Semnan Province

Semnan Province is located in northern Iran, south of the Alborz Mountain Range and north of the Dasht-e Kavir desert. This geographical location has given the province a remarkable geographical diversity. In the northern parts of Semnan Province, one can find forests and mountains, while in the south, there are attractive desert areas.

History

Semnan Province is a historical region in Iran which had been of significant importance throughout different historical periods. Its location along the east-west trade route and the Silk Road made it a vital crossroads for travelers and merchants. The relatively large number of caravanserais in the province is a testament to its importance as a commercial and cultural hub.

Geography

Semnan is the seventh largest province in Iran. However, due to its desert landscape and relatively small population, it ranks low in terms of population density. Semnan borders Tehran to the west and Khorasan Razavi Province to the east, with the Tehran-Mashhad highway passing through it. It also shares borders with Golestan and Mazandaran provinces to the north, and South Khorasan, Isfahan, and Qom provinces to the south. The adjacency of Semnan Province to the Alborz Mountain Range and the Kavir desert has created unique geographical conditions in this region. During a trip to this province, one can experience mountains, forests, and deserts within a few hours.

Climate 

The climate of Semnan Province varies across its cities due to its diverse geographical features. The northern parts, located near the Alborz mountains, have a colder climate, while the southern regions are mostly dominated by a dry and desert climate.

Cities of Semnan Province:

Semnan Province consists of eight cities: Semnan, Shahroud, Damghan, Garmsar, Mehdishahr, Aradan, Miami, and Sorkheh. Here, we will introduce some of these cities:

Semnan

The city of Semnan is the capital of Semnan Province, located 216 kilometers away from the capital of Iran. It is also the second most populous city in the province.

Historical monuments from different periods can be found in this city. The Arg Gate of Semnan is one of these monuments, dating back to the Qajar era. The Jamah Mosque of Semnan is also one of the oldest buildings in this city. The traditional bazaar, Imam Mosque, Pachenar Castle, Dar al-Hokumeh, and Hazrat Bathhouse are other tourist attractions of this city.

The following are some of the old neighborhoods of the city of Semnan: Esfanjan, Shahju, Nasar, Latibar, Zaveqan, Kushamghan, Kadivar. 

Shahroud

Shahroud is the most populous city in Semnan Province and is home to a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from mountains, forests, and flower plains to historical and religious monuments.

The Cloud Forest, Haft-Rang Spring in Mojen, Sunflower Plains and poppy fields in Kalpush, and Reza Abad Desert are some of the natural attractions around Shahroud city. The vast sunflower fields in Kalpush plain are a spectacular sight to behold in September. From mid-May to mid-June, the Kalpush plain is also covered with poppies. The Touran National Park is also located near Shahroud city, home to valuable wildlife species such as the Persian Onager, Iranian Cheetah, and The Iranian ground jay.  

The Yaqmaiha Historical House and the Tomb of Sheikh Abolhassan Kharaqani are among the historical attractions of Shahroud county. Qaleh Bala Village is another tourist attraction in Shahroud County, located in the neighborhood of Touran National Park. The village is built on a stepped hillside and has been well-prepared to receive tourists in recent years. The small city of Bastam is also located a short distance away from Shahroud. It is home to the tomb of Bayazid Bastami, the famous Sufi mystic from Bastam.

Damghan

Known for its pistachio production, the city of Damghan is home to various tourist attractions.

The Tarikhaneh Mosque, registered on the National Heritage List, is one of the oldest buildings in Damghan city.

The Toghrul Tower near the village of Mehmandoost, the Tapeh Hesar historical complex, the Tomb of Pir-e Alamdar, Lotfi Historical House, Chehel Dokhtar Tower, and Cheshmeh Ali Spring are other attractions of Damghan.

Garmsar

Garmsar is located west of Semnan Province and is adjacent to the desert. Two caravanserais of Qasr-e Bahram and Deh Namak are located near this city. Deh Namak caravanserai has been renovated in recent years converted into a guesthouse. Salt mines are another major tourist destination in Garmsar city. Dating back to the Qajar era, Baqeriha Historical House is one of the old buildings in the city which was converted into the Museum of Garmsar Tribes in 2010. 

Accommodations

Sangesar Hotel, Darband Hotel, Gootkemall Hotel, and Jahangardi Hotel are some of the good accommodations in Semnan Province. The Shahmirzad Traditional House Hotel is also suitable for those who prefer an old and traditional atmosphere.

Numerous ecolodges have also been established in various parts of Semnan Province. There are also several ecolodges in the village of Ghale Bala, which is a target village for tourism.

Restaurants

Darcin Restaurant in Semnan city is a traditional one that serves Iranian and traditional dishes. Emarat-e Badgir Restaurant, located in a Qajar-era building, has a beautiful and traditional atmosphere. Majlis Afruz and Bagh-e Shahr traditional restaurants are also good restaurants in Semnan city. Haft Khan Restaurant in Shahroud is also of good quality and is one of the famous restaurants in Semnan province.

Local Foods

Tehchin Gosht (meat stew with rice) from Garmsar is one of the most delicious local dishes in Semnan province. In Shahroud, spinach is sometimes added to the combination of meat, rice, and saffron, giving this dish a special flavor. Sabzi Polo Damghani (herb rice) is another local dish of Semnan province that is prepared with rice, herbs, eggplant, and several other ingredients. Chortmeh Polo is a special dish of this province that is cooked with lamb liver, fat tail, garlic, yogurt, salt, and other spices. Carrot and pistachio stew, which is cooked with almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, Khoresht Badam (almond stew), Tahchin-e Kishmish o lappeh (raisin, split pea with rice), and Mani Polo Damghani are also popular dishes that you should try.

Souvenirs

Damghan pistachios are among the most famous agricultural products of Semnan province. Different types of grapes are cultivated in Shahroud city, which are mostly of very good quality. Shahmirzad, a part of Mahdishahr county, has also a good reputation for its high-quality walnuts. Various pastries are made in Semnan province, too, among which we can mention Nan-e Shirmal (sweet milky bread). Nan-e Baghsamat, Nan-e Chai, and Nan-e Fatir (flatbread) are also baked in different cities of Semnan province. Nan-e Kak is also a pastry from Semnan province, which is mostly prepared in Shahroud city. Halva-ye Siah (black halva) and Halva-ye Konjedi (sesame halva) are other local delicacies of Semnan province.

Handicrafts

Pottery is one of the industries with a long history in Semnan, where some of the pottery found in Damghan dates back to about 2,000 years ago. There are also many ceramic and tile production workshops in this province. Qalamkar printing, Gilim weaving, Jajim weaving, and felt making are other handicrafts of Semnan province.

Customs and Traditions

Nowruz is the most important Iranian ceremony, and the people of Semnan also celebrate Nowruz with special ceremonies. Nowruz Khani (singing of Nowruz songs) is one of the customs of the people of Semnan province during Nowruz. In this ceremony, which begins a few weeks before Nowruz, young people go to the old neighborhoods announcing the arrival of spring. The residents of the neighborhood also welcome the Nowruz singers with various foods and Nowruz sweets. Two days before the New Year, people also hold a ceremony called "Arafeh of the Dead". In this ceremony, people bake a local bread called "Goulach" to take it to the cemetery to be distributed as charity.