Shahrmirzad ,The lost paradise of the desert in Semnan province
Semnan province is one of the hottest provinces in Iran and includes many desert areas, but 28 km north of the city, a strange paradox of colours arises. Where suddenly, the heat of the desert and the sun give way to green and pleasant nature and climate. Shahmirzad village also called the lost desert paradise, surprises you with the lush trees in the heart of dry and desert roads. Some old books, such as The History of Tabarestan and the book of Alavids, introduced the village with the names of Shahmar, Sahaar, Shahaar, and Shamaar. In the Dehkhoda dictionary, the name Shahmirzad is derived from Shamrzad, meaning land with many pools and reservoirs. According to the narrations, Shahrmirzad is one of the most prosperous cities, which is three thousand years old and was a populated region before the migration of Aryans to Iran. It seems that the village’s antiquity date back to the Parthian era due to the existence of springs called Arashk and Ashkash, which are the letters of the Parthian period.
Introduction to the Shahmirzad village
Shahrmirzad is a village that is very suitable for being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The best time to visit Shahmirzad is from early spring to early November. Many residents of Shahrmirzad migrated to Mazandaran in the cold season many years ago and returned to Shahrmirzad in the middle of spring. The people of Shahrmirzad are of Mazandaran ethnicity and speak the dialect of Shahrmirzadi (local dialect: Shamrzaei), a dialect of Mazandaran language and has many cultural similarities due to the vast relationship with the people of Mazandaran in different years and centuries. The city has a steep shape with alleys and streets full of trees, a specific magnificence that we would see in fewer areas of Iran. There are sycamore, poplar, walnut, and apple trees in the margins of its roads. The village contains the largest walnut orchard in the world, with an area of 750 hectares, and the main characteristic of Shahmirzad orchards is to have clustered walnut. The presence of apple trees, pears, apricots, and cherries in Shahrmirzad gardens has created a double beauty that attracts the eyes of every tourist. Horticulture and agriculture are one of the most influential sources of income for these people, and plum is the most prominent product of the city after walnuts.
The importance of the walnut tree in the village of Shahrmirzad
The watering of these vast gardens is by drip irrigation, and walnut trees have even entered the culture of the people of Shahrmirzad. They dowry these trees for their girls with the idea that the marriage will always be lasting. In the noble families of Shahrmirzadi, a walnut tree is in the dowry of their girls, and they believe that this village connects to the land with walnut trees, which are called Gold Nails. Walnut trees have a separate identity card and title deed. In the village, due to the abundance of walnuts, they cook delicious local bread with walnuts called Tanbalak, which is tasty and is a suitable souvenir for tourists. In addition, Shahrmirzadi Tehchin is one of the famous dishes you should try in Shahmirzad. Plum stew is also well-known in Shahmirzad, made with chicken, onion, paste and sugar, and Bukhara plum. Walking in the garden alleys, where you can hear the pleasant sound of birds and the water flow in the streams, is one of the best attractions to see Shahmirzad. Another sight of the region is the stunning springs of Shahrmirzad.
Haft Cheshmeh of Shahrmirzad
Haft Cheshmeh and Sarcheshmeh springs are two springs in Shahrmirzad city that have a short distance from each other, and their greenery and pleasant weather can convey a good feeling. Spectacular springs boil from the heart of the earth and create rivers.
The Roozieh Chasham waterfall
The stunning waterfall of Roozieh Chasham is located between two mountains on the Chasham-Khatirkuh route and is known for its pleasant air, mineral water, and fresh air. This route can be interesting for those who intend to travel from Semnan to Mazandaran.
The Roozieh Strait and spring
The Roozieh Strait and spring are in Chasham. If you are interested in rock climbing, we suggest you visit the scenic area.
The Rudbarak Forest
The Rudbarak forest is at the foot of the Alborz Mountain range, which has a cool climate in summer. The picturesque region, despite its rivers, has created indescribable pleasure. There is a cave in Rudbarak forest that you can visit.
Fenesk Forest of Shahrmirzad
The forest is located 54 km northeast of Shahrmirzad on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. The path of the forest, while it is raining, is very scenic. And some protected animals, such as bats, owls, foxes, bears, and boars, exist in the forest.
Nightingale Valley of Shahrmirzad
The Nightingale Valley is a region with exquisite and lush nature in Shahrmirzad, famous for the sound of nightingales dancing among the leaves of the trees.
Rostam’s Arch
The Rostam’s Arch is the name of an old and thick walnut tree over 13 centuries old, with a height of 15 meters. Since the walnut tree branches divide into two part like an arch, it has been named Rostam’s Arch. The stunning tree has registered in the list of national monuments of Iran in 2011.
Shahmirzad historical castles
Lion Castle (Shir Qaleh)
Lion Castle or Sheikh Cheshmeh Castle is five kilometres north of Shahrmirzad. The castle, built during the Parthian period, was considered one of the strongholds of Tabarestan during the Islamic era. People of the area believe the early inhabitants of the castle brought the required water from the spring at the foot of the cliff into the palace by constructing a tower-like structure at the foot of the mountain and building spiral stairs such as minaret stairs. The castle owned seven towers, of which five are now left but still retain their originality and grandeur.
Vahl Castle and Fortress
The Vahl Castle, a pre-Islamic monument, is on top of a mountain next to orchards and walnut orchards. The fortress consists of two circular towers for watchtowers and stone walls. The stones of the material in the castle building have been excavated from the same mountain and used. Now, partial parts of the castle remain.
Sheikhi Castle
The Sheikhi Castle, of which only a limited stone structure remains. Professor Kleis (German archaeologist) believes that the supporters of Hassan Sabah built the castle. And in the tenth and eleventh centuries, the rulers of Kums (Kumesh) in Safavid times used the place to prevent Turkmen invasion.
The Parvar protected area
In the area, you can see mountains, forests, trees and plants, springs, birds, and domestic and wild animals in one place, and together, be sure to visit the area.