North Khorasan Province in Iran
About North Khorasan Province
North Khorasan province was established after the division of Khorasan into three provinces. North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, and South Khorasan. This province has 8 counties called Bojnourd, Esfarayen, Shirvan, Jajarm, Mane, Samalqan, Garmeh, Faraj, and Jargalan. Besides, it contains 22 towns, 45 rural districts, and more than 1,000 villages. The province is noted for its multicultural background. Many people speak at least 2 different languages including Persian, Tati, Khorasani Turkic, Kurmanci Kurdish, and Turkmen. Intermarriage between the ethnic groups speaking these languages is common.
As an extraordinary collection of natural and historical attractions, North Khorasan province draws numbers of visitors to this part of the country annually. Walking in every region of this land opens a new door to many inspiring and iconic beauties. Among the many historical and natural attractions of the province are mineral water springs, small lakes, recreational areas, caves, protected areas, and assorted hiking areas.
On other hand, this province contains many historical and natural attractions, such as mineral water springs, small lakes, recreational areas, caves, and protected regions, and various hiking areas. Most of the historical relics are from the Qajar era, as earthquakes continue to ravage older relics.
The Land of Various Cultures
This province is located in the northeast of Iran, neighboring the Republic of Turkmenistan. As this province lies in the margin of the central desert in Iran, and it is connected to the high mountains of Kappeh Dagh, we can observe different climates and vegetation in the province, something which has made this area an ideal habitat for various kinds of animals and plants. The animals found in the area include Iranian cheetahs, ibexes, wild goats, rams, gazelles, wild cats, and birds like pheasants and yellow partridges.
The major ethnic groups of the province are Persians, Azaris, Kurds, and Turkmens, and minorities of Baluchis, Lurs, and Arabs also live in this province. The common language, however, is Persian. The most common and important handicrafts in this province are carpets, rugs, Turkmen cushions, Bojnurdi sandals, druggets, and a sort of coarse blanket. Based on archeological studies in the ancient Khan fortress, civilization in the region dates back to 6000 BC. (New Stone Age).
Mofakham Mirror-House
This is a 19th-century Qajar structure that was the center of general Mofakham’s government and consists of two floors. The first floor bears beautiful decorations of tile-work with the design of humans and animals and the second floor has a mirror hall with 134 pictures of previous kings, army, and civil notables.
Salook Protected Area
This protected area is a treasure of plant and animal species in northeast Iran. Salook Protected areas and national parks are considered safe habitats for many plant and animal species. These areas in the country have a special place to preserve the genetic diversity of living organisms.
Jalal Al-Din Castle
This castle is a historical castle which is located in Garmeh County in North Khorasan Province and the longevity of this fortress dates back to the Historical periods after Islam.
Espidan Village
The village is located in a green, beautiful valley near the city of Bojnurd. The architecture and structure of houses are stair-like.
Sari Gol protected area
Sari Gol National Park is located almost 20 km east of the city of Esfarayen, North Khorasan Province. This place is one of the old reserves in northeastern Iran where hosts the endangered Persian leopard and Urial wild sheep. The main ungulate inhabiting the area is the Urial wild sheep together with a low density of wild boar and Persian wild goat. Stone marten, grey, wolf, red fox, Pallas’ cat, and Asiatic wild cat, as well as Persian leopard, are the main representatives of the Carnivora confirmed in the area.
Tomb of Sheikh Ali Esfarayeni
This is the mausoleum of a reputed Gnostic (Sheik Shah Ali Esfarayeni), which is located in a garden belonging to him, in an area of around 500 sq.m. A pillar was erected out of mud which was on the tomb but unfortunately has since deteriorated.
Khosravieh-Faruj Village
This beautiful village is located in a green and fertile valley, almost 25 km to the southwest of the town of Faruj. This village is also called “Faruj Paradise” as there are numerous springs with refreshing water, fascinating scenery, and fresh air.
Chukheh Wrestling
Chukheh Wrestling is a traditional sport in which the wrestlers match in sandy fields. The annual games are held on April 3 or 4 in Zeynal Khan (a famous wrestling field) located in the north of the town of Esfarayen. In the games, the wrestlers try to overcome their competitors with special skills and techniques while kettledrums and Persian oboe are being played.
Ala Dagh and Binalud Heights
These mountains stretch in directions of northwest and southeast of the province. Ala Dagh Mountains are 170 km long and the highest point is Mount Shah-e Jahan which is 3220 meters high. Binalud Mountains are 120 km long. The highest point is Mount Binalud with an altitude of 3410 meters. In springs and summers, these mountains provide the best settlement places for migrating nomads.
Darkash Forest
This is the only oak tree forest in the eastern parts of Iran and is located near the towns of Baneh and Samalghan. It adds to the beauty of nature in that area.
Golbol Namanlu Countryside
This country area is located around 70 km to the northeast of Shirvan, neighboring the republic of Turkmenistan. It is a game park and the habitat of animals like wild goats and rams.
Historical Attraction:
Hassan Abad, Gheysar, and Daoulak ancient castles, the ancient city of Belgheys, Sarmeran ancient hill in Asfarayen, Khan, Pahlavan, and Jalal e Din Castles in Jajrom are some of the major historical attractions of the province.
Natural Attractions:
Old trees, Sari Gol Preserved Area, Nushirvan Caves, and Meetinghouse in Asfarayen, Salug Preserved Area, Besh Ghardash and Baba Aman springs in Bojnurd, Zuram, Ughaz, and Golbol Namanlu Summer Places, and Golul Preserved Area in Shirvan.
Religious Attractions:
Ahmad Reza, Abdollah Kuran, Shahzadeh Zandiyeh, Sheikh Mohammad Rashid e Din, Shahzadeh Ja’far in Asfarayen, Soltan Seyed Abbas shrine in Bojnurd, Ali Ibn Mehriar, Masumzadeh, and Danial Nabi (Prophet Daniel) shrines in Jajrom, and Hamze Rezāa holy shrine in Shirvan.