Gilan Heritage embraces galleries of rural shelters and dwelling, costumes and traditions where takes travelers into the lifestyle of Gilakis.
Gilan has dedicated itself to culinary art and natural sceneries full of the peculiar rural lifestyle. Gilaki dishes such as Sour Chicken, Sour Kebabs and Mirza-ghasemi are famous in Persian gastronomy. Gilan environment is a UNESCO Heritage because of Hyrcanian Forests. Gilaki’s’ food diversity caused Gilan to be a UNESCO creative network city of identifying gastronomy and culinary heritage.
Gilan plays a significant role in safeguarding rural lifestyles in Iran. Most of the Gilans’ population lives in rural areas. Gilan’s incredible villages lie alongside the Caspian Sea and Alborz mountain range in their distinctive dwellings. Good to mention that Rodbar and Manjil counties are the olive production centre in Iran in the south of Gilan.
Sour Chicken is one of the Gilaki dishes that travellers would not forget the taste. Its ingredients are local vegetables, chicken, walnuts, spices, and the special sour-taste dressing. Pomegranate sour sauce is the tastiest additive for Sour Chicken. It’s a ceremonial dish for family gatherings and parties.
The historic village of Masuleh is one of the most pleasant spots in Iran. Masuleh is famous for its unique architecture in the world. The village is 35 km west of Fooman city, with a history of 800 to 1000 years in Gilan province,.
Masuleh houses are like steps and usually have two floors. The roof of one house being the courtyard of another. Travel to Masuleh remains a trip to the depths of history. Cultural heritage organization did not allow the construction and development of the village since many years ago. Masuleh village in Gilan is just one of several historical steppe villages in Iran.
Rural Museum describes to travellers one of the unique structures of Persian architecture; villages. After the tragic Rudbar and Manjil earthquakes in Gilan, it was time to preserve Iran’s rural heritage. As a result, Ms Pouya MirYosefi built the Museum of Gilan Rural Heritage. The purpose of constructing this museum is to keep the indigenous culture, construction techniques and unwritten knowledge existing in the villages of Gilan Province.
The handicrafts of each country are a unique part of that country’s culture. This ancient art transforms the essence and nature of culture into forms and shapes. Clothing for some communities is so adventurous and is a consideration of one of their identity.
One of these incredible arts is the art of weaving. Weaving is so specific in Gilan province, especially in the mountainous village of Masouleh. Chamush is the name of the traditional foot covering of the people of Gilan. People used to work in paddy fields while working. Its material is leather and usually does not have any colour. But to colour it, they use pomegranate peel.
Olasbelangah is the name of a paradise village in Masal city in Gilan province. The village’s eye-catching landscapes, embracing wooden houses and wild horses, can pull out the human heart in any season. Olasbelangah in the Talysh language means “Hornbeam tree on high”. On snowy days, the exceptional combination of snow-covered lands with white clouds takes you into a fantasy world.
The Rudkhan Castle is one of the most important historical and military fortresses. Rudkhan Castle is near Fuman city of Gilan province, between the dense forest trees. The castle retains its charm, while the snow-white grains cover the place in winter. It is wearing a white dress and drowning in fog as a spectacular Gilan travel attraction.
By Plain:
There is no international airline flight available close to the city of Gilan. Travellers need to take a flight into one of the International Airports, then take a drive to Gilan.
The best option is:
Tehran International Airport (IKA), 370 km To Yazd.
Gilan is a province with a humid and warm climate in spring and summer. Gilan is in the south borderline of Caspian Sea embracing a very healthful and moderate weather. Climate of Gilan is full of oxygen in autumn and at the end of winter. Take care that Gilan is a rainy province with a very huge pour of snow and rain in winter. The most suitable time to visit Gilan is at the end of Sept to the beginning of Dec. It is good to mention that the end of Feb to the middle of April seems suitable too.
Devote your itinerary to the rural area of Gilan by exploring the villages such as Masouleh or Siah Bisheh. Lets find better ideas about the culinary art and gastronomy heritage of Gilan. Touch Gilaki folklore arts and clothing with their identifying music and lifestyles. Plan your trip from the west part of Gilan to explore Hyrcanian forest. Travel to east to reach peculiar villages with distinctive rice and tea wetland farms. Learn better about Gilaki culture and local shelters to the east, where you find unbelievable mountainous jungles and beach resorts.
