Kerman

The Iranian village of Meymand is located near the city of Shahr-e Babak in the southeastern Iranian province of Kerman. Meymand is believed to be the earliest of the four ancient surviving villages in the Iranian Plateau.

The troglodyte village has been dug deep into the mountainside, with its dwellers living in hand-dug houses amid the rocks. These houses represent intriguing rustic architecture, with temperatures almost always consistent within them.

Resembling Cappadocia in Turkey, Meymand is comprised of over 400 caves, including 2,560 rooms.

10,000-year-old stone engravings and 6,000-year-old pottery have been discovered at Meymand, testifying to the long history of the settlement.

The main occupation of the villagers is based upon agriculture, herding, animal husbandry, carpet weaving and tourism. Meymand’s carpets also have an international reputation.

Many of Meymand’s population lead a semi-nomadic life. People dwell in their cave houses during winter, while in the spring they move with their herds of goat and sheep to the plains. During summer, they reside in higher pastures and cooler climes.

There is also a fire temple in Meymand, displaying the pre-Islamic history of the village. Moreover, a restored traditional bathhouse along with loads of interesting ancient tools and kitchen appliances remain as some of the village’s treasures.

Last but not least, a large rocky inn in the village hosts enthusiastic tourists. As darkness falls, the village plunges into a celestial silence, making it a perfect time for strolling around and breathing in the fresh air.

Visiting Meymand means visiting history – a more primitive form of life for those who are in the present but interested in the past.

The Iranian village of Meymand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was awarded the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize in 2005 for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.