Achämeniden, Safawiden und Sassaniden

Fuman

Von Fuman führt eine schmale geteerte Straße zum 33 Kilometer entfernt an den Elburz-Abhängen gelegenen idyllischen Das Gebirgsdorf Masouleh an den Abhängen des Elburz-Gebirgszuges, der sich von Teheran bis an das kaspisches Meer erstreckt.

Das Dorf besteht überwiegend aus Lehmziegelhäusern, die sich in etwa 1100 Metern Höhe in Terrassenbauweise einen Gebirgshang hinaufziehen.
Das Rundumpanorama gibt es hier!

Das Dorf ist aufgrund seiner idyllischen Lage und der einheitlichen Bauwelse mit ockerfarbenem Verputz für die Iraner ein belibetes Ausflugsziel. Entsprechend touristisch zeigt sich der Ortseingang.

Die Häuser sind in der Regel mit Flachdächern ausgestattet, die für die darüberliegende Häuserebene meist als Gehwege herhalten müssen.

Auch bei näherem Hinsehen bleibt durch Kleinkunst und die Holzschnitzereien an Türen und Fenstern der positive künstlerische Eindruck erhalten.

Dabei bleibt es bei vielen bei den alltäglichen Beschäftigungen

Bei allen Vorurteilen, die wir 'mitgebracht' haben, lernen wir nun, dass die Menschen freundlich, zugänglich und wenig aufdringlich sind.

Auf der Rückfahrt löst Sami in Fuman noch sein Versprechen ein, und hält an einem Stand, an dem es die ausgezeichneten Koluche-Kekse mit Hasel- und Walnüssen (Spezialität von Fuman) gibt.
Ich kann sogar einen kleinen Clip der Herstellung drehen.

Aus der Tehran Times füge ich noch einen interessanten Beitrag über Masouleh von Shervin Abdolhamidi vom 17 December 2012an:

Masouleh, an exemplary tourist destination
The country of Iran is a vast and diverse land that comprises an array of beautiful historical cities and natural wonders. There are numerous historical cities, such as Isfahan and Shiraz, and many natural sites, like Mount Damavand and Ali Sadr Cave. Overall, Iran is considered a wondrous country with massive tourist potential.
 
Out of all of the splendors of Iran, Masouleh is an epitome of Iranian beauty. With picturesque landscape and hospitable people, Masouleh is an exemplary tourist destination. Whether you are interested in natural hikes, shopping for traditional craftwork, or a relaxing vacation, Masouleh can meet your needs. The lush rolling hills and mountainous landscape is ideal for a very enjoyable hike. 
 
While the traditional Bazaar of Masouleh is a beacon for those interested in craftwork. All in all, no one can travel to Masouleh and not want to pay another visit one day.
 
Masouleh is in the province of Gilan. Situated in the Alborz mountain range and close to the Caspian Sea, Masouleh is blessed with an abundance annual rainfall. This, in turn, has spawned dense forests and gushing rivers in the area. The most predominant climatic feature of the village is the ever present fog. Overall, Masouleh has exceptional geographical and climatic features that contribute to the beauty of the city.
 
The most prominent asset of this quaint village is its pristine and picturesque nature. The natural scenery of Masouleh acts as a lure to anyone who is the least bit interested in nature. As the fog momentarily lifts, you will gaze upon a mystical sight; a series of cottages built on a slope, surrounded by dense woods and engulfed in a blanket of swirling fog. If you are looking for a place to relax, then this placid city is the ideal location. One of the best passive activities is to simply lay back, take in the lovely scenery and listen to the soothing sound of flowing water emanating from a nearby river. And if you are a more active nature lover, then you can indulge in the many scenic hiking trails in the vicinity. 

 
Over the course of your hike you will traverse through dense forests, creeks and thick fog. Occasionally, the fog will lift, treating you to breathtaking and mesmerizing views from great vantage points. But as great poet once said, one can only attempt to describe the beauty of nature. Thus the natural splendor of Masouleh cannot be put into words, and must be seen for itself.
 
The city of Masouleh, per se, is an incredible spectacle. The houses are built on a steep slope, such that each house's courtyard is another house's rooftop. In other words, as you stroll the alleys of the city, you are literally walking over the roofs and courtyards of the houses. 
 
Between these houses, are narrow, meandering steps that lead to the upper level of the city. Given that these old houses are mostly made out of clay and wood, it is truly amazing that the roofs can also serve as sidewalks and walkways. Moreover, they are constantly exposed to the wear and tear of the weather; such as deluges of rain and heaps of snow. From a general perspective, Masouleh isn't a typical city made of roads and sidewalks, but a unique one, made of rooftops and stairways. All of this makes Masouleh a marvel of architecture.
 
A significantly important factor of any tourist destination is the reception you get by the indigenous people of that place. It is always a huge perk if the locals are outgoing and willing to help tourists with whatever they need. In this regard, Masouleh is supreme. The people of Masouleh are very hospitable, friendly, and kind-hearted. As you wander through the city and interact with the locals, you are sure to find them helpful and easy to get along with. This substantial factor makes Masouleh ever so more appealing.
 
Nowadays, Masouleh is no longer the seclusive, unknown city it once was, but a booming tourist destination. Every holiday, flocks of people go to Masouleh and bring great revenue and prosperity to the city. However, just like all historical tourist locations, Masouleh is prone to the effects of tourism. Of course, alterations due to the flocking of crowds of people to a previously isolated city are imminent. However, some of the adverse effects contributed by tourism are preventable by taking some measures; such as not littering the grounds, not exercising vise urban habits, and so forth. The fact of the matter is that places like Masouleh are the jewels of a country and so, it is of utmost importance that we preserve the cultural and architectural thread of the city. In doing so, we can cherish these coveted location and ergo, preserve them for our future generations to enjoy.