Heritage, natural splendor awaiting development in Sarab Kalan village
Sarab Kalan village, situated on the slopes of the Zagros Mountains in Ilam Province, boasts a history spanning approximately 1,500 years. Surrounded by lush greenery, diverse flora and fauna, and located in a region renowned for its favorable climate, this village is endowed with remarkable natural beauty.
Ilam Province generally experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and warm, pleasant summers, making it an ideal environment for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. The area’s rich natural environment, combined with Ilam’s generally clean air and diverse ecosystems, adds to the village’s ecological appeal, ISNA wrote.
Despite its rich historical heritage and stunning natural surroundings, this village has remained deprived of essential support in the tourism sector, limiting its potential for development.
In this regard, Hamid Seydi, the rural manager of the village, said, “Located in the northwest of Ilam Province and adjacent to perennial rivers, Sarab Kalan is a village with a permanent population of over 800 residents, complemented by around 500 seasonal visitors. This has designated it as one of the targeted villages for regional tourism development”.
He underscored the challenges, “Unfortunately, despite the presence of ancient historical sites, reliable water resources, fertile agricultural lands, and its favorable climate, there has been a lack of serious planning and investment in promoting tourism in this area.”
He elaborated further, “Historical documents indicate that Sarab Kalan was known as ‘Masazan’ during the Sassanian era, serving as the administrative center of the region. It is believed to have been the provincial capital during the reign of King Khosrow I. Evidence of its historical significance can be seen in the remnants of a castle, clear water springs, and local inscriptions.”
“Most villagers are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. The area includes approximately 300 hectares of irrigated land and 1,000 hectares of dry land, predominantly owned by local families,” he noted.
Regarding current investments, Seydi added that Sarab Kalan Village’s Council allocates an annual budget for various needs such as sewage treatment, waste management, and road paving. However, no financial resources have been designated for developing tourism infrastructure, restoring historical sites, or attracting visitors.
Addressing the tourism potential, he said that experts specializing in tourism and rural development believe that, given its strategic geographical location, natural water resources, biodiversity, moderate climate, and rich historical sites, Sarab Kalan could become one of the foremost tourist destinations in western Iran.
“However, without careful planning, increased government and private sector investment, and strengthened support for local capacities, these promising opportunities will gradually fade over time,” he concluded.