One of the three ancient Greater Khorasan province is called North Khorasan. This province is located in northeastern Iran and is among the less known regions in terms of tourism. Various ethnic groups such as Persians, Tats, Kordish Kermanj, Turks, and Turkmen live together in this region.
History
The discovery of ancient artifacts in North Khorasan indicates a very long history of human settlement in this province. The ancient site of Pahlevan and the Jajarm Hill have a history dating back nearly 12,000 years. Belonged to the pre-Islamic period, structures like the stone building of Aspakhu have been constructed in this region, which is considered the oldest monument to date.
Geography
North Khorasan is bordered by Turkmenistan to the north, by Razavi Khorasan Province to the east and south, by Semnan to the southwest, and by Golestan Province to the west. It covers an area of 28,434 square kilometers and ranks fifteenth largest in terms of area compared to other provinces in the country. The population of this province was 959,070 according to the census conducted in 2016.
North Khorasan is divided into two mountainous and lowland regions. This province has numerous vineyards and ranks sixth in grape production.
Climate
Different parts of this province are divided into two categories of high mountains and low-lying areas, and the highest point in North Khorasan is Mount Aladagh, Shah Jahan Peak, which is 3,051 meters high. The lowest area of this province is in the village of Tazeh Yab at the farthest parts of the Atrak River, which is located at an altitude of four thousand meters above sea level.
The average elevation of North Khorasan from sea level is 1,326 meters. Most areas of North Khorasan have a mountainous and dry climate, and the best time for travel to this province is spring and early autumn.
Cities of North Khorasan Province
Bojnourd is the center of this province, and Shirvan, Jajarm, Faruj, and Esfarayen are some of the other cities of North Khorasan.
Bojnourd
Bojnourd, pronounced as "Bojnoord" by locals, is the capital of North Khorasan and its name is mentioned as "Bijangard" meaning "built by Bijan" in ancient books. Cold winters and relatively warm summers are characteristic of the climate of this city.
Some of the tourist attractions of this city include the clay dam of Abdolabad, the National Bank House, the Hosseiniyeh of Jajarmiha, the Koushk Bagh of Aliabad, the Mofakham Mansion, Besh Ghardash Garden, Baba Aman Garden, and the Aineh Khaneh Mofakham Mansion.
Jajarm
This city, due to its location on the outskirts of the Central Desert and its proximity to Mount Bahar, has a diverse plant cover and climate. Jajarm is the only county in North Khorasan Province which connected to the national railway of Iran, and this feature has increased the economic importance of this city.
The main historical monuments of Jajarm include the Jalal al-Din Castle and the Jajarm Grand Mosque. The Mian Dasht Wildlife Refuge in the vicinity of Jajarm is one of the few habitats of the Asiatic cheetah remaining in Iran.
Faruj
This city, known as the "Nuts City" of Iran, is considered the gateway to North Khorasan and has a mountainous climate. Tourist attractions of Faruj include ancient hills and sites such as Tall-e Tooyl, Tall-e Khalq Abad, and Tall-e Yam.
The Esfajir Waterfall in the northwest of Faruj, the village of Khosrawiyeh, the historical castle of Aliabad, and Shah Jahan are among the other attractions of this city.
Esfarayen
The majority of people here are Kurdish-speaking. In addition, other ethnic groups such as Tats, Turks, and Barbars live together in the region. The moderate climate of this city along with the vast pastures and forests have created diverse habitats for wildlife, including the Sarigol National Park and Salook National Park.
Accommodations
North Khorasan has few hotels, and travelers prefer to stay in eco-lodges or rent local houses when traveling to cities such as Bojnourd. However, Bojnourd has hotels such as Dariush and Negjin, and you can find places like Jahan Gard and Reza hotels in Shirvan.
Traveling to North Khorasan and staying in its eco-lodges will gift you a special experience. Interesting among these eco-lodges are Amou Dordi Eco-Lodge in Bojnourd, Vesal Royan in Esfarayen, Gadersan in Raz and Jargalan, Behjati in Shirvan, Cheshme Bid in Maneh and Samalqan, and finally, the Topragh Eco-Lodge in Raz and Jargalan
Local Foods
The presence of various ethnicities in the region has led to a diverse culinary variety in the province. Traditional foods of North Khorasan are prepared based on their specific customs and are flavored with seasonal herbs.
Yarmeh Ash is a type of local soup cooked in Bojnourd city using a mountain herb called Cherish. The ingredients of Yarmeh Ash include cracked wheat or barley, chickpeas, yogurt, onions, and dried mint. Another famous food in Bojnourd is Sholeh Mash, which is made from mung beans, rice, minced meat, fried onions, a little fenugreek, and spices.
Qotab Local bread, Quroto, Ash Ghalieh, Zirehto or Kachi Bojnourdi, Eshkeneh, Dani and Deymeh Dani, Ash Joushvareh, and Ghabeli Polo are other local foods of this region.
Handicrafts
Animal coat hats are the most famous handicrafts of the people in North Khorasan, which are mostly woven by Jajarm people. Felt making, the production of two-faces rugs specialized by Turkmen in the province, and Sofreh Kordi rugs, a product of the Kurdish tribes of North Khorasan, are some other handicrafts of the province.
Wood carving, which is mostly popular in the village of Royin in Esfarayen, along with traditional embroidery, leather embroidery, Malileh embroidery, jewelry making, and silk embroidery, can also be seen in many cities of the province.
Souvenirs
Āb Nabat is the most famous souvenir of North Khorasan, and Bojnourd has ranked first in production of this souvenir. Various grapes are other important options travelers tend to take from the region. Ghareh Ghoroot, Kashk, and Shekar Panir should also not be forgotten, as they have a pleasant and unique taste.
Customs of North Khorasan
Ethnic and racial diversity has led to the variety of customs and traditions in North Khorasan.
Turkmen music is performed, inspired by famous Turkmen poets, In various ceremonies. The music of the region is mostly Kurdish and Turkish, and instruments such as Kamancheh, Sorna, Dotar, Dohol, and Ney are among the well-known ones.
During Nowruz, Turkmen people hold various competitions here, among which horse racing, wrestling (Bacho), and cockfighting are remarkable.
Every year on the days of Eid al-Fitr, the thirteenth and fourteenth of Farvardin, Chogha sports are held, which are known as the traditional and indigenous sports and rituals of the people in the province.
