Abyaneh Village Travel Guide

Abyaneh

• Abyaneh

• Architecture

• History

• How to get to Abyaneh

• Where to Sleep in Abyaneh

• How many days to stay in Abyaneh

  ---

  

Abyaneh, also known as the Red Village because of its red soil and houses, is an ancient Iranian Village located at the foot of Karkas Mountain, 70 kilometers southeast of Kashan in Isfahan province. Abyaneh is a Village of living traditions, architectural styles (all in red clay) and probably one of the most interesting examples of human adaptation to nature.

Architecture of Abyaneh

The Village is compact, with narrow and sloped lanes, and houses located on the slope as if placed on a stairway. The houses bear an ancient architectural style, featured by the use of clay as the construction material and latticed windows and wooden doors. Similar to Masouleh. The roofs of some houses are used to serve as the courtyard for other houses higher up on the slope. With a unique reddish hue, the Village is one of the oldest in Iran, attracting numerous native and foreign tourists year-round, especially during traditional feasts and ceremonies.

History of Abyaneh

The village has a long history which dates back to more than 2,000 years ago and been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List since 1975. The word Abyaneh, has been derived from the word “viona” meaning a willow grove. It’s been known an entrance to Iranian history as the locals are deeply committed to honoring their traditions. The language spoken by the literate people of Abyaneh is Parthian Pahlavi. The local clothing for example is in a style of great antiquity. The women’s traditional costume typically consists of a white long scarf (covering the shoulders and upper trunk) which has a colorful or floral pattern and an under-knee skirt or pleated pants.

Abyaneh is mainly watered by the River of Barzrud and has a cold climate. It enjoys numerous springs creating  suitable conditions for agriculture. Seven qanats assist in the irrigation of the fields. The main agricultural products generated in the region are wheat, barley, potatoes and fruit such as apples, pears and apricots. As of late, carpet weaving has also become popular in the Village. In addition to a Zoroastrian fire temple dating back to the Sassanid period, there are also three castles in the Village, a restaurant, a pilgrimage site and three mosques. According to an inscription on top of its door, one of the mosques, dates back to the early Safavid period, inside the mosque there is a beautiful nocturnal prayer hall with wooden capital pillars

Since June 2005, the Village has been undergoing archaeological excavations for the first time, as a result of an  agreement between Abyaneh Research Center and ICHHTO’ Archaeology Research Center. Initial archaeological excavations resulted in the discovery of a residential area belonging to the Sassanid era. According to a report released following the visit of UNESCO representatives and experts of world heritage, the historical Village has been recognized appropriate for being registered in list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. However, continuation of hotel constructions has put the status of this historical Village at risk. The recent decision of an investor to erect a hotel in the eastern part of this historic Village has raised the concern of cultural heritage enthusiasts and residents of Abyaneh.

How To Get To Abyaneh

From Tehran: book a bus ticket to Natanz, and ask the driver to drop you on Abyaneh road, From there, there are Taxis that take you to Abyaneh. You can book Natanz tickets from Peyke Saba (Taavoni No. 18) bus company in South Terminal in Tehran (Terminal-e Jonub). There are two different departure times for Natanz buses at 6AM and 12:30 PM. The price of Tehran – Natanz tickets is 13500 Tomans.

From Esfahan: Book a  bus ticket for Kashan, and ask the driver to drop you at Abyaneh Road ( Before purchasing the ticket make sure that the bus crossed from Abyaneh road and not main Highway). From there, there are Taxis that take you to Abyaneh. You can book Kashan tickets from Lavan Noor  bus company in Kaveh Terminal in Isfahan. The price of ticket is 10500 Tomans and there are buses to Kashan From 6AM-9PM every hour.

Where to Sleep in Abyaneh

1. Viuna Hotel
2. Abyaneh Hotel
3. Harpaak Traditional Eco-lodge
   Cheapest Option, Backpacker’s Choice.
   Email: abyaneh.residence@gmail.com