Distinctive customs of Baghleq village and its cemetery
Villages have always been at the heart of human life. In Iran, there are over 45,000 villages, and some stand out due to their unique and remarkable features. The village of Baghleq, situated in North Khorasan Province, is home to one of the most distinctive cemeteries we have ever encountered. The people of this Turkmen village observe specific customs and traditions when it comes to burying the deceased.
The Baghleq Cemetery is located in a village of the same name, which is a small community in the central district of Raz and Jargalan in northwest North Khorasan Province.
The Baghleq Cemetery is regarded as one of the oldest and most unique cemeteries in both the province and the entire country. It is a noteworthy tourist attraction in North Khorasan Province. Unlike typical cemeteries, Baghleq Cemetery has no gravestones; instead, the details of the deceased are written on wooden plaques. This distinctive feature creates the impression of a garden with its trees cut down at first glance.
Located just outside the village on a clay hill, the cemetery was constructed away from residential areas due to the local belief that the dead deserve respect and that no one should walk over their eternal resting place. The Turkmen community sees participating in funeral ceremonies and offering prayers for the deceased as their duty, so they attend these ceremonies regardless of whether they knew the deceased or not.
Visiting the Baghleq Cemetery is completely free. For a more peaceful and comfortable experience, it’s best to choose a specific day for your visit. A thorough exploration of the cemetery will take about an hour.
The village of Baghleq is situated in a mountainous area, so you should expect slightly different weather conditions compared to Bojnord. Consequently, the cold of autumn and winter can make traveling to the village and visiting the cemetery challenging. Spring is a great time to visit, but be prepared for the possibility of scattered showers or downpours. Therefore, summer is generally considered the best time to visit the Baghleq Cemetery in North Khorasan Province.
Besh Qardash Park is located 10 kilometers from Bojnord along the Bojnord-Esfarayin road. The water from the park’s springs is known for its numerous healing properties and is used to treat gastrointestinal, liver, gallbladder, and urinary system disorders. This recreation area features beautiful pools and grounds, and due to its historical significance, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Besh Qardash Park has been registered as a national heritage site in Iran.
Baba Aman Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful tourist parks in Iran, recognized as a key attraction in North Khorasan Province. Each year, it serves as a resting and recreational spot for millions of tourists and pilgrims visiting Mashhad. Spanning 250 hectares of lush vegetation and featuring pools filled with spring water, this park has become one of the prominent sights in Bojnord, North Khorasan Province. Notable attractions in the area include the Baba Aman Spring, the Baba Aman Shrine, the local wildlife, and the nearby Atrak River.