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Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran

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Archaeologists believe the picturesque Golestan Province to be one of the most culturally and historically important parts of Iran.

The province derives its name from an Old Persian world Varkana meaning "land of wolves," and wild wolves are indeed still roaming the plains and forests of Golestan.

Situated in the Northern part of the country, the province is home to a number of peoples: Persians, Turkmens, Baluchis, Kurds, Turks and Kazakhs.

Among the province's historical sites are the Great Wall of Gorgan, the second biggest defensive wall in the world, and Gonbad-e Qabus tower, the world's tallest brick tower which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

Apart from the rich historical background, Golestan Province is also remarkable for its landscapes. In today's photo gallery, Sputnik takes you through the glorious scenery of the Northern province.

© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehGolestan province's peculiar geographical location grants it a very diverse climate. Two-thirds of the lowlands feature arid and semi-arid climate, with the air getting drier the closer one gets to the border with Turkmenistan on the province's North.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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Golestan province's peculiar geographical location grants it a very diverse climate. Two-thirds of the lowlands feature arid and semi-arid climate, with the air getting drier the closer one gets to the border with Turkmenistan on the province's North.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehA "green belt" stretching between the mountain area in the South and the arid Northern part makes up the rest of the lowlands. Its moderate climate makes the soil fertile and perfect for farming.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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A "green belt" stretching between the mountain area in the South and the arid Northern part makes up the rest of the lowlands. Its moderate climate makes the soil fertile and perfect for farming.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehMost of the villages and towns in Golestan are situated in this "green belt."
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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Most of the villages and towns in Golestan are situated in this "green belt."
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehGolestan has more than 600,000 hectares of cropland. Wheat, barley, cotton and sunflower make up the province's main produce.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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Golestan has more than 600,000 hectares of cropland. Wheat, barley, cotton and sunflower make up the province's main produce.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehRice, soy, peanuts and olives are also being cultivated in Golestan.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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Rice, soy, peanuts and olives are also being cultivated in Golestan.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehThe wide diversity of the produce farmed in Golestan gives it a leading position in the country's economy.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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The wide diversity of the produce farmed in Golestan gives it a leading position in the country's economy.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehTwo major rivers, Atrek and Gorganrud, and 28 smaller rivers make up the region's main water resources.
The Atrek river begins in the mountains of north-eastern Iran and flows for more than 500 kilometers [more than 310 miles], draining into the Caspian sea.
The length of the Gorganrud river is about 250 kilometers [155 miles]. It also drains into the Caspian sea.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
7/15
Two major rivers, Atrek and Gorganrud, and 28 smaller rivers make up the region's main water resources.
The Atrek river begins in the mountains of north-eastern Iran and flows for more than 500 kilometers [more than 310 miles], draining into the Caspian sea.
The length of the Gorganrud river is about 250 kilometers [155 miles]. It also drains into the Caspian sea.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehA sunny day in a town in the Golestan province.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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A sunny day in a town in the Golestan province.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehThe region's history goes back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence indicating that first known human settlements in this area date back to 10,000 BC.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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The region's history goes back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence indicating that first known human settlements in this area date back to 10,000 BC.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehThe oldest artifacts dating back to the Neolithic age were found in the Huto and Kamarband Caves, also known as the Belt caves. These discoveries point to the fact that the people who lived in these caves practiced such crafts as pottery, stone tool making and weaving.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
10/15
The oldest artifacts dating back to the Neolithic age were found in the Huto and Kamarband Caves, also known as the Belt caves. These discoveries point to the fact that the people who lived in these caves practiced such crafts as pottery, stone tool making and weaving.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehA wide-angle view of a town in the Northern province of Golestan.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
11/15
A wide-angle view of a town in the Northern province of Golestan.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehArchaeologists call this region a "Pre-Aryan" civilization because of its precious historical sites and artifacts. According to researchers, the landmarks left from the Pre-Aryan civilization are largely similar to Sumerian and Elamite culture.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
12/15
Archaeologists call this region a "Pre-Aryan" civilization because of its precious historical sites and artifacts. According to researchers, the landmarks left from the Pre-Aryan civilization are largely similar to Sumerian and Elamite culture.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehA local woman is seen here through the doorway. Various household items are kept in alcoves in the wall.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
13/15
A local woman is seen here through the doorway. Various household items are kept in alcoves in the wall.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehLocals enjoying a chat on the veranda.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
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Locals enjoying a chat on the veranda.
© Photo : Soheil GhanbarzadehA local man sits in front of his house.
Take a Virtual Tour of Picturesque Northern Iran - Sputnik International
15/15
A local man sits in front of his house.
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