TEHRAN - Arasbaran mountains offers its visitors mesmerizing views that are reminiscent of otherworldly postcards.

Situated in the north of Iran at the border with Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus Iranian highlands, Arasbaran, also known as Qare Daq, holds significance owing to its incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna, as well as its historical significance.

The reserve encompasses mountains, high alpine meadows, semi-arid steppes, rangelands, forests, rivers, and springs. Moreover, it is the territory of one of the oldest tribes in the country, namely the Qaradagh or Arasbaran tribe.

Economic activities in the UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve consist mainly of agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, apiculture, handicrafts, and tourism, while business activities can be found in urbanized areas.

As mentioned by Visit Iran, the lush greenery eliminates the need for nomads to wander far in search of grazing lands for their sheep and goats.

One notable landmark, Kaleybar, served as the stronghold for Babak Khorramdin, who is now a national hero.

In the early 9th century, Babak led a formidable resistance against the Islamic Caliphate, culminating in a fierce two-decade-long struggle centered around the famed Babak Fort.

Centuries later, Arasbaran forests housed revolutionary groups during the Constitutional Revolution of Iran, notably led by Sattarkhan. Moreover, in 1925, during the formation of the Pahlavi era by Reza Shah, cultural and ethnic nationalism led to the region's name change from Qare Daq to Arasbaran, aiming to thwart separatist movements in border areas.

Notably, the forests boast an abundance of edible wild trees such as Hornbeam, Sumaq, various berries, Walnut, Hazelnut, Redcurrant, Truffles, and diverse medicinal herbs. Additionally, the region is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals such as wild boars, brown bears, wolves, leopards, and the Caspian Red Deer, or Maral, which faced extinction but has seen a recent resurgence.

Exploring the area, the road from Kaleybar to Asheqlu holds numerous attractions, like Mikandi Valley, Aynali Forests, and Babak Castle. Yet, lesser-known gems are awaiting adventurous travelers, such as visits to the sacred mountains or witnessing the enduring traditional lifestyle in the summer camps of the local tribes like Ilat.

Each village in Arasbaran boasts its own landmarks—like the ancient tree in Kavanaq, Jowshin Fort in Varzaqan, Babak Fort perched on a mountain summit near Kaleybar, Khoda Afarin Bridges near Khomarlou, and Kordasht Bath among others. Furthermore, the area abounds in hot springs, some equipped with therapeutic facilities, offering a rejuvenating experience for visitors seeking relaxation.

AFM