We want to travel again to a province that has many historical works and architectures, renowned as one of the historical areas in South Khorasan, located 231 kilometers from the provincial center (Birjand). Tabas County is one of the ancient counties that is unique to South Khorasan and is considered one of the popular options for exploring Iran due to its unparalleled historical and natural attractions. Tabas County also has unique desert attractions that can make your journey more interesting. Notably, in the past, Tabas was part of Yazd province but was annexed to South Khorasan in 2012. One of the historical areas in South Khorasan is the Esfahak Village in Tabas, which is under the administrative division of the Dihouk District.
Book flights from London to Tehran and Tehran to London with Eligasht UK:
Introduction to the Esfahak Village in Tabas
The Esfahak Village in Tabas is located 38 kilometers east of this county. To access the Esfahak Village in Tabas, you need to enter Shahid Abas Pour Boulevard from Khoramshahr Street and then proceed onto the Tabas-Dihouk road. After traveling a distance of 38 kilometers, you will reach this village.
In recent years, the younger generation in Esfahak has stepped up to restore its traditional earthen architecture and promote a sustainable environmental culture by creating eco-lodges. The village has implemented strict regulations to protect the environment, such as banning disposable utensils and smoking, which showcases their commitment to sustainability and preserving cultural heritage. This dedication has not only drawn international attention but also earned the village several prestigious architectural awards.
Esfahak’s global recognition is a significant step in its journey to becoming a center for sustainable tourism and revitalizing the local identity. The World Tourism Organization reviews villages annually and selects the best for community development, and this year, they registered 254 villages, including 75 newcomers. Esfahak proudly secured a spot among the top 55 villages worldwide and was officially acknowledged as one of the best tourist villages by the UNWTO in 2024.
The Esfahak Village in Tabas is small, but it is very famous for its historical architecture and beautiful dry mud structures.
The Biggest Earthquake in the Esfahak Village
In 1978, the most tragic incident and the strongest earthquake in Tabas occurred. This event was one of the most difficult and painful times for Iran. Consequently, this village is among the survivors of this deadly earthquake. The magnitude of this devastating earthquake was 7.8 on the Richter scale, resulting in between 15,000 and 25,000 casualties and leaving thousands homeless. The exact death toll is not clear, as the level of destruction and debris was so high that many bodies were never found.
The village was not spared from this earthquake, and approximately 80 people were killed. The intensity of the quake caused significant destruction to much of the village’s infrastructure. Even about five years after the earthquake, there were almost no signs of habitation in the Esfahak Village in Tabas.
After the earthquake, new houses were built for the residents next to the village, while the historical part remained uninhabited. However, there are still sections of the beautiful historical texture with adobe houses that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Walking through these areas and touching the cool adobe walls of the houses creates a special atmosphere.
What Season to Visit the Esfahak Village
If you plan to visit this village, it doesn’t make much difference which season of the year it is; however, it is better to choose the cooler seasons, namely spring and autumn, for your trip, as these two seasons are the best times to visit the desert regions of Iran. Years ago, when the village was alive, it would give you a sense of the past.
This village has a unique vegetation cover consisting of plants that grow in the region, and the presence of orange trees and saffron fields in Esfahak creates a new experience for you. Interestingly, one of Iran’s desert observatories is located in the Esfahak Village in Tabas.
For recreational accommodation, to enjoy the nature of the Esfahak Village in Tabas, you can visit a beautiful eco-lodge established in the historical texture of the village. This lodge offers amenities such as a restaurant, bathroom, and shower.
Historical Buildings of the Esfahak Village in Tabas
Due to the severe earthquake that struck this region in 1978, many parts of the village were destroyed. However, some structures, such as the Grand Mosque, bathhouse, and a desert observatory, still remain. It is worth mentioning that after this unfortunate event and natural disaster, the villagers and a group of experts worked to restore the historical buildings of this village.
The Grand Mosque
The houses in the Esfahak Village follow the local architecture of desert regions, and the Grand Mosque of Esfahak is no exception. It features a small space with an adobe dome and several small windows.
The Old Bathhouse
Another historical building in the Esfahak Village in Tabas is an old bathhouse that includes a sitting platform, an entrance hall, short doorways, and a pool in the middle, which is undergoing complete restoration.
Desert Observatory
During the restoration of the historical texture of the village, an additional section was added as an observatory, consisting of three concentric brick walls.
Architectural Structure of the Esfahak Village in Tabas
The architecture and structure are entirely compatible with desert areas, and all materials used for constructing these historical houses are made of mud bricks and clay. This design led to the continuity and compactness of their homes to protect them from the risk of theft and marauders. Moreover, the greater density between buildings helps to create more shade; thus, during the scorching heat of summer, the compactness of the houses minimizes thermal exchange, leading to reduced sunlight exposure and consequently cooling the interiors in summer while keeping them warm in winter. One notable feature of the houses in the Esfahak Village is the dome-shaped roofs, designed to create shade against the sun’s rays so that even during peak sunlight hours, one side of the domes remains shaded, thereby absorbing less heat.
Culture and Traditions of the Original Inhabitants
This village has a long history, which is why it has many customs and traditions. One of their interesting traditions is the “Cheraghane Isfahaki” ceremony. The elders of the village of Isfahak in Tabas explained this custom as follows: Due to the lack of electricity and lighting in the past, the people of Isfahak would gather in one house to observe the tradition of family visits. They would light a lantern and gather around it, while also keeping up with each other’s situations. Nowadays, although many customs have changed, in many of the older parts of Isfahak in Tabas, when the weather turns dark, lanterns are lit in various places of this ancient village to illuminate it and keep this beautiful tradition alive.
Occupations of the People in the Village of Isfahak in Tabas
The geographical conditions in this village mean that for most of the year, the air temperature is at least 5 to 6 degrees cooler than in Tabas. As a result, the qanats (ancient water-conveyance systems) around it are well-watered.
Additionally, Isfahak has one of the richest water resources in the territory of Tabas County, known as the “Kowsar” wells, which supply water to 39 other villages.
One of the main reasons that has led the primary occupation of the villagers to become animal husbandry and agriculture is that products like saffron and dates are its important exports. When you travel to the village of Isfahak in Tabas, we recommend that you definitely take an interest in the handicrafts of the people, especially the carpets they weave by hand, and if financially able, purchase some to ensure that the colors and essence of this valuable industry are not lost.
In recent years, the residents of the city of Tabas and the village of Isfahak have taken many steps to restore and renovate the area, so much so that in 2016, several parts, including the bathhouse, four of the village houses, and a restaurant were renovated and put to use.
The Eligasht magazine suggests that you definitely travel to the village of Isfahak in Tabas to enjoy its historical beauty and the dry, desert climate.
Related post :
- Bam Citadel | the largest adobe structure in the world
- Exploring the Splendor of Hasht Behesht Palace in Isfahan
- Darak Beach in Chabahar | One of the Most Unique Beaches in Iran
FAQ
Where is Esfahak Village located?
Esfahak Village is located in the Tabas County of South Khorasan Province, Iran. It lies on the edge of the Dasht-e Lut desert and is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and mountains.
What is Esfahak Village famous for?
Esfahak is best known for its historical mudbrick architecture, its blend of ruins and restored structures, and its role as a living museum of traditional Persian village life. The village is also famous for its peaceful atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and the 1978 earthquake that left some parts of the ancient village in ruins.
What happened to Esfahak during the 1978 Tabas earthquake?
Esfahak was heavily affected by the devastating Tabas earthquake of 1978. Much of the original village was destroyed, and the residents relocated nearby to form a new settlement. However, parts of the old village were preserved, keeping its historical legacy alive.
Is Esfahak Village an inhabited village?
Yes, Esfahak is partially inhabited. While the old, historical section primarily serves as a tourist attraction, the new settlement adjacent to the historic ruins is home to a small population of villagers.
Can tourists visit Esfahak Village?
Absolutely! Esfahak has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Visitors come to explore its ancient architecture, experience the desert landscape, and enjoy rural Iranian hospitality.
What highlights should I not miss in Esfahak?
Some of the must-see highlights in Esfahak Village include:
The mudbrick buildings and ruins of the old village.
The restored windcatchers, or “badgirs.”
The old mosque and school.
Traditional clay structures and qanats (ancient underground water systems).
Stunning sunsets over the surrounding desert.