Sar Aqa Seyyed village considered for national tourism project
The historic stepped village of Sar Aqa Seyyed in Kuhrang, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, is being considered for designation as a national tourism project due to its distinctive architecture, historic fabric and exceptional natural and tourism potential, a senior cultural heritage official said.
Farhad Azizi, Director General of National and World Heritage Sites at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, made the remarks during a visit to tourism attractions in Kuhrang, according to chtn.ir.
“Kuhrang boasts unique landscapes and exceptional tourism potential,” Azizi said, according to chtn.ir.
He noted that the main focus of the visit was Sar Aqa Seyyed village, where discussions were held on strategies for the preservation, development and sustainable use of the village’s cultural and tourism assets.
According to Azizi, officials reviewed ways to utilize local and provincial resources, as well as national financial support, to designate Sar Aqa Seyyed village as a national tourism project. He highlighted the village’s distinctive architectural features and well-preserved historic fabric as key factors supporting the proposal.
“Sar Aqa Seyyed is among the country’s most significant and valuable villages,” he said, adding that its development requires a precise, expert-driven plan based on a clear implementation framework.
Azizi stressed that the objective is to leverage the capacities of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Kuhrang and national support mechanisms to facilitate the village’s recognition as a national project.
He added that preserving Sar Aqa Seyyed’s architectural and historical heritage, while improving residents’ quality of life and providing essential infrastructure, are among the initiative’s top priorities.
The official emphasized that, through cooperation among relevant institutions and provincial authorities, efforts will focus on overcoming existing challenges and taking effective steps toward the sustainable development of Sar Aqa Seyyed and the expansion of its tourism sector.
The picturesque village of Sar Aqa Seyyed is one of the most captivating natural attractions in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, nestled amidst the verdant Zagros Mountains. The stepped architecture, authentic traditional clothing, and customs of the rural inhabitants, along with its unspoiled and awe-inspiring natural surroundings, are some of the village’s outstanding features. In recent years, owing to the growing interest from nature enthusiasts, the village has gained recognition, with even foreign tourists making their way to this area.
With its limited amenities, this village is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility in secluded rural areas. During the colder seasons, the village’s population dwindles, while in warmer times, it sees an influx of tourists.
Despite the area’s potential for tourism, the residents lead traditional lives due to the limited facilities. According to archaeologists, Sar Aqa Seyyed village, like many others nestled in the mountains, served as one of the earliest human settlements, dating back thousands of years. Presently, the only historical record available for the village is a genealogy of the Imamzadeh buried there, indicating that a person named Isa and his relatives lived in this village over 600 years ago.