KANDOVAN, IRAN: RESIDENCE OF THE MODERN CAVE-DWELLERS

Photo: awayn.com

When lots of people think of residing in caves, they think about prehistoric individuals that didn’t have an additional alternative. Nevertheless, did you understand that some people still reside in caverns today by choice?

A small town called Kandovan in northwest Iran is house to a group of individuals who reside in rock-hewn residences going back roughly 700 years

Kandovan lies in the district of East Azerbaijan. It has a distinct geology thanks to ash and debris transferred by the Mount Sahand volcano.

Mount Sahand’s last eruption took place 11,000 years ago. Roughly 10,300 years hereafter eruption, the citizens went into the ash left behind by the volcano to hide from the attacking Mongolian army.

These caves have come a long way considering that the citizens first went into them for protection. They currently include two-meter-thick wall surfaces that maintain the interior cool in the summer as well as cozy in the winter season.

If you ask Kandovan’s residents, they describe their homes as “Karan,” a Turkic word that translates to “beehives.”

Kandovan villagers have called these beehive-like cave structures homes for nearly a century. In recent years, they’ve also opened them up to tourists.

Visitors can book tours and explore locals’ real cave homes. Some residents even enhance the experience by selling souvenirs or offering traditional food and beverages.

Rentals are also available for those who want to go the extra mile and spend the night in a cave.

The five-star Kandovan Laleh International Rocky Hotel is another option if you can’t find a private rental. The rooms at this hotel are much more luxurious than the average cave. Each offers a jacuzzi, 24-hour room service, and breakfast — and they only cost $100 per night!

No one time is best for tourists to visit Kandovan Village. These caves can easily withstand various weather conditions and are accessible year-round.

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