Ashin is a village located in the province of Isfahan, Iran, situated in the southern part of the Alborz mountain range. This city boasts untouched attractions and one of the reasons for that is the low tourism in this province. If you desire a unique journey to one of Iran’s regions, where you can experience both the desert and gaze upon starry skies, Isfahan is an excellent choice. This time, we will explore a fascinating area within this province called the village of Ashin. Join us with Eli Gasht.
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Village of Ashin
The village of Ashin is located approximately 30 kilometers from a city called Anarak in the province of Isfahan. This village is situated on a hill, and when you look at it, you will be captivated by a collection of beautiful clay houses in front of your eyes. These clay houses blend so well with the surrounding nature that they give the impression of emerging from the heart of the wilderness.
Ashin village is situated in a very dry region, and a glance at the village confirms this fact. One of the first questions that comes to mind upon entering this village is why there should be human existence in such a dry and barren place. Although it may be the case today, in the past, there were three rivers in this area that served as the connecting bridges between this village and the cities of Anarak and Ardestan.
These three rivers actually provide water for the village and some of the land. In the past, they also supplied water for caravans passing through this region since it was a caravan route. The water of these rivers comes from springs, and each spring has a reservoir where the spring water is stored.
As mentioned above, this village is located on a hill overlooking a vast and arid plain. There are photographs of this village dating back 70 years, and if you look at the pictures from those years, you will see that not much has changed.
In the village, there is a bathhouse located next to a small pool of water. Interestingly, if you stand on a higher point, you can easily see the expansive plain stretching kilometers away, and you can even see the sandy hills of the desert from there.
If you want to see one of the most pristine and untouched villages in Iran up close and familiarize yourself with the architecture of desert houses, we recommend visiting the village of Ashin. Being on the outskirts of the desert, this village has remained untouched by human disturbances, which is why as soon as you pass through this village, you feel reminded of the historical houses of the past. Moreover, a trip to this region will acquaint you with the hardships of desert living and show you how humans can survive and create habitats with minimal resources like water.
Attractions of the village of Ashin
Houses of the village of Ashin
These houses are made of clay and usually have no more than one room. The roofs of these houses are dome-shaped, and most of them do not have windows. Since these houses lack windows, the interior is expected to be dark, but the necessary light is provided through holes in the walls and ceilings. The summers in this desert are very hot, and the winters are cold, which is why the locals of this village use charcoal stoves to keep their houses warm during the winter.
Bathhouse of the village of Ashin:
Another attraction that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the village of Ashin is its bathhouse, which is located a few meters away from the village. This bathhouse is near a pool filled with red-colored fish and is one of the highlights of the village. This small pool also gets its water from a spring.
When you enter the bathhouse of this village, you will encounter a space similar to all the old bathhouses, with eight entrances, a warm room, a central platform, and a reservoir. It is constructed with plaster and decorated with lime.
Caravanserai Castle in the village of Ashin
Another must-see attraction when you are in the village of Ashin is the Caravanserai Castle. This caravanserai is made of rubble stones and bricks, and after entering through the main door, you reach a courtyard that has, over time, suffered from wear and tear and is not very visible.
Importance of the village
Ashin is an untouched example of rural architecture located at the very edge and boundaries of human settlement on the outskirts of the desert. By walking through its streets, visitors feel transported to distant historical eras. It also serves as a remarkable testament to the extraordinary efforts of humans who have created habitats with very limited water resources, playing a crucial role in the survival and development of civilization as a lifeline.
On the other hand, this settlement can be an ideal place to become acquainted with the diverse climate of the surrounding mountainous, desert, and desert regions. Most importantly, it is in close proximity to a unique type of desert called “Rig,” which is better known to most people as “moving sands.” The most famous Rig in Iran, Rig-e Jen, is remarkable in terms of its form, landscape, plant cover, and unique wildlife.
During a visit to Ashin and its surrounding nature, one can discover new dimensions of natural beauty and witness one of the most beautiful and extraordinary relationships that humans have forged with nature. It allows experiencing firsthand the rich and enhanced harmony between humans and nature that has been created and later enriched by nature itself.
Final words
The village of Ashin is a place where entering means being alone with yourself as if you have entered a place that is made only for you. Perhaps not everyone knows Ashin, and over the years, it has not been subject to much tourist attention, but rest assured that in this village, you will find things that you will never find in an urban environment, things as strange silence, houses made of straw and clay, old houses, and a sky filled with stars at night. Life in this corner of the world has been so fascinating that even a famous Austrian researcher and travel writer named Alphonse Gabriel has traveled to it. This is the kind of place where a single visit is enough for its memories to stay eternally in your mind.
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FAQ
1- Where is Ashin village located in Isfahan?
Ashin village is situated on the outskirts of Isfahan, near the desert region, in central Iran.
2- What makes Ashin Village unique and worth visiting?
Ashin village is renowned for its untouched rural architecture, providing a glimpse into the past and a sense of authenticity. It showcases the remarkable ingenuity of its inhabitants who have created habitats with limited water resources, playing a significant role in the survival and development of civilization.
3- What are the natural attractions near Ashin village?
Ashin village offers access to diverse natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the nearby mountainous regions, experience the beauty of desert landscapes, and witness the mesmerizing “Rig” or shifting sands, including the famous Rig-e Jen, known for its stunning forms, breathtaking vistas, and unique plant and animal life.
4- Are there any cultural or historical sites to explore in Ashin village?
While Ashin village primarily captivates visitors with its rural charm, it also provides opportunities to immerse oneself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, and traditional houses, and interact with locals to learn about the village’s history and cultural traditions.
5- How can I best experience Ashin village and its surroundings?
To make the most of your visit to Ashin village, it is recommended to take leisurely walks through its narrow streets, observing the distinct architectural styles and soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Additionally, exploring the surrounding natural wonders, such as the Rig-e Jen, and engaging with the local community will provide a deeper understanding of the village’s unique charm and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.