Golestan Province

Golestan Province is one of the northern provinces of the country, which was previously part of Mazandaran Province. The moderate climate, beautiful and diverse nature, the presence of forests and deserts in close proximity, and its adjacency to the Caspian Sea (Khazar Sea) are all reasons that make Golestan Province a good choice for spending holidays and sightseeing.

History

Golestan Province became separated from Mazandaran Province in 1997 and found its independent identity. The historical background of this province dates back to the Parthian period. Originally known by other names such as Verganah (in the Darius inscription at Bisotun), Gorgan (in Pahlavi inscriptions), and Astarabad (during the Xerxes I period), it was named Gorgan in 1937. Now, Gorgan city is the capital of Golestan Province.

Apart from cities like Gorgan and Gonbad-e Kavus, which are considered important and ancient cities of Golestan Province, other cities of this province were actually concentrated and contiguous villages that have expanded over time to turn into cities.

Geography

Golestan Province is located among Semnan, Mazandaran, and North Khorasan provinces sharing a border with Turkmenistan. Golestan is a lush province with a moderate climate. Parts of the eastern Alborz Mountain Range stretch from west to east of the province, so that as we move eastward, the height of the mountains decreases.

Climate

Golestan Province has a moderate and semi-humid climate, but as we move towards the northern and border areas of this province with Turkmenistan, the climate becomes warm and dry. You will experience cool and moderate springs, warm summers, and cold winters with snow and rain in this province.

While due to the nature and climate of Golestan Province, you can travel to this place in any season. However, the best time to travel to this region is in autumn and spring. 

Cities of Golestan Province

Golestan Province is comprised of fourteen counties named Azadshahr, Aqqala, Gorgan, Gonbad-e Kavus, Bandar Turkmen, Gomishan, Ramian, Kalaleh, Bandar-e Gaz, Aliabad-e Katul, Galikesh, Maraveh Tappeh, and Minudasht.

Gorgan

Gorgan is the capital of Golestan Province, located in the northeast of the country. One of the most famous recreational areas in this city is Naharkhoran Forest Park, which is located four kilometers south of Gorgan. The historical market of Na’lbandan is also one of Gorgan's markets, located in the old texture of Gorgan dating back to 357 AH. Alangdarreh Park, Tuskastan Forest, Ziarat Village and Waterfall, Turang Historical Hill, Rango Waterfall, and Ghorogh Jungle Forest Park are among the attractions of Gorgan city.

Historical sites in and around Gorgan include Emadiyeh School, Jameh Mosque of Gorgan, Baqeri House, Taqaviha House, and Amir Latifi House. 

Gonbad-e Kavus

Gonbad-e Kavus is the second-largest city in Golestan Province after Gorgan, with more than half of its population being Turkmen. The most important attraction of this city is Gonbad-e Kavus, or Qabus Tower, which is registered on the UNESCO cultural heritage list. The name of the city is also derived from this tower.

In the vicinity of Kalaleh County, the pilgrimage site and cemetery of Khalid Nabi, and Hazar Darreh are worth visiting. Also, the Almagol, Ajigol, and Alagol wetlands, and Golestan Incheh Borun wetlands, are among the best destinations for bird watching and nature tourism in the region.

Bandar Turkmen

As the name suggests, Bandar Turkmen is one of the coastal cities of Golestan Province, situated on the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea and located 40 kilometers away from the province's center. Established during the Pahlavi era in 1927, this city was initially called Bandar Shah. The majority of the city's inhabitants are Turkmen and Sunni Muslims.

Among the tourist attractions of Bandar Turkmen, which hold significant economic importance alongside their tourist appeal, is Ashuradeh Island, located west of Bandar Turkmen. To visit this island, you need to head to the port of Bandar Turkmen and take a local boat to Ashuradeh.

Apart from Ashuradeh Island, the port and the seaside bazaar of Bandar Turkmen are also noteworthy attractions in this city. Additionally, Turkmen horses enjoy a global reputation, and to witness authentic Turkmen horses and horse racing, one can visit the village of Qareh Qashli, which is 10 kilometers away from Bandar Turkmen.

Accommodations

Ghasr-e Botanic Hotel in Gorgan, Kaniar Hotel in Aliabad-e Katul, Jahangardi Nahar Khoran Hotel in Gorgan, and Qasr Hotel in Minudasht are among the excellent hotels in this province. Shariseh and Sarsang eco-lodges in Minudasht, Khalid Nabi Lodge, and Rig Cheshme Lodge in Aliabad are options for a more economical travel experience amidst nature.

Restaurants

Among the notable restaurants in Gorgan, Emarat Restaurant in the Nahar Khoran Forest Park stands out as one of the luxury and excellent dining establishments. In addition to various local dishes, seafood, various kebabs, and fast food are also prepared at Emarat Restaurant. Furthermore, Akbar Joojeh Restaurant also has a branch in Gorgan, renowned for its Joojeh and sour chicken. This restaurant is located at the beginning of the Gorgan ring road. 

The Turkmen Food Restaurant and Gandom Restaurant are among the best restaurants in Gonbad-e Kavus. Caspian Restaurant in Bandar Turkmen is also a good restaurant where you can try seafood and local dishes from Bandar Turkmen.

Local Foods

Hali Ash is a traditional food of Golestan province, which some also call Ash-Alu. Chickpeas, beans, rice, greens, and green tomatoes are used to cook this ash. Mash Polo, Ghojeh Ash, and Boulama are other traditional foods of Golestan province. Boulama is a dish similar to haleem, which is usually cooked on the seventh day of a newborn's birth and for entertaining guests at a so-called hen party.

Chekdermeh is a local food of Bandar Turkmen and is quite similar to Istanbuli Polo, served with yogurt and greens.

Souvenirs

Umaaj Halva is a type of local sweet that is usually prepared for the Persian New Year, Nowruz. This halva, which is usually sliced ​​in almond shapes, can be purchased from confectionery shops. Sar-Gharbili is another local sweet of Golestan, which uses milk or yogurt in its dough preparation.

One of the most famous sweets of this province, which is nationally registered, is Paderazi bread, which is prepared in two types: dry and oily.

Handicrafts 

Silk weaving, jajim weaving, and kilim weaving are considered as handicrafts of Golestan province. Pelas weaving is another handicraft of this province, which is a type of carpet without pile and is knotted, especially in various cities of this province, especially Minudasht, Ramian, Kalaleh, and in Turkmen inhabited cities and villages. Felting, needlework, and leatherwork are also other handicrafts of this province.

Customs and Traditions

One of the interesting customs famous among the Turkmen people in Golestan province is the celebration of "Agh-Ash." When a Turkmen man reaches the age of 63, symbolizing the lifespan of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he invites his relatives and acquaintances to celebrate by cooking a special dish called "Chekdermeh." This celebration, known as "Agh-Ash," is registered as a national and spiritual heritage of the country and includes various activities such as reciting religious hymns, poetry, and performing traditional music.