Cornelian cherry transforms Hir village into a colorful destination
As late August arrives, cornelian cherry trees in the gardens of Hir village, Qazvin Province, begin to bear fruit, transforming the village with new colors and aromas. The local people, dressed in traditional clothing and wearing smiles, celebrate the harvest, seizing the opportunity not only to gather the fruit but also to preserve their native customs and culture, sharing them with tourists.
This beautiful village enjoys a pleasant and delightful climate, with a flowing river called Ninerud that supports thriving agriculture. Surrounded by lush gardens, Hir village boasts unique charm, complemented by its picturesque cobblestone alleys, according to chtn.ir.
Located in the western Alamut neighborhood of Qazvin Province, Hir sits among the high mountains of Central Alborz, about 65 kilometers north of Qazvin. This mountainous, cold-weather village’s inhabitants speak the Tati language with the Deylami dialect. The village lies beside a rocky mountain called Latar Teleh; the word “Teleh” means cliff in the local dialect.
A longstanding connection between the people of the Ashkur region in Gilan Province and the residents of Hir and Viar villages has influenced the local dialect, facilitated trade, and fostered familial bonds. This connectivity also allows Ashkur residents to travel to central Iran through these villages, contributing to Hir’s status as one of the largest villages in western Alamut.
Hir village is the largest producer of cornelian cherry in the province, and every harvest season, it hosts the Cornelian Cherry Festival, featuring local music, traditional games, and distribution of the fruit, attracting many tourists. On festival day, villagers, accompanied by music and drums, harvest the fruit, a challenging task due to the orchard’s steep slopes. Harvested fruit, often unripe, is transported by pack animals in wooden boxes and ripens en route to markets. Orchard owners with the largest production areas and best quality fruit are honored during the festival.
After harvesting, villagers spread the fruit on rooftops, painting the village red, a distinctive seasonal spectacle. In bountiful years, over 200 tons of cornelian cherry are exported nationwide from these orchards.
The cornelian cherry here is renowned for high quality and delicious taste. The province’s total orchard area is 750 hectares, yielding about 5,000 kilograms per hectare, with an estimated output exceeding 3,750 tons annually.
The fruit’s tart flavor is typically processed into compote, jam, syrup, and fruit leather. Cornelian cherry flowers provide abundant nectar for honeybees, while its dark green, glossy leaves and oval, reddish fruit add to its appeal. Rich in antioxidants, the fruit offers significant health benefits, aiding in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cancer.
Beyond nutrition, cornelian cherry possesses medicinal properties, acting as an astringent to reduce bleeding and an antipyretic to lower fever. Both the fruit and its skin nourish the body and replenish nutrients. Consumed fresh or dried, especially off-season, the fruit’s tree wood also holds value for crafting machine parts due to its water-resistant nature.
Hir village, therefore, is not only a picturesque destination with authentic cultural traditions but also a vital agricultural hub contributing significantly to Qazvin Province’s economy and tourism appeal.