Kandovan Ancient Rocky Village

Author : shiva | Date : Wednesday 06 March 2024 13:58

Kandovan village is one of the most beautiful, unique, and effective attractions in Iran tourism in the East Azerbaijan Province. It is renowned for its extraordinary houses in the form of honey beehives on rocky cliffs.

How has the Kandovan village been created?

Kandovan village is one of the villages of East Azerbaijan province located 60 kilometers southwest of Tabriz. One of the most interesting points about this natural miracle is that the Kandovan village has been created by volcanic interactions between Sahand mountain and other volcanic mountains of that region for thousands of years in one of the most prosperous areas of Iran.

Molasses and lava from The activities of volcanic mountains are thrown out and accumulated over the years. Also, these masses have become deformed due to natural factors such as wind and rain and transformed into areas that are present you can see in Kandovan village.

Although the boundaries of the Kandovan village entrance area have been damaged due to atmospheric factors, the eastern and northern boundaries of the village remain relatively healthy due to the high hills.

Kandovan village has been registered as a valuable attraction in national attractions of Iran, and it has a global reputation unlike two other rocky villages in the world; one the Cappadocia village in Turkey, and another the Dakota village of the United States, Kandovan village is the only rocky village that currently locals live in there.

Kandovan Village history

There is no consensus on Kandovan village antiquity; some archaeological excavations have estimated the village history about 6,000 years ago, and others say it only belongs to 3000 years ago. Of course, some writings and inscriptions also say that the history of settlement in this village belongs to the seventh century AH, the period of the Mongols invasion.

At that time, people in another village, 2 km west of Kandovan, decide to stay away from the Mongols and therefore go to the plain beside them. They slowly begin to crawl the village with their hands so that they can shelter themselves inside them, and their residence has started in the Kandovan village.

The architecture of Kandovan Village

The architecture of the Kandovan village is rocky. This style has two types of architecture, and the study of it helps us to understand better the history and background of this place. In the usual form of architecture like Iranian architecture that we deal with every day, first, we create materials and then space and volume, but in rocky architecture, this is quite the opposite, and so it matters more.

In the first instance of the rocky architecture that the Kandovan village is in this category, people create large, free, and separate cliffs for creating numerous spaces such as houses, shelves, and warehouses. The exterior of this species of rocks is capable of carving and decoration. Because of the particular material in these rocks that do not collapse, they can add the windows to carved collections. The architecture of the Cappadocia in Turkey follows this approach. But in the second type of rocky architecture, only a few spaces can be created within the rocks and hills, and they can’t change the exterior by creating windows. Meymand rocky village is a good example of this kind of architecture.

How is the living in Kandovan village?

Since the Kandovan village is located on the slopes of the Sahand mountains, it has very good weather and there are plenty of lands and lush gardens around it, which is why the nomads choose there as a place for their hometown and they have many traditions and special Iranian culture for themselves.

The people of Kandovan village are more farmers and livestock, but in recent years, many tourists travel to Iran to visit this place because of its attractions, and this has led some people in this village to occupy other jobs.

Foundations of Daily Life in Kandovan Village

1. Occupations: Primarily focused on farming and livestock, reflecting a deep connection with the land.
2. Cultural Richness: A tapestry of traditions and customs, passed down through generations, adds depth to the community's social fabric.
3. Tourist Attraction: The village's natural and architectural marvels draw visitors from around the globe, contributing to the local economy.

Visitor Amenities and Services in Kandovan Village

Kandovan Village is not just a historic marvel but also a modern-day retreat equipped with essential and leisure facilities to enhance the experience of its visitors. Here's a glance at what you can expect:

Essential Services:

1. Utilities: Access to modern utilities including electricity and plumbing ensures a comfortable stay.
2. Education: The presence of educational institutions reflects the village's commitment to learning and development.

Shopping and Dining:

1. Local Markets: Grocery and souvenir shops offer a taste of local produce and crafts.
2. Dining Options: From traditional Iranian dishes to international cuisine, the dining scene caters to all palates.

Accommodation:

1. Hotels and Lodging: A range of hotels and rental rooms accommodate various budgets and preferences.
2. Unique Stays: Experience living in a carved-out rock room, blending history with comfort.

Kandovan village world reputation

The statistics show that around 300,000 tourists visit the Kandovan village in their Iran tours every year, which is why many hotels and resorts in this village and around them are made for these tourists. Laleh Hotel is one of the best and most beautiful hotels in Kandovan village. We suggest that if you go to this village, do not forget to buy Iranian souvenirs from here like honey and nuts.

When is the best season to travel to Kandovan village?

Summer is the best season to travel to the Kandovan village. The pleasant weather of Sahand mountain Range, the river on the downsides of the village, the green and breathtaking nature of Kandovan village in this season make it a popular destination in the summer.

Of course, it should be noted that in the summer, Kandovan village has visitors more than any other season and it will be crowded there.

Kandovan Village Facilities

Facilities in the Kandovan village are electric, plumbing, amusement parks, mosques, schools, toilets, grocery and souvenir shops, buffets, restaurants, hotels, and rental rooms. It's good to know that in front of the village there is a vast park and there are facilities like children's playgrounds, resorts, restrooms, and chapels.

The access path to Kandovan village

Address: Kandovan Rocky Village - 22 km from Osko Road to Kandovan - Osko - East Azerbaijan Province

For reaching the Kandovan village, if you are using the car rental in Iran services or driving your car, you must go to Osko from the cities of East Azerbaijan. Then you should start the road from Osko to the south of the city and take the road to Chaikernar Street. After passing Esfanjan city, you will reach a two-way road in 7 km. The way to the left brings you to the Kandovan village.

Last words

In conclusion, Kandovan Village is not just a testament to the enduring spirit of its inhabitants but also a living museum of nature's artistry and human resilience. Its distinctive landscape, rich history, and warm hospitality invite travelers from around the world to explore its wonders and take back memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

The questions about the kandovan village are not answered in the text above:

What makes Kandovan Village unique among other rocky villages worldwide?

Kandovan Village is unique for its inhabited houses carved into volcanic rocks, unlike other rocky villages like Cappadocia in Turkey and Dakota in the USA, where such structures are not commonly inhabited today.

What are the architectural styles in Kandovan Village?

The architecture in Kandovan involves carving living spaces directly into the rock, creating independent, spacious areas for homes, unlike traditional construction methods that build structures from materials.

What facilities are available in Kandovan Village?

Visitors to Kandovan can enjoy modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, educational institutions, amusement parks, mosques, souvenir shops, and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.