SAEDNEWS: A Cemetery in Yazd Where Lovers Are Laid to Rest – Discover Its Fascinating Story
According to Saed News History Service, Torānposht is a historic village in Yazd. The village’s headman reports that the “Lovers’ Cemetery” is heart-shaped and located within the village.
Mohammad Reza Amiri explains: “In the past, if someone passed away unmarried, they were buried separately in the Lovers’ Cemetery. People showed special respect for them because it was believed that they had failed in love—and, in a way, in life.”
At one point, the cemetery was located along a roadway, causing damage over time. The headman recalls: “We decided to fence the cemetery to prevent vehicles from passing through. After that, the Lovers’ Cemetery took the shape of a heart.” He adds: “Nowadays, burials in the cemetery are rare and occur only occasionally.”
Amiri notes that burying those who failed in love or remained unmarried in the Lovers’ Cemetery is a long-standing tradition in Torānposht. “In earlier times, Zoroastrians and Muslims lived together in the village, and such customs have existed here for centuries,” he says. The headman emphasizes: “The Lovers’ Cemetery has existed for over a thousand years. It reflects the village’s rich history and heritage. This authenticity shows the world that Iran is built on a foundation of cultural depth and historical richness.”
Over a decade ago, the former Director General of Yazd’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism suggested that many historical events described in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh may have occurred in Torānposht. The Lovers’ Cemetery adds a poetic dimension to this historic village. “Love is inherent in human nature—not necessarily romantic love, but also love for God, for material and spiritual pursuits,” says Amiri. “Love is not something to feel guilty about—it is part of life.”
Torānposht, a village in Taft County, lies some distance from the county center. According to historical records, it was founded by Turandokht Sasanian, the daughter of Yazdegerd III, on a hill known as “Turangerd.” Today, the village is recognized as one of Yazd’s most important and beautiful historic sites. Historical texts, including the works of the historian Jame’ Mofidi, attribute the village to Turandokht Sasanian, who established it in a region called Qanatestan, highlighting the village’s deep-rooted Persian heritage.
