A 4000-year-old cypress in Abarkouh is a must-see attraction while visiting the central Iranian city. The evergreen tree is inscribed on the National Heritage List.

The cypress is situated next to a wall in southern parts of Abarkouh, some 140 kilometers west of the ancient city of Yazd and it is 1500 meters above sea level. Scientists have estimated that the tree dates back to 4000 years ago which is known as the oldest living being in the country.

It is 25 meters high. Abarkouh Cypress is a symbol of life and elegance in the region, and one of the most exotic wonders of the world. After thousands of years it is still green and healthy.

This tree has been presented as an outstanding tree in the world. For being always green Zoroastrians believe that the tree has always had a significant importance.

In Abarkouh the cypress is called Zoroastrian cypress as well. It has been said in historical myth that the tree was planted by the Iranian prophet Zoroaster thus adding to the importance, beauty and holiness of the tree.

In antiquities such as the period of Achaemenid empire carvings of cypress symbolize the tree.

We can see bent cypress in a special type of handmade fabric called Terme. In miniature painting cypress is a tree that is painted most often.

Venetian merchant and explorer Marco Polo described the tree as one of the most stunning cypress trees he had ever seen in Iran.

I advise all travelers to pay a visit to the cypress and other historical monuments in this city, especially when it is located in the center of tourism and cultural attractions of the golden triangle of Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz.

AFM/MQ/MG