Varzaneh , All In one of nature and culture
Gavkhoni Wetland - end of Zayandehroud river
Zayandehrud River springs from central Zagros Mountains and ends in the Gavkhouni swamp which is 30 kilometers east of Varzaneh desert. This is on the list of 19 international wetlands as Gavkhouni is a rare and valuable type of wetlands in the world and is host to several bird species including cranes. Environmentally speaking, the swamp has ecological, biological and hydrological significance, too.
Shah Abbasi (Kouhpa) Caravansary
Being around 400 years old, Shah Abbasi Caravansary in Varzaneh, is one of the 999 ones that were built under Shah Abbas’s order during the Safavid Empire in order to ease the traveling and trading processes. Kouhpa Caravansary is now actively provide the guests with a traditional Persian ambience. This place gives you an impressionable and indescribable sense of ancient times as if you are traveling in history, therefor it is highly recommended. You can find the place in the eastern exit road of Varzaneh.
Jameh Mosque
It is said that the early structure of Jameh mosque has been a fire temple dating back to Sassanid Empire, however the mosque was renewed during Timurid era. It is interesting that people in Varzaneh used to build their houses around the mosque, so you might notice that the mosque is almost at the center of the town. Consequently, the current monument is about 600 years old and it is famous for its wonderful mihrab and the special entrance tiles.
Dovecote (The House Of Pigeons)
Dovecotes in Iran can be considered as astonishing buildings to house pigeons. Although there are similar buildings in some other countries, traditional Persian architecture of pigeon houses in Iran seems extremely distinctive. Firstly, this would be the manifestation of Iranian’s respect for the non-human world. Furthermore, the architecture of the dovecotes shows Iranian intelligence as they are built in a way not to let invasive birds in. Generally, desert cities in Iran including Meybod, Yazd province or Varzaneh are host to dovecotes to create a safe place for them to be protected not only from the heat wave or chill of the desert but also to breed their offsprings.
Located in Ghurtan Village, on the northwestern spot of Ghurtan old citadel, the dovecote of Varzaneh has 15 meters’ height and is very close to the river. It has the capacity to house almost 25 thousands of pigeons. It is a good idea to have a flying visit to the ancient citadel of Ghurtan, as it is believed to be the second largest adobe citadel after the Bam Citadel, Kerman province.
Handicrafts
Handmade artworks, specifically fabrics used to be a significant part of Varzaneh lifestyle while it is gradually disappearing, unfortunately, due to the technological systems which provide the world with industrial fabrics. The fabrics are mainly woven by women, some of whom are still working in few workshop-houses where you can watch the whole process closely. The handicrafts include weaving tablecloth and another kind of fabric weaving called “karbafi” in Persian.
Of high importance and worldwide fame, is a unique type of Persian hand-crafted carpet, which is being weaved in Varzaneh. This rug is basically made of silk with the mixture of colors that contribute to the carpet’s shining. Similar to hand-woven Persian carpets, the design of this type is sometimes involved with natural traditional patterns like flowers and birds. Buying the carpets in Varzaneh costs you much less than in the bazaars of big cities.
ITC has been providing cultural tours to visit Varzaneh in order to introduce Persian culture and lifestyle to the world.
Ox-Well Complex (Gavchah)
A specific race of ox is used to revive the traditional and old lifestyle in Varzaneh and this is done by Haj Ibrahim who is the owner of the ox. The complex includes a well, an ox, a rope and a bucket to be filled with water. During the old times the ox used to take water from the well and in each round almost 200 liters used to be taken. The water was pumped into the fields and also distributed among the citizens without any technological system and environmental pollution. Today, Haj Ibrahim is running this complex symbolically for the tourists and visitors. Interestingly enough, the ox is adapted to its owner’s voice. It means that only with the sound of his owner it starts working.
Old Bridge
Since Varzaneh is an ancient town, you can find a historical bridge over Zayandehrud River which has 10 arches with similar structure to Si-O-Se Pol or Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, in terms of the form and the materials. However, it is said that the bridge belongs to Seljuq period. People in Varzaneh have been protecting this bridge and this is the reason why it still breathes and embraces travelers and visitors for to pass or walk.
Food
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- Traditional Bakery
Local foods in Varzaneh are must-try! Several kinds of traditional breads, each having its own taste and nutritious benefits as well as local meals have added to the village’s attraction.
Black mountain
Black mountain or in the local’s word “the eye of the wetland” is located on the northern part of Gavkhouni wetland and it has been a volcano, formed almost 12 million years ago. The stones of this mountain are light, having many wholes inside because it is the remaining of black magmas. It is good to know that the stones have been using in the production of a traditional hygienic tool, called (“Sang-i-Pa” in Persian) to clean the feet’s sole. Black mountain has an amazing view over Gavkhouni wetland because it is 2050 meters high.
Of high importance and worldwide fame, is a unique type of Persian hand-crafted carpet, which is being weaved in Varzaneh. This rug is basically made of silk with the mixture of colors that contribute to the carpet’s shining. Similar to hand-woven Persian carpets, the design of this type is sometimes involved with natural traditional patterns like flowers and birds. Buying the carpets in Varzaneh costs you much less than in the bazaars of big cities.
ITC has been providing cultural tours to visit Varzaneh in order to introduce Persian culture and lifestyle to the world.
Varzaneh Guesthouse
Varzaneh guesthouse has been built during Pahlavi era and renovated to cater tourists from around the world. The guesthouse includes both private and shared rooms. Despite other ecologies, Varzaneh includes beds in rooms. The yard and wooden beds to be chill out on, have made this guesthouse a beautiful and cozy place to spend some time there. Shared rooms are best for those who would like to travel economic.
Negaar Traditional Guesthouse
Similar to Varzaneh guesthouse, the house belongs to Pahlavi era recently renovated for travelers. It has a rooftop which provides you with a view over Jameh Mosque of Varzaneh. Negar has both private and shared rooms for any type of tourists who wants to travel in luxury or on a budget.
Located in Ghurtan Village, on the northwestern spot of Ghurtan old citadel, the dovecote of Varzaneh has 15 meters’ height and is very close to the river. It has the capacity to house almost 25 thousands of pigeons. It is a good idea to have a flying visit to the ancient citadel of Ghurtan, as it is believed to be the second largest adobe citadel after the Bam Citadel, Kerman province.
Chapaker Ecolodge
Chapaker has the capacity for 25 tourists from other countries. The Eco lodge does not contain beds, so you sleep on the mattress-like beds. Like Varzaneh and Negar, Chapaker is capable of catering any type of travelers, either on budget or luxurious ones.
About Varzaneh
5000 years ago, when Varzaneh village appeared as the last civilization on Zayandeh-Rood River, nobody could imagine its recent fame and attraction. Having been called as “the white hell” or “the city of white angels”, Varzaneh is an ancient Persian desert village in the south of Isfahan Province. In a 6-hour window, you can arrive there from Isfahan, get around and come back. As it has a dry desert climate, avoid getting in there during summer and remember that the best time to travel and visit the town would be late October to early February when it is mild; therefore, you will not be irritated.
If you stay in Isfahan for some days and visit its attraction, you might not believe a village like Varzaneh existing in this province, because Isfahan has embraced tall green trees with a lengthy river as its living vessel. However, there is a Persian expression that says “where there is water, there is life”. Accordingly, no wonder that you find civilization in Varzaneh, although it is an extensive area of dunes and sand hills. The closeness of desert and river has created a wonderful ecosystem and a paradoxical but pleasant scenery in this region. Despite this fact, Varzaneh shares similar characteristics such as water reservoir and wind catchers with other desert towns in Iran but it is outstanding in terms of other different features.
Why should we visit Varzaneh desert?
For those who have read “The Little Prince”, the desert would be more intriguing as they come to touch the scenes of the story closely. Clearly, you cannot compare the overwhelming silence and peaceful atmosphere of the desert to urban environments. Also, it is a good idea if you try walking on dunes shoeless and let your feet enjoy the softness of sands. Furthermore, the desert invites you to watch one of the most beautiful natural sights, the sunset.
In addition to these beauties, Varzaneh is the most accessible desert because it is located close to the town where you can find food and water easily also medical centers in case of emergency. Moreover, Varzaneh desert could be a good suggestion for you if you are the type who enjoy amusements. Varzaneh has the largest amusing desert site in the whole country and provides you with activities like camel riding and zip line which might be specific experiences for you in the desert. Besides, there are 4WD cars and motorcycles to off-road on the sand dunes, though it gradually hurts the dunes texture. Interestingly, like Shahdad desert (located in Kerman Province) and Tandisha Valley (located in southern Iran, Qeshm Island), Varzaneh has similar kalouts that are formed out of soil erosion.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to take delight of the desert’s night sky when you can hardly take your eyes of the myriad silver stars. Meanwhile, experience the warmth of an evening camp fire sitting, probably on a Persian carpet looking at the sky and enjoy the desert night silence.
Indeed, Varzaneh desert is quite unique and amazing to visitors, yet this is only one of many characteristics that have made it outstanding. In fact, its specific ecosystem is a special feature for this region. As it is alongside Zayandehrud River, you see a combination of sand and water.
