Sistan va Baluchestan the Undiscovered Gem of Southeast Iran

April 03, 2021 Read time 3 min

Sistan is one of the oldest regions in Iran. This region is home to numerous tourist sites including the natural and historical ones. The people of this region are hardworking and very sanguine. The economic situation of the region is not so well due to numerous reasons but it continues to flourish.

Sistan and Baluchestan Province is located in the southeast of Iran, and its capital is Zahedan. It borders South Khorasan Province in the north, Kerman Province and Hormozgan Province in the west, the Gulf of Oman in the south, and Afghanistan and Pakistan in the east.

The province consists of two distinct parts of Sistan and Baluchestan which are different in terms of natural features. Sistan to the north of the province is a flat plain, and Baluchestan to the south is a mountainous area. The only river flowing in this land is the Helmand. This river originates from the Baba Mountains in Afghanistan and flows to Hamun Lake.

The Khash and Chabahar regions are the most beautiful parts of the province with its mild climate thanks to the location near the Oman Sea. Based on the documents found in the excavations in the Burnt City of Zabol (Shahr-e Sukhteh Zabol), the civilization in this province dates back to 4000-3500 B.C. In the Achaemenid period (550-330 B.C.), this province was the regional warehouse for the entire land of Iran. All kings and rulers of different eras have paid specific attention to this land as it has been the connecting route of the East and West. The local people are usually from two races of Sistani and Baluchi. The residents are mostly involved in husbandry activities with some forms of nomad life.

Local Clothes

Traditional clothing of the people in any region is directly related to their culture and geographical features. Clothing also shows the beliefs and artistic taste of the people of a region.

Men's clothing consists of a shirt, an outer garment, a white turban, a thick belt, hand-made socks and shoes with an upward carved at the toe. The women's clothing consists of a wide collar blouse and an outer garment with shoes similar to those of men's.

Handicrafts

The common handicrafts of the province include carpet, drugget and rug weaving, needle works, straw mat weaving, coarse blanket weaving and pottery as well as ornament making.

As the province is located in the Lūt Desert, it has clear, starry skies with absolute silence and as it is located in the north of the Sea of Oman. It has beautiful beaches suitable for swimming, boat riding, surfing and other water sports.

Chabahar Free Economic Zone

Chabahar is located in the southern-most part of the province on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. The town was formerly called the Tīs port. Today is one of the most important economic free zones of Iran.

The Desert of Sistan

The Lut Desert, one of the hottest and driest deserts of the world, covers a large part of the province

Sistan Crocodile

This kind of Crocodile which is unique to this region lives in the shallow waters of the Sarbāz river.

Lake Hamun

This lake is a suitable shelter for different rare species of plants and animals. The vegetation of this lake provides a perfect hiding habitat for different species of fish as well as birds such as eagles, hawks and other birds of prey.

Shahr-e Sukhteh

This city is located at 60 km distance to the south of the city of Zabol, 6 km to Ghaleh Rostam. The city has an area of 2.5 square kilometers and contains hills with a height of 50 meters. The civilization in this area dates back to 4000-3500 B.C.

Dahaneh Gholaman Hill

This ancient hill which is located at 44 km distance of Ghaleh-No has a height of 28 meters. Some monuments belonging to the Achaemenid era (550-330 B.C.) have been discovered during archeological excavations.

Khajeh Mountain

The mountain which is one of the most valuable historical places of this province is located in the middle of Lake Hāmūn. It has a height of 900 meters and the remains of a palace and a temple with stunning plaster work and paintings belonging to the Parthian and Sassanid dynasties have been discovered. The shrine of Khajeh Ghaltan, Pir Gandom Berīn and a graveyard are also located there.