Abarkuh City

Abarkuh (Abarkooh or Abarqu), is one of the oldest cities in Iran and in the Yazd province. It lies on the route connecting Yazd, Shiraz, and Isfahan; therefore, it has always played an important role along Iran’s historic travel corridors.

In terms of geography, this ancient town is situated between three historical cities of Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan, it is approximately in the middle of this golden triangle.

Thanks to its strategic location, travelers have passed through this desert town for centuries. Today, Abarkuh welcomes visitors with its traditional urban fabric, mud-brick alleys, and authentic Persian architecture.

As a result, it offers a calm and distinctive atmosphere for travelers who seek a genuine experience of Iran.

If someone plans to explore the highlights of Yazd more deeply or wants to make an interesting stop on the way from Shiraz to Yazd, Abarkuh makes a smart and rewarding choice.

Abarkuh Attractions

A city with numerous magnificent mud houses and antiquities of at least 4,000 years which was once the crossroad of the Silk Road.

The most famous attraction in Abarkuh is the legendary Abarkuh Cypress, which is estimated to be between 4,500 and 5,500 years old.

For this reason, many experts consider it one of the oldest living trees in the world.

According to the Legends, the tree was planted by Japheth, the third son of Noah.

In addition, the historic Aghazadeh House, with its elegant two-story windcatcher and unique design, showcases the beauty of Qajar-era residential architecture.

The image of this historic house was featured on the old 20,000-rial Iranian banknotes.

Moreover, the Gonbad-e Aali monument, dating back to the Buyid period, highlights the city’s deep historical roots and proves that this region has served as a cultural center for centuries.

There is also an Ice House (Yakhchal in Persian) in this city, an ancient building used to store ice and food throughout the year to protect them from the warm weather. It was used before the invention of the refrigerator.

Together, these remarkable landmarks turn Abarkuh into a special destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and photographers.

Abarkooh Unique Features

Beyond its monuments, Abarkuh offers an authentic desert experience for travelers who want to discover Iran beyond its major cities.

Visitors can stay in traditional eco-lodges, walk through the historic quarter, connect with local culture, and enjoy the peaceful silence of the desert.

In other words, the city invites guests to slow down and truly feel the rhythm of desert life. If you are looking to explore lesser-known destinations in Iran with a strong historical identity, Abarkuh can easily become one of the most fascinating stops on your travel itinerary.

Abarkuh History

Kings and rulers used this city both before and after Islam, including Shah Abbas who built numerous caravanserais along with the ways in this region for the travelers to rest.

Besides that, the city was strongly fortified and walled with a citadel in it.

The town developed under the Seljuks and gained its financial importance under the Ilkhanids.

Safavid kings paid particular attention to Abarkooh and other cities in central Iran in the 17th century. Afghans’ invasion caused a lot of damage to the city in the late 18th century.

During the Qajars ascend to power and the last Zand ruler’s (Lotfali Khan) battle against them, Abarkuh was the object of several military attacks and invasions.