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@h= Insfresco art: Iran’s Caspian Sea port to host permanent exhibition of stone sculptures
@b= Tehran Times Tourism Desk
@tTEHRAN -- A permanent exhibition of huge stone sculptures will be established in the Iranian northern port Astara in near future.
The exhibition showcases the hand-carved of some huge stones used for construction of breakwaters of the port, Astara Mayor Ali Kuhi told the Persian service of ISNA.

The establishment of exhibition was proposed by the Astara-based artist and sculptor Vahid Abed to the municipality, he added.

Scattered across 750-meter area, the exhibition is adjacent to the Safir-e Omid Coastal Park displaying 15 hand-carved huge stones.

The sculptures feature characters in different moods including smiling, frowning, shying, terrifying and etc.

Such an exhibit does not exist on any coastal line in Middle East country, he added.

The place is ideal to bring the family, as children love to discover the sculptures, tucked away around every corner all around the showcase, he said.

The Astara Municipality aims to attract more Iranian and foreign tourists to the city, he added.

------- Astara and amazing natural beauty

Located in northern Iran, Astara lies on the border with Azerbaijan Republic and is a port on the Caspian Sea. The city is the center of Astara County with magnificent green beauties along the shoreline of the blue Caspian Sea.

A set of three villages named Heyran is amongst the attractions of the region. The villages are located at a distance of 30 km from Astara County by the road from Astara to Ardabil.

Heyran literally means wandering in Persian and the nature of the place is really astonishing.

Due to its cool fresh air, the countryside hosts tourists in spring and summer. It is one of the most famous touristic sites in Iran regarding its beautiful and unique scenery.

There is also a gondola lift at higher altitudes of village that connects Heyran to Ardabil’s Fandoqlu Forest. Through the cabins of gondola, one can see the amazing nature of the area and enjoy the unique nature of Fandoqlu forest.
According to the Dream of Iran website, the region is located on the far west of Guilan province and the road is partially border with Azerbaijan.

Although it is not much high as one expects but the place is often foggy throughout the year. The fog in the region is due to the humidity of Caspian Sea and for that matter, the place is extremely green with forest covered mountains.

Taking Heyran road is like walking on a snake which is turning around the mountains and finally it will take you somewhere in which you will have clouds under your feet.

The slope is too sharp and there are many twists and turns on the way. In the past Heyran road was considered a dangerous beauty; A combination of breathtaking greenery above the fluffy clouds, where you would have to drive your way on the spiral road while the severe wind could push the car out of the path or you would get lost driving in the mist.

In recent years they have worked hard on this region and the current roads are very proper, safe and wide and not those who wander around are lost. However, you will have to drive carefully still, not only to avoid accidents but also to enjoy the beauty of surrounding before it is covered by mist.

PHOTO: Astara-based artist and sculptor Vahid Abed carves a stone to make a sculpture for the exhibition (ISNA)
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