Sightseeing places in Birjand Historical and natural attractions

When it comes to places of interest in Birjand, a desert image often comes to mind; This image is the result of our lack of grace and neglect of the ancient history of this city. Now we have decided to compensate for all these shortcomings and shortcomings, today in this article from the tourism magazine Fly Today Let’s talk about the places of interest in Birjand. If you are looking for your lost star in the middle of the desert nights or if you are interested in turning the pages of history in the middle of nature, stay with us until the end of this article. We promise you an attractive and memorable trip to Birjand.

Where is Birjand? | A view of the map of Birjand and its historical events

Birjand on the map of Iran is an old city in the heart of South Khorasan province, which is several thousand years old. According to the narrations about the history of this city, the date of establishment of Birjand city goes back to 4000 years ago. At that time, the Sassanid Empire decided to build a small settlement or settlement on the edge of the desert, right on the way to pass from the desert to the beyond. He named this place Birjand, which is also known as Birgand, Berjan, Barkan or Barjand.

Several stories have been narrated about the naming of the city of Birjand. Some believe that Birjand means the city of wells in Sasanian language. Some interpret this term as the headquarters of the Lashgarians, and finally, the last version, which seems to be more correct, defines Birjand as the city of storms and lightning.

It is interesting to know that Birjand has the title of the best in various fields. This city has been given the title of the first owner of the pipe company (Iran’s first water supply organization), the second school (Shauktiyeh) after Dar al-Funun, and the third airport in Iran. Add to all these excellences, ingenuity, science, art, and original Iranian architecture, which has made Birjand a full-fledged city that rivals all art.

Birjand is a desert city; Therefore, it is very natural for travelers and tourists to expect hot days and cold nights. Of course, this weather imbalance is worth seeing all these historical and touristic attractions in this city. Next, join us to walk through the alleys of this city and watch its most magnificent historical buildings.

Akbariyeh garden One of the most magnificent gardens in the list of tourist attractions in Birjand

We will start introducing the best places to see in Birjand from its Akbariye Garden, one of the first important Iranian gardens. This garden is called Akbariye; Because it was built in a village with the same name. If you take a look at the architecture of this magnificent garden, you can see a combination of Islamic and Russian architecture. The peak of this artistry can be seen in the beehive decorations and reliefs carved on the dome of this mansion.

Akbariyeh Garden includes two historical monuments with different histories. The first building, which is also considered the oldest, was built by the order of a person named Heshmat al-Doulah, one of the kings of the Zandiye period. The second building was built by Heshmat al-Dawlah’s son, Heshmat al-Muluk, during the Qajar period.

Akbariye Garden consists of different parts such as hallway, hall, reception hall, library and museum, each part of which was used with a specific purpose. Despite the existence of various sections, there is almost no boundary between the garden and the mansion. All the tall and green trees of this garden stand out side by side with tall walls decorated with mirrors and glass.

Akbariye Garden along with some other Iranian gardens in the list UNESCO World Heritage in Iran it is registered.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Birjand city, end of Moalem St., Museum square
• Visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m
• Entrance fee: Free entrance to the garden

Four trees neighborhood The most historical neighborhood in Birjand city

Another sight to see in Birjand is its oldest neighborhood, the Four Trees neighborhood. This old neighborhood, which is known as the central point of the city among Birjandis, is a rich source of valuable historical works.

When you walk in this neighborhood, you can see countless mosques, water reservoirs and old baths. The wisdom of naming this neighborhood comes back to the 4 elm trees that surrounded the 4 sides of this square in the past.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Shahid Motahari St., Chahar Drem neighborhood

The Four Trees Mosque A relic of the Safavid era

One of the remarkable works that can be seen in the old neighborhood of Chahar Drehm is Birjand Jame Mosque or Four Trees Mosque. This old building, which includes two altars with pillared naves, is a relic of the Safavid era. There are two entrances for this mosque, the first one leads to its courtyard and the second one leads to the nave. It is interesting to know that the views of these two entrance doors are different. The first one has a simple and clean brickwork facade and the second one has a facade with formalistic decorations.

In explaining the philosophy and why there are two altars, we must say that half of the people of Birjand are Sunnis and the other half are Shiites. For this reason, there are two altars in this mosque, one of them is for Sunnis and the other is for Shiites.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Shahid Motahari St., Chahar Drem neighborhood

Omer Shah Band One of the most charming sights in Birjand

Omarshah Dam or Amirshah Dam is another interesting place in Birjand, which is located 2 kilometers away from this city. The history of this historical section goes back to the Qajar era and the reign of Amir Shaukat al-Muluk. The purpose of establishing the dam was to control floods and store water. Omarshah dam with a height of about 13 meters and a length of 27 meters is made of materials such as bricks, Saroj mortar and stone.

• Address: South Khorasan province, located 2 kilometers southwest of Birjand city

Baharstan Citadel | A glory from the history of past eras

Among the other sights of Birjand, of which a ruin is left now, is Baharestan Citadel. This citadel is one of the valuable historical monuments of the Afshariya period, which was known as the most magnificent Iranian garden in the old days. The exterior decorations of Baharestan Citadel are very similar to the brick facade of Karim Khan Zand Citadel in Shiraz. Perhaps the reason for this similarity can be attributed to the short-term stay of Lotf Ali Khan Zand and his companions in this citadel after taking refuge.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Montazeri Street, Old Post Alley area

Khwaja Khizr’s historical monument One of the most famous tourist attractions in Birjand

One of the sights of Birjand, which should be considered a valuable historical work, is the historical monument of Khwaja Khizr. This historical building has a very simple but pleasant appearance. The brick walls and dome roof with arched facades and artistic moqrans works of this building tell historical stories from the Qajar era. Among the people of Birjand, Khwaja Khizr’s building is the most sacred place for performing funeral ceremonies and praying for the dead. The reason for this is the many tombs that were found around the building of Khwaja Khizr during the construction of this building.

If you were planning to visit the valuable and religious building of Khwaja Khizr, just ask the people of this city for the address of Koche Post Old Birjand. Since this building has been safe from accidents and calamities throughout history, it has kept its true beauty and originality since 100 years ago.

• Address: Shahid Montazeri Street, Birjand City, South Khorasan Province

Gyuk waterfall A real view of beautiful nature

The existence of various waterfalls, in the heart of the desert, is an unknown and far-fetched phenomenon! Birjand is a charming and at the same time strange desert that surprises tourists every moment with its various recreational attractions. One of these attractions is Gyuk waterfall, which can be considered as the origin of very beautiful and eye-catching gardens of mulberries, barberry, grapes and almonds. Although the construction of Gyuk Dam has reduced the beauty and charm of this waterfall; However, it can still be mentioned as the best and coolest entertainment attraction in Birjand.

• Address: South Khorasan province, located 5 km from the Birjand road towards Kerman, near Gyuk village

Valley dam A turquoise dam in the heart of the mountain

In many historical works and monuments of the city of Birjand, one can find traces of Amir Shaukat al-Maluk, the king of the Zandiya period. Band Dara is also one of the best places to see in Birjand, which was built by the order of the same king. This dam, which has the title of the oldest dam in Birjand, is located in the heart of a mountain. The reason for its infinite beauty is the existence of these mountains that surround the dam like a guard.

Band Dara is one of the main resorts of Birjandis on weekends. Therefore, if you are lucky, you can find the opportunity to talk with the warm-hearted people of this city while bathing in the water of this dam.

• Address: South Khorasan province, 2 km from Birjand city, in the vicinity of Bagheran mountains

Amirabad garden One of the best green places in Birjand

If we look at the statistics of dams and springs in Birjand city, we will see that the existence of so many green and refreshing gardens in the heart of the Khorasan desert is not far from the mind. One of the best of these gardens is Amirabad Garden, which is located 5 kilometers from the western side of Birjand city. In the old decorations and prominent carvings carved on the figure of this garden, you can clearly see the authentic Iranian art.

Amirabad garden dates back to the Qajar period and to a person named Amir Masoum Khan Shibani. After the decline of the reign of Amir Masoum Khan, Amir Abad garden lost its glory for a long time. Finally, this garden was revived by the cultural heritage and took on a new and original appearance. At present, Amirabad garden includes 3 parts of a traditional canteen and restaurant, a museum and a library, each part of which has its own special attraction for tourists.

• Address: South Khorasan province, located 5 km west of Birjand city

Shauktia school A symbol of the authenticity of Iranian culture and civilization

There are not a few sights in Birjand that have the scent of history. Shoktieh School is one of the best of these sights, which can be considered as a parallel to Tehran’s Dar al-Funun School. This school was originally built in 1308 with the use of a Hosseiniyeh. But after the dismantling of the schools and the establishment of Dar al-Funun, this Hosseinieh changed its use to a school.

The main part of this school consists of a courtyard paved with bricks and a polygonal pond in the middle. The courtyard is surrounded by porches and rooms decorated with beautiful brickwork and plaster moldings. We suggest that if you travel to Birjand, visit this architectural masterpiece at the top of your tourism priorities.

• Address: Khaki Street, Shahada Square, Birjand City, South Khorasan Province
• Visiting hours: every day from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Forg Castle One of the most historical attractions of Birjand

Among other places of interest in Birjand is Forg Castle, which is located in a summer village with the same name. After Alamut, this castle was one of the most important headquarters of the Ismailis for the training of military forces. When you step into the inner parts of this fort, you will see nothing but destruction and destruction. At the same time, the exterior of Forg Castle with its tall adobe walls remains intact.

• Address: South Khorasan province, east of Birjand city, Midham city, Forg village

Molid Fountain Tower One of the coolest sights in Birjand

Cheshme Molid village is one of the best places to visit in Birjand with many historical and touristic attractions. One of the best of these attractions is Cheshme Molid Tower, whose construction dates back to the Safavid era. For keen history lovers, watching the details of this tower can be heartwarming and exciting.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Birjand city, Cheshme Molid village

Fourteenth waterfall The pleasure of nature tourism in Birjand

4 km away from Birjand city, there is a village called Chardeh village, which has the best and most beautiful waterfalls in this city. The highest waterfall of this village has a height of about 7 meters. The intersection of this tall and roaring waterfall with the beautiful traditional houses of this village has given this recreational place a spectacular view. It is worth noting that Charadeh waterfall is the best place for mountaineers’ daily meetings. Therefore, if you are interested in mountaineering, you can join the Birjandi mountaineers and experience the joy of climbing next to the waterfall.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Baghran Heights, Chahardeh Village

Behlgerd garden A splendor of authentic Iranian architecture

Another one of the best places to visit in Birjand that should not be missed is the beautiful Behlgerd Garden. This garden is located 15 km from Birjand city and 1 km from Behlgerd village. This garden, which can be considered one of the noble mansions of Birjand, was a summer residence in the Qajar period.

The highlight of Behlgerd garden, which distinguishes it from other Iranian gardens, is its construction on 4 circular brick pillars. This garden includes 2 mansions, a stable, 2 outer and inner gardens and a natural glacier, which is generally the best and most attractive part for tourists.

• Address: South Khorasan province, located 15 kilometers east of Birjand, one kilometer from Behlgerd village.

British Consulate Building

Another sight to see in Birjand is the British Consulate building, where you can see a combination of Islamic and French architecture in different parts of it. This beautiful and magnificent building was built during the Qajar period and it was still used until the end of the Pahlavi period. The beautiful and refined garden of this mansion will take you away from the crowds for a short while.

• Address: South Khorasan, Birjand city, Manzarieh village

Sarbisheh sour water spring The best entertainment attraction in Birjand

In addition to the valuable historical monuments of Birjand city, there are many fun tourist attractions that can be used to relieve fatigue. One of the best of these attractions is Sarbisheh Sour Spring. This spring is called sour water; Because the presence of large amounts of carbon dioxide and silica has caused the sourness of the spring water. The water of this spring, which boils from the heart of the earth, has countless therapeutic properties to cure rheumatism, digestive and skin problems, and bone joint pains. Therefore, it is a pity to go all the way to Birjand and miss out on the healing benefits of the clear and refreshing water of the sour water spring.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Birjand city, Sarbisheh city, Ab Tarsh village

Kolafangi mansion One of the best areas of Birjand

Another of the best places to see in Birjand, which shines like a star among the citadels of Birjand, is Kolafarangi Mansion. If you look at this historical building from a distance, you can find a view of Kolah Ferengi. Perhaps the fact that in the architecture of Kolah Farangi mansion they have used the style of royal architecture of the Ottoman era, this similarity is not unaffected. On the other hand, historians consider it equal to the ziggurat architectural form due to the stepped building.

This mansion, which is a relic of the Qajar era, is known by other names such as Hossam al-Doulah Citadel, Sarkar Citadel and Bibi Arous Palace. We suggest that you buy a plane ticket to Birjand at the first opportunity and treat yourself to this beautiful mansion.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Motahari Street, Governorate

Birjand market A place to explore the thoughts of the people of this city

The old markets of every city are telling the tradition, culture and thought of the people of that city. The old market of Birjand is no exception to this rule with its great diversity in offering different products. This old market, which is a relic of the Safavid era, is considered the best place to buy local souvenirs of Birjand city.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Jomohri St

Birjand Forest Park One of the most pleasant green places in Birjand

One of the best resorts in Birjand city, which is famous and popular among the locals, is the city’s forest park. Almost every Thursday-Friday, many families set up a picnic in this green and clean park. Among the important parts of this park, we can mention paths for walking, cycling and skating.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Sanat and Mine Blvd

Nia’s trust house A lasting effect from the Qajar era

Perhaps the best places where you can walk in the lifestyle of the old people are the old houses. Edeminiya House is one of the best and oldest houses, which can be considered one of the most interesting sights of Birjand due to its unique architecture.

The outstanding point in the architecture of this house with high walls is that it does not have a view of the neighboring houses. In addition, the neighboring houses have no respect for the interior of this mansion. This issue surprises tourists and visitors because the walls of the house of Edeminiya are very high.

Emetadinia house has two entrances on the west and east sides of the building, and upon entering each one, you enter a corridor. If you pause a little in this corridor, you can see a full view of the yard of this house in front of your eyes. The courtyard is surrounded by rooms with a brick facade, each of which is used for a specific purpose. It is worth mentioning that this magnificent and valuable building is located on a high hill in the form of a staircase.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Birjand city, intersection of Adl and Quds streets, Emetadinia house

Rahim Abad garden and mansion A perfect manifestation of the nature of Birjand

Among other important gardens of Birjand, which can be considered one of the best places to see in Birjand in spring, is Rahimabad Garden. This garden, which is attributed to the court kings, has an architecture similar to all the court gardens of this city. In other words, it includes one or more guard towers, several entrance doors, an inner mansion, an outer area and a stable. Although this type of architecture is implemented in the same way in all the gardens of Birjand city; But this issue has not reduced the excitement and pleasure of watching it again.

• Address: Pasdaran Street, Birjand City, South Khorasan Province
• Visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm

Tomb of Hakim Nizari

Saaduddin Nizari Qahestani, nicknamed Hakim Nizari, is one of the famous and well-known people of Birjand. Hakim Nizari is considered a famous poet of the 7th century AH, who has left valuable works such as travel books and literary works. The tomb of this poet was built in the traditional context of the city in the year 698 Hijri during the period of Ilkhans.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, at the beginning of Hakim Nazari Street, next to Shahada Square

Shaukat Garden TheAbad | One of the most memorable places to visit in Birjand

One of the prominent features of Birjand as a completely historical city is that a large part of this city is made up of gardens, each of which has audible narratives of the past kings. One of the largest gardens is Shaukatabad garden, which is located in the neighborhood of Zahedan and 10 km from Birjand city.

In the Qajar period, this garden was used as a summer residence for Amir Ismail Khan Shaukat al-Molk. After Amir Ismail Khan, Shaukat Abad garden changed hands until finally, it was dedicated by Asadullah Alam. Among the different parts of this garden, we can mention the pond, the guard towers, the inner mansion, the outer green space, the stable and the refrigerator. When visiting the sights of Birjand, Shaukatabad Garden is the best attraction where you can sit and watch the green and lively nature of this city to your heart’s content.

• Address: South Khorasan province, located 10 kilometers east of Birjand city, Shaukatabad village

Birjand Castle The most historical work in the list of places to see in Birjand

The core of the historical narratives of previous centuries can be seen as the war between two kingdoms. The best examples of this story are the castles that can be seen in the corners of historical cities like Birjand. One of the oldest of these castles is Birjand Castle, whose construction dates back to the Safavid era. Standing on the highest point of this castle, you can see a complete view of the old and new texture of the city.

Birjand Castle, which is rightfully considered one of the best places to see in Birjand, was the main residence of the guards who considered their important mission to take care of and protect the safety of the people and convey the news to the kings. For this purpose, towers with small openings were built on the 4 sides of this castle so that they could observe from inside it. The attractive part of this castle is the underground corridors through which the kings could enter the castle when the enemy attacked.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Birjand city, Jomohri St., near Imam Hossein square

Birjand city museums

Another of the best places to see in Birjand where you can get to know the culture, thought and thinking of people of the past are the museums. Fortunately, compared to other historical cities, Birjand has the richest museums in its heart. Read on to learn more about the most famous of these museums.

Museum of Anthropology

Birjand Museum of Anthropology, as its name suggests, is the best place to learn about the livelihood, profession, occupation and customs of the people of South Khorasan in the old days. Many of the customs that have been displayed in this museum by mannequins have almost disappeared in the current era. Pottery booth, shoemaker, atari, blacksmithing, basket weaving and wedding ceremonies are among the different parts of this museum.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Moalem St., Museum Square, Akbariyeh Garden Complex and Mansion
• Visiting hours: every day of the week except Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm
• Entrance fee: 4000 Tomans for Iranian tourists and 30000 Tomans for foreign tourists

Pahlavi Heritage Museum

Watching ancient sports, that too in an era that is less known about them, has its own special grace. In the Pahlavi Heritage Museum, which is one of the most attractive places to visit in Birjand, you can take advantage of the opportunity to encounter the heritage of the Pahlavis of the old days. This museum, which was originally a Zorkhane called Lobend Zorkhane, is considered a place to watch Zorkhane competitions.

• Address: 3 Motahari St., Birjand City, South Khorasan Province
• Visiting hours: every day of the week except Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm
• Entrance fee: 4000 Tomans for Iranian tourists and 30000 Tomans for foreign tourists

Birjand Museum of National Fames and Honors

Among the other sights of Birjand in the museum department is the Museum of National Fames and Honors of this city. This museum was built in the heart of a historical house called Pardeli House in 2002. The purpose of establishing this building was to familiarize people with the biographies and scientific and literary works of the country’s great heroes. If you are interested in the literature of this region, by visiting this museum, you can add valuable knowledge to your scientific treasury.

• Address: South Khorasan, Birjand city, located on Montazeri St., adjacent to Khizr Ali Mosque, Pardli House
• Visiting hours: every day of the week except Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm
• Entrance fee: 4000 Tomans for Iranian tourists and 30000 Tomans for foreign tourists

Wildlife Museum

For those who have a good relationship with animals, it can be exciting to see the special animal species of a region. In the Birjand Wildlife Museum, this opportunity has been provided for all tourists to closely witness the special native and non-native animal species of this region. This museum was first established in Shaukatabad garden; But in 2007, it was transferred to Bagh Akbariyeh.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Birjand City, Moalem St., Museum Square, Akbariyeh Garden Complex and Mansion
• Visiting hours: every day of the week except Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm
• Entrance fee: 4000 Tomans for Iranian tourists and 30000 Tomans for foreign tourists

Forty-well cave The scariest cave among the sights of Birjand

One of the scariest places to visit in Birjand is Chehl Chah Cave, which is about 1400 years old. The biggest thing that scares tourists in this cave is the remains of people who once took refuge in this cave. But for whatever reason, they did not survive! If you find the courage to visit this cave, do not enter it without the necessary equipment and without a guide.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Sarbisheh, Naharjan village, Mod sector, Chenshet village

Hinduvalan Jame Mosque | One of the religious attractions of Birjand

Another one of the best places to see in Birjand, which can be considered the most magnificent historic religious building in South Khorasan, is Hinduvalan Mosque. What distinguishes this mosque from other old mosques is the very delicate and beautiful decorations used in the architecture of this mosque.

Among the most important parts of this mosque, we can mention the pillared nave, the mihrab, the entrance gate and the dome court. The presence of old inscriptions with Kufic script in this mosque is another valuable reason for this historical building.

• Address: South Khorasan province, Madhim city, Hindolan village

Makhonik village One of the strangest tourist villages in Birjand

If you ask any tourist who has set foot in the desert city of Birjand about the strangest sight of this city, they will most likely mention Makhonik village. The most important attraction of this village is the houses with very small dimensions. That’s why it’s called the village of dwarfs or the land of lilipots!

Another part of the charm of this village is rooted in the culture and customs of the local people of this region. Perhaps the reason why these strange customs are not obsolete is the remoteness and isolation of the village from the city. The Black Stone or Senggareh, Fig Flower Tower, Tower and Castle Building, Wandering House and Nader Morde are other tourist attractions of this wonderful village.

• Address: South Khorasan Province, Sarbisheh, Darh District, Central Sector, Makhonik Village

Tourist attractions of Khorashad village in Birjand

We will end the list of places to see in Birjand by introducing its Khorashad village. This village, which has a long history, is known as a place with good weather and greenery among the people of Birjand. The vitality and greenness of this village is so much that they have given it the title of Targaba Birjand.

Among the important attractions of this village, we can mention the castle, the Zoroastrian cemetery, the tower, the windmill and the old bath. If you go to this clean and beautiful village, you can take advantage of its ecotourism accommodations for your short-term stay. Visiting the handicraft workshops of this village and serving its local dishes are among the memorable memories that the guests of these residences have.

• Address: South Khorasan province, 24 km southeast of Birjand

The pleasure of traveling to the best places to see in Birjand

Certainly, one of the best tourist destinations for turning the pages of history and going back to ancient times is the desert city of Birjand. The corners of this city are full of many historical attractions, each of which has its own charm and charm for history lovers. Even if you don’t have a good history, you will still enjoy the trip to the sights of Birjand; Maybe this feature can also be considered as a feature of desert cities.

In any case, it is recommended to leave a place for visiting the sights of Birjand in your list of tourist destinations. Keep in mind that by staying in one of the best hotels in Birjand, such as Jahangordi Hotel, you can make the access route to the sights of this city shorter and easier. What is your experience of traveling to Birjand? Write it to us in the comments section.

Frequently asked questions about places of interest in Birjand