Story of a Trailing Spouse: Golestan...

Mt. Damavand...from my window seat on the flight to Gorgan

Salaam,

Golestan (13 – 15 November 2008)...

In mid November last year, a group of ambassadors, CDAs and their spouses were invited to a three-day tour of the northern Iranian province of Golestan. Landed at Gorgan airport in mid morning, we were graciously accorded a traditional welcome by representatives of the Governor General’s office, adorned with traditional colors and cultural display of the province.

Golestan is really an interesting province abundant with natural beauties, resources and historical and cultural attractions. Located southeast of the Caspian Sea, the province has a population of approximately 1.6 million. Generally there are three main tribes living in this province, namely the Persian, Turkmen and emigrants. While the native Persian live mainly in the central and southern regions, the other groups consisting mainly of Turkmens, including Yamut and Guklan sects, inhabit the northern edge of the Gorgan plain. The Turkmen are mainly Sunnite Muslims. Hence it was interesting to note that despite the various tribes, languages and dialects, the inhabitant of the province apparently live in peace and harmony, sharing the same religion, Iranian culture and Persian language in common.

Among the most important natural and historical attractions of the province included in our visit program were the public forest and park of Nahar-Khoran in Gorgan and Kaboodval waterfall of Ali-Abad-e Katool. The main historical and tourist sites visited were the tower of Gonbad-e Kavoos, and Gorgan’s Taghavi’s house. On the last day, we also visited the wetlands and fishing place near Bandar-e Turkmen, where the country’s caviar production and factory sites were located.

The Turkmen are also skilled horse riders. On the second day, we had the opportunity to watch the horseracing event, a popular pastime and sport activity of the Turkmen, at Gonbad-e Kavoos race course.

Our visit was also arranged to coincide with the Second Festival of the Persian Tribal Cultural show held in Gorgan’s city hall. Prior to our departure back to Tehran, we, the trailing ladies, once again, were granted some valuable moments to roam about the special night bazaar which was specially organized in conjunction with the province’s cultural festival.

Above all, it was a very fruitful and enjoyable trip indeed. In particular the visit also provides a very valuable insight and opportunity to observe and explore the more rural aspects, the natural beauties and the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of this great nation.

Wassalam…