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  • 1/26/2013

Meymand Village (Part 1)

meymand village

This episode will be dedicated to a village which is 12000 years old.

Meymand is the name of a village located 38 kilometers from Shahre Babak city in Kerman province. It is 2240 meters high from the see level. No doubt Meymand village is one of the most ancient habitats of man. Researchers believe that the first units of its establishment belong to the time when Iranians worshipped sun. They had chosen dark spots of the caves as suitable places for worship and they would inter their deceased people inside crypts carved in the mountain. Thus there are some temples and tombs built in Meymand. The people of Meymand carved their houses in the mountain. Some experts believe that they had resided in the mountain because of natural and climatic conditions. The age of Meymand village is well manifested by the drawings remaining from 10000 years ago and ceramics dating back to 6000 years.

It is worthy of note that Meymand village obtained the ‘Reward of Mercury’ as the seventh cultural, natural and historical scene of the world in September 2005. This reward is given by the Greek government, in collaboration with UNESCO, to the historical monuments that are unique from the viewpoint of culture, nature and history.

The village of Meymand enjoys a mountainous climate with cold winters and moderate summers. It is located between a desert and mountain. Earlier it was covered with pistachio and almond trees. Now it is abundant with mulberry and blackberry trees. The desert is also the living place of various fauna ranging from snakes and lizards, to hedgehogs, tortoises, etc. One can see wild animals like dear, leopard, wolf, fox, ibex and also birds of prey soaring in the sky. There are a few seasonal rivers and springs around the village, too, which fairly contribute in flourishing of agriculture in the area. The economy of the villagers is based on agriculture, animal husbandry and carpet weaving; but carpet weaving is more important to the extent that the Meymand carpets are among the best ones in Iran and they enjoy international fame. Since carpet weaving is prevalent in the area, other related jobs such as dyeing, felt making, weaving of Gilims””which are fine types of rugs””and crochet working are common, too. People make tools for agriculture and husbandry as well.

The people of Meymand village have three places of work and residence due to the peculiar climate conditions. They reside in their stone houses in winter to be immune from the chilly cold. In this season women are engaged in carpet weaving but men maintain the livestock. As spring comes they migrate to the green places with pleasant weather. Both men and women are busy in raising livestock and producing dairy. As summer approaches they spend their time in production of wild pistachio, wild almond, walnut and cumin seeds. There are a number of medicinal herbs which create a beautiful landscape in the area and a suitable source of income for the inhabitants. Among these plants mention can be made of black thyme, rosemary, yarrow, cumin, hollyhock, buttercup, fennel, peppermint, licorice, London rocket seed, etc. The elderly people of the village live in full health because of consuming herbal medicines and traditional dishes.

Source: irib.ir


Other links:

Geography and History, Kerman

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