Why Should We Travel to the Villages of Saveh?

This county holds the first rank in the Central Province in terms of the number and variety of historical sites. In fact, it is home to a collection of buildings, mounds, and historical sites. The historical and cultural background of Saveh indicates that it is considered the oldest and most historic city in Central Province.

The name "Saveh" is derived from the meaning of "small gold," and it is one of Iran's very ancient cities.

Saveh is considered one of the cities and fortresses of the Medes. Historical texts and travel writings after the advent of Islam frequently mention this city under the names "Jibal" (mountain) or "Iraq-e-Ajam." Ibn Hawqal, in his book Surat al-Ard, writes about Saveh: "Saveh is a city 30 farsakhs away from Hamadan, very clean and prosperous, and it lies along the route to Iraq."

In the year 617 AH, the Mongols plundered Saveh and set fire to its great library, which contained astronomical instruments. Later, in the 8th century AH, Khwaja Zahir al-Din Ali bin Malik Sharaf al-Din Saouji and his son completed the fortifications of the city.

Saveh has three fertile plains: the central plain with a semi-tropical climate, the Loeyn plain with a temperate climate, and the Biyat plain with a cold, mountainous climate. This climate variety has led to agricultural diversity in the villages, making them potential tourist destinations alongside their agricultural advantages.

In this regard, the cultural heritage expert of Saveh County told reporters: "Saveh’s location on the main corridor and highway connecting the north to the center, west, and south of the country has placed this county on the tourist map and made it unique." He added that Saveh is also an industrial and agricultural hub, earning the title of "the pomegranate capital of Iran."

Mohsen Nabavi pointed out that the historical and tourist attractions of Saveh, located in rural areas, are one of the region's unique characteristics. He mentioned that the villages of Saveh, with their variety of attractions and features, can be tourism destinations. The pleasant nature and distinct climate of these villages are attractive, and in some of these villages located in mountainous areas, a noticeable change in temperature is felt within 25 to 30 kilometers from the center of the county.

He noted that the villages of the foothill region of Saveh, especially those along the road to the Yulagh village, are among the tourist destinations. These villages, located in mountainous regions, become tourist hotspots during both summer and winter due to their diverse climate.

He also highlighted that some villages in Saveh County are significant historical centers. The prominent Sheikh Bagh village, with its multiple historical sites, is one of these destinations. The most important historical site in this village is the "Abd al-Ghafar Khan Caravanserai," one of the most important caravanserais in Iran, which has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Nabavi added: "The Sheikh Bagh Caravanserai, or Abd al-Ghafar Khan Caravanserai, is the second site from Central Province to be registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list after the Ibrahim Abad qanat. This caravanserai, built during the Qajar period, is one of the most complete and comprehensive caravanserais in Iran, in terms of its floor plan, decorations, proportions, and the layout of functional spaces."

He continued: "With an area of approximately 4800 square meters, this caravanserai is categorized as a four-iwan caravanserai in the hot and dry climate of Iran. In addition to the caravanserai, it includes a water reservoir, a Hosseiniyeh, and a mihrab. It was registered as a national monument on October 6, 1975, and in the 45th UNESCO committee session in Riyadh in September 2023, it was added to the World Heritage list."

Nabavi also mentioned that the historical village fabric of Sheikh Bagh adds unique appeal to the area. Walking through the village's alleyways evokes the distant past and the beauty of traditional Iranian architecture.

The cultural heritage expert also pointed to some villages in the Nobar region, including Gharaqabad and Nobar towns, and said: "The village of Chomran, located in the Gharaqabad district of the Nobar region, has always attracted attention due to being the birthplace of the martyr Dr. Mustafa Chamran."

He further noted that the Kallali Khan Castle, the historic mound, the water reservoir, and the house of Dr. Chamran’s father have all made this village a significant historical and spiritual heritage that attracts tourists. The Kallali Khan Castle has architecture similar to the Boroujerdi House in Kashan, with woodwork being a key feature of the castle’s design.

He explained that the previous name of the village was "Chomram," but in honor of the martyred general, Dr. Mustafa Chamran, the village was renamed "Chomran." Dr. Chamran’s paternal house still stands in this village, and visitors can tour this historical house.

Nabavi concluded by saying that in addition to these three tourist villages, other villages such as Balqalu, Kakh, Sangestan, Khalifeh Kandi, etc., have natural features that make them tourist destinations. Water flowing through the alleys, multiple qanats, and abundant rivers are among the advantages of these areas, which not only serve as a destination for tourists but also attract locals and visitors from surrounding areas during holidays.

He also mentioned the establishment of an eco-lodge in the "Mar" village, a part of Saveh's central district. He stated that this eco-lodge would allow tourists to stay while exploring the attractions of the village.

Nabavi emphasized that the natural, historical, and spiritual features of Saveh County's villages, along with tourism infrastructure such as teahouses, restaurants, and local products such as handicrafts and dairy products, have increased interest among tourists.

He concluded by highlighting Saveh’s agricultural significance, particularly its role in producing pomegranates, cantaloupes, and pistachios, making it a major agricultural hub in the country. Many tourists travel to Saveh to visit the pomegranate orchards, presenting a unique opportunity for agricultural tourism and health tourism. Saveh can become a focal point in the tourism industry for agricultural and health tourism, provided that the necessary infrastructure is developed to accommodate the growing number of tourists.

Due to its production of notable agricultural products like pomegranates, cantaloupes, and pistachios, Saveh is considered the land of villages, with many attractions in rural tourism and ecotourism.

For those planning to travel during the New Year holidays, visiting villages with historical significance and unique characteristics, some of which have gained global fame, is a must in the land of "red jewels."