Meymand is a rocky, hand-carved village with several thousand years of history. These homes have been carved by humans into the heart of the mountain, spanning multiple levels. This village is one of the scenic and beautiful areas of Kerman Province. Join us to learn more about this astonishing village.
Introduction to Meymand Village
Meymand is a village in the Central District of Shahr-e Babak County, located in Kerman Province, Iran. It is a rocky, hand-carved village with thousands of years of history. Meymand lies in an isolated, semi-arid region at the end of a valley in the southern part of Iran's central mountain range. Covering an area of 420 square kilometers, the historic village of Meymand is considered one of the most significant and largest hand-carved villages in both Iran and the world. Life still continues in the village, and its residents have preserved many of their ancestors’ traditions. In 2015, Meymand was inscribed as Iran’s 19th entry on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2005, it received the first international Melina Mercouri Prize, awarded biennially by the Greek government in collaboration with international cultural organizations like UNESCO and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) to sites with unique cultural, natural, and historical significance.
Origin of the Name Meymand
There are various interpretations regarding the origin of the name "Meymand." Some believe it is a combination of the words mey (wine) and mand (place or possessed), suggesting the homes were carved under the influence of wine-induced ecstasy. Others interpret "Meymand" as being derived from meymanat, meaning blessing or prosperity.
Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Meymand lies between a plain and mountainous terrain. In the past, this plain was covered with pistachio and wild almond trees. Today, mulberry and black mulberry trees grow abundantly around the village. A variety of medicinal herbs such as black thyme, sage, yarrow, mallow, buttercup, cumin, manna, lavender, plantain, fennel, mint, maidenhair fern, licorice, chia, fumitory, camelthorn, catnip, rue, rhubarb, and thistle are found in the area. The plains of Meymand are also home to desert animals like snakes, lizards, hedgehogs, turtles, and rabbits. In the nearby mountains, wildlife such as gazelles, wolves, foxes, mountain goats, partridges, and birds of prey can be found.
During warmer months, villagers engage in livestock herding on the plains. In the colder seasons, they migrate back to the village to pursue agriculture and gardening. The presence of a seasonal river, several qanats (underground channels), and springs has boosted farming in the region. Traditional crafts such as felt-making, carpet weaving, kilim weaving, and basketry were once common but have since declined. However, carpet weaving remains prevalent, and the village’s carpets are considered among the best in Kerman Province.
⚜️ History of Meymand Village
The exact history and origin of Meymand village are not definitively known, and several theories exist. Some scholars link its formation to the Mithraic beliefs of its early inhabitants, who believed in invincibility and immortality and carved homes into the rocks to embody those ideals. Others trace its origins back to the Median era. However, archaeological research dates the village back 2,000 to 3,000 years. Excavations of Meymand Fortress and carbon-14 dating of pottery shards suggest that the village may date as far back as the Parthian period. Moreover, petroglyphs found on surrounding rocks indicate human presence in the area dating back several millennia.
The astonishing architecture of Meymand leaves visitors in awe. The village’s hardworking inhabitants carved homes directly into rock and mountain without the use of any mortar. The design of these homes acts as natural thermal insulation—each structure is made from solid stone, resulting in minimal temperature variation inside throughout the day. Wind and rain do not penetrate the interiors, and the houses are also fire-resistant. During cold seasons, the rooms remain warm, while in summer, they stay cool. On average, the temperature inside the homes differs by about five degrees from the outside air.
