Gelkari, an old tradition revived in Ramsar
The old traditions and customs of each region have roots in its culture and identity, the preservation of which would lead to the development and maintenance of social cohesion.
A large number of traditional rituals and ceremonies have been prevalent in the northern province of Mazandaran, showing the cultural values and beliefs of its local people. Thus, extensive measures have been carried out in past years to prevent these traditional rituals from fading away.
Javaherdeh village, a popular resort with a pleasant climate, is located 25 kilometers from the center of Ramsar. A number of historically valuable cemeteries and monuments are in the village, one of which is Adineh Mosque, dating back 800 years.
The mosque, which has been frequently subjected to natural disasters throughout history, and was once destroyed by fire, was rebuilt again in the past years. Like other old buildings of this village, this mosque was made of wood and mud with no columns.
The building of the old mosque is beautiful and unique in such a way that many tourists travel to the region to visit this monument.
Gelkari (mud-making) is a traditional and religious ritual, attended by thousands of people from Mazandaran and Gilan provinces, which was held in Javaherdeh village in ancient times.
According to historical documents, which are available in Mazandaran Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, the ritual dates back 5,000 years.
On the day of the ceremony, local villagers and livestock breeders milked their animals and prepared a mud mixture of milk and soil.
All people, including men and women, young and old, participated in the ceremony to spread the prepared mud on the wall of the mosque, to clean the mosque of any impurity.
This rite was not held for many years, but efforts made by the villagers and related officials caused it to revive again.
Director General of Mazandaran Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, Sadeq Barzegar, told IRNA that the ritual was held in Adineh Mosque this year, after a 45-year hiatus, thanks to attempts made by the members of the village’s rural management department in cooperation with the locals.
He added that revival of the old rituals and customs would have a positive impact on regional tourism.
He noted that gelkari has roots in the religious beliefs of the people who have lived in Javaherdeh village throughout history, pointing out that re-creation of the ritual would help preserve the interior and exterior surface of the old rural houses and mosques.
Due to this geographical feature and its cool and pleasant weather, no wonder that Javaherdeh is a perfect destination in the summer.
When visiting Javaherdeh, it is not only the village that is worth seeing but also the route. The dreamy scenery of clouds and mountains covered with trees will make you speechless. Just like fairy tales, you have to pass all these adventures and a tortuous road to get to the destination.
The first thing you will notice once you enter the village road from Ramsar is its green forests and hills. By the time you reach Javaherdeh, these trees will gradually be replaced by green meadows full of flowers.
Have you brought your camera with you? Happy shooting!