About the village “MEYMAND”
“MEYMAND” is a rocky village with gentle and kind people, at least with a few thousand years history reminder of the period when people were searching their Gods among the heights of mountains. Moountains were the mansitifestion of firmness, strength and the Goddess of resolution, determination and faith. The ancient hand made buildings which is without doubt one of the first residents al places in Iran, a period when Iranians worshiped sun and mountains were holy places for them. This belief later appeared in it is history and religion. As we know the prophet Moses worshiped in ‘TUR’ mountains and the great prophet of Islam was appointed as a prophet in the cave and mountain ‘HARRA’. Any way a few thousand years ago some human beings split the stones with love-axe, enthusiasm and a strong resolution, they have left a memorandum which after such a long period of time is the reminder of ancestral Iranian resolution and strength.
No one knows who has created this collection and what was the intention of their creators. Whatever their intention, it is very important; because in those days with very primitive instruments, creating such a magnificent creation with a unique architecture is admirable. Some researchers believe that the son worshipers have carved the caves in the heart of mountains only for worshiping and burial of the their dead.
Later they chose these caves as a place of residence either due to weather conditions or other environmental problems. Sun worshiping was common in Iran before Zoroaster came and existed for many years after.
Meymand has not been affected by environmental and cultural changes because of its defense solidity and in fact the most changes have occurred during the few past decades. Their culture was first due to sun worshiping followers and later due to Zoroastrian religion. In the period of Sassanid dynasty, “Shahrbabak” received special attention because it was the birthplace of “Babak” the progenitor of the dynasty. After Islam came to Iran, the people of “MEYMAND” who believed in Zoroastrian religion accepted the Islamic religion and later the “Shiaah” belief.
“MEYMAND” is located 38 km of north east of “Shahrbabak” in 30o.16' latitude and 55o25' longitude. Its height is 2240 m from sea level and its area is 420 sq. km. This village is in between “Yazd”, “Kerman” and “Shiraz” Cities. Meymand is located in the village of Meymand, of city of “Shahrbabak” is in the province of Kerman. What is important and without doubt has affected the understanding of “MEYMAND” is that the houses were not built in an open space by putting bricks and stones on each other, but by replacing a big amount of clay, not needing bricks and cement, but removing stacks of clay in order to provide a shelter for living. So in a room, shelves are carved in different sizes for placing dishes, vessels, cases, beds and lights. Thus no drawers are places by walls, but by carving in the walls, a hole or a shelf is created for placing or hanging things in them. The whole house which may consist of one or more rooms and a stable is called “Kiche”, the size of these rooms which have no regular shapes are different.
A 3x4 room with 1.90 to 2.20m height is normal, and the biggest “Kiche” does not exceed 90 sq.m. In all houses, floors were covered with short –napped coarse carpets, rugs or felt carpets in 1.00x1.50 and 1.40x1.80 m.
There are 406 “Kiches” in the village with 2560 rooms. The residence of this village has kept their own tradition and they still use “Pahlavi Sassanid” terms. This 3000 years old village is the only village in the world that traditional life is still running and coexistence of nature and mankind in the second Millennium can be seen in it clearly. This village is the seventh natural view of the culture and history in the world which has received the Mercury award. The Melina Mercury award is granted by Greek government and other international organizations such as Unesco and Ikomos (an International Protection Council for Historical Buildings) to buildings with unique properties.
The village “MEYMAND” was introduced in October 2006 as a National Tourist Village
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