall and winter seasons, it is recommended to choose spring, summer, or early fall for your visit. We hope you enjoy your trip to the village of Meymand and create wonderful memories.
Flora and Fauna of the village
The region surrounding Meymand is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. T sits at a height of 2,240 meters above sea level, nestled between the plains and the mountains. Back in the day, this area was lush with pistachio and wild almond trees. Nowadays, you’ll find a ton of mulberry and blackberry trees surrounding the village. The region is also rich in medicinal plants like black thyme, sage, yarrow, khatmi, alale, cumin, tangerine, lavender, fennel, oregano, persiavshan, licorice, kharster, makhlese, esfand, rhubarb, and artichoke.
The Meymand Plain is home to a variety of desert critters, including snakes, lizards, hedgehogs, turtles, and rabbits. Plus, the nearby mountains are inhabited by wild animals like deer, wolves, foxes, ibex, partridges, and various hunting birds. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna, gaining an appreciation for the area’s ecological diversity.
Final words
In This article, we aimed to introduce you to the village of Meymand, an extraordinary and ancient village. A village with a long and distant past, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and power of the people of Iranian history. With its numerous accommodations including the Dastkand Meymand eco-lodge, this village provides the opportunity to spend the night in the village and experience life in the traditional houses of Meymand. The structures of these lodges are traditional and old-fashioned, offering basic amenities for multi-night stays for travelers. However, they do not have bathrooms inside; instead, there is a shared facility located 50 meters away from the rooms.
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FAQ
What is the historical significance of Meymand Village?
Meymand Village is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Iran, with a history spanning over 2,000 years.
What are the main attractions in Meymand Village?
The village is known for its troglodyte dwellings, unique cultural practices, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
How can visitors experience the local culture in Meymand Village?
Visitors can participate in cultural workshops, explore traditional crafts, and engage with the local community.
What outdoor activities are available in Meymand Village?
The village offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and photography, with its diverse terrain providing a perfect setting for outdoor adventures.