Lahijan

The topographic position of the Caspian lowlands results in a very characteristic Hyrcanian climate, and the whole province of Gilan belongs to this humid and green area. Prevailing north-south atmospheric currents, humidified over the Caspian, are forced to a vigorous ascendancy by the mighty barrier of Alborz and thus pour abundant rainfall all year long on both the plain and the north-western slope of the mountains. The precipitation regime shows a sharp maximum in autumn (September to December), when atmospheric instability is at its highest point, medium values in winter and early spring, and lowest values from May to August.

Mean annual rainfall varies between 1200 and 1800 mm along the shoreline, decreases towards a sub-humid area in the southwestern corner of the, and reaches again very high amounts in the lower part of the mountain, up to 1500–1800 mm. Along the Safid-rud valley, swept every afternoon in summer by the violent northerly Manjil wind (Tholozan), a very rapid transition leads to the Mediterranean-like semi-arid area of Rudbar and Manjil.

The climatic privilege of Gilan explains its luxuriant natural vegetation.

According to altitude, three forest levels can be distinguished: The Hyrcanian mixed forests, the mountain beech forest, and the High Mountain oak and hornbeam forest. The Hyrcanian forest stricto sensu once covered the plains, where only residual patches remain on coarse alluvial terraces between cultivated areas, and still covers the greater part of the first slopes of the mountains up to about 1000 m.

It is a stratified forest, with a layer of very tall trees such as the endemic chestnut-leaved oak (boland-mazu; Quercus castaneaefolia), Siberian elm (derakht-e-azad; Zelkova crenata) and iron tree (anjili; Parrotia persica) and more common elms, maples, and hornbeams (ulas); a layer of smaller trees like the endemic Gleditchia caspica (lilaki), Diospyros lotus (kalhu), and Albizzia julibrissin (shabkhosb), boxwood (shemshad) in shady spots and all kinds of wild fruit trees; and an underwood with evergreen bushes such as Prunus laurocerasus (jal) and holly (khas), moss, wild vine, ivy, and other creeping plants. Medium altitude mountains are the realm of the lofty oriental beech (rash; Fagus orientalis), associated with oaks (balut), lime-trees (namdar), maples (afra), and elms (narvan; qq.v.). The upper mountain level, between 1800 and 2200 m, has remnants of a quite poorer forest of stunted oaks (uri; Quercus macranthera) and hornbeams (Carpinus orientalis). Alpine meadows, climate at higher altitudes, have often replaced these upper mountain forests, some of them, on the highest ridges or sheltered slopes, show distinctly xerophytic features.

The so-called Mediterranean island around Rudbar and Manjil is conspicuous through its specific vegetation, natural as well as cultivated, i.e., its very sparse cypress forests and its olive groves.

The weather system in Lahijan is more favorable than the other points in the Gilan. It has warmer winters and cooler summers. Freezing temperatures are seldom reported in the coastal areas; however, it is not odd for Lahijan to experience periods of near blizzard conditions during the winter. The amount of rainfall in Lahijan depends on the winds bearing vapor that blows from the North West in winter, from the East in spring, and from the West in summer and autumn. These winds carry the vapor and humidity towards the plains causing heavy and prolonged rainfalls.

The shrine of Sheikh Zahed Gilani. Lahijan

Keshavarzi - Khamir Kalaye - Gharib Abad - Amir Shahid - Pordesar - Shishe Garan - Ordubazar - Khazar St. - Karegar (Shahid Rajayi)- Andisheh - Shahrake Salman - Shahrake Janbazan - Yousef Abad - Chahar Padeshahan - Sardare Jangal - Shoron Maleh - Khoramshahr - Ghiam St. - Bolvar St. - Nima St. - Jire Sar - Koucheh Bargh - Malek-e-Ashtar - Bazkia Gorab - Shaghayegh St. - East & West Kashef St. - Hazin St. - Sheikh Zahed Village - 22 Aban - Shahid Karimi St. - Bazar Rooz 1 2 3 4 - Shahrake Tarbiat Mo'allem - Shahrake Farhangian - Kamarbandi - Pomp Benzin - Golestan Alleies - Azadegan St. - Taleghani St. - Sher Bafan - Ghasab Mohaleh - Lashidan-e-Hokomati - Lashidan - Tarbiat Mo'allem St. - Assyed Yamani Alley - Abshar & Damaneh - Gabaneh - Karvan Sara Bar - Fayath St. - Hassan Bigdesht - Haji Abad - Asour Meli - Javaher Poshteh - Kord-e-Mahaleh - Namak Abi - Koi Zamani - . . .

Sustan, also known as Soustan, is a diminutive village nestled in the southern region of Lahijan, characterized by its division into two distinct districts: Upper and Lower. The village boasts a notable natural pool situated in its southeastern expanse, commonly referred to by locals as Soustan'sal. The pool garners considerable attention as a prominent tourist attraction within the area. At its heart lies a natural island adorned with ancient trees, enhancing its scenic allure.

Functionally, Soustan'sal plays a vital role in the local agricultural landscape, serving as a critical irrigation source for the surrounding tea fields and paddy lands. This natural reservoir also supports the community's economic activities, aiding in the sustenance and growth of the region's agricultural sector.

Adjacent to the pool, one can find the Shin'chal sand mine—an open mine prevalent in the vicinity. This mining site is of substantial economic significance, as contractors extract tens of thousands of tonnes of sand annually from this locality. The extracted sand contributes to various construction and industrial endeavors, further underlining the economic importance of this natural resource.

Kat'schel, on the other hand, is a diminutive village situated in the eastern reaches of Lahijan. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the closest neighboring village to Sustan, highlighting its geographical proximity to the aforementioned village.

The real color of the Tea

Tea plant.

The history of tea in Iran traces its origins to the latter part of the 15th century. Prior to this, coffee held prominence as the primary beverage in the region. However, logistical challenges associated with shipping coffee from distant producer nations led to a shift in preference towards tea. Positioned along the historical trade route known as "The Silk Road", Iran found China, a major tea-producing nation, more accessible for trade. This ease of transportation facilitated the increased popularity of tea in Iran over time. As tea consumption surged, so did the demand, necessitating larger imports to match the consumption patterns.

In the year 1882, Iran made its initial attempt to cultivate tea within its borders, importing seeds from India. However, the venture proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, in 1899, Prince Mohammad Mirza, also recognized as "Kashef Al Saltaneh" and born in Lahijan, imported Indian tea and initiated its cultivation in Lahijan. Displaying ingenuity, Kashef, the inaugural mayor of Tehran and an Iranian ambassador to British-ruled India, concealed his true identity by posing as a French laborer to glean insights into tea production. His objective was to obtain tea saplings for cultivation in Iran. Successfully executing his plan, he transported 3,000 saplings from the Kangra region in Northern India, utilizing his diplomatic immunity to avert scrutiny. Commencing cultivation in the Gilan region, south of the Caspian Sea, the climate of Gilan proved conducive to tea cultivation, leading to a swift expansion of the tea industry in Gilan and Mazanderan. Presently, Kashef's mausoleum in Lahijan stands as an integral part of "Iran's National Tea Museum."

A pivotal milestone in the tea industry materialized in 1934 with the establishment of the first modern-style tea factory. The industry has since burgeoned, with approximately 107 tea factories and a collective expanse of 32,000 hectares devoted to tea farms. These farms, predominantly situated on the slopes of Iran, akin to those in Darjeeling, specialize in producing orthodox-style black tea. The Iranian tea boasts a reddish hue and a delicate flavor profile.

By the year 2009, the aggregate production of black tea in Iran amounted to approximately 60,000 tons.[7]

Iran's National Tea Museum and Kashef Osaltane's tomb.

A statue in Lahijan

Historically, Lahijan is the first town in Iran to have tea plantations. With its mild weather, soil quality and fresh spring water, Lahijan stands to have the largest area of tea cultivation in Iran.

But today the country's tea industry is deep in trouble as the verdant gardens that once sustained millions of farmers and their workers are used only for grazing and other personal purposes. Despite having one of the world's most avid tea-drinking populations, the Iranian tea economy is reeling from an influx of foreign imports and smugglers who, as per the complaints of local traders, often have close family ties to powerful figures in the Islamic government. As a consequence, Lahijan, this historic capital of Iran's tea industry which was once a lush vista of tea bushes is now occupied by real estate. These buildings and structures are built by tea factory owners who have moved into real estate in response to their industry's decline. Several of the town's tea mills are derelict. Others are at a standstill or operating at half capacity. Some 40% of the half-million tea farmers in tea-rich Gilan province have gone out of business because the factories are no longer buying their crops. Hundreds of thousands of pickers have been forced out of work.

Lahijan Pool, also known as the Lahijan Reservoir, is an essential water resource situated in the eastern part of Lahijan, a city in Gilan Province, Iran. Nestled atop the scenic Sheitankuh Mountain, this reservoir is enveloped in vibrant greenery and bush, offering a picturesque backdrop. Historically referred to as Shahneshin, the reservoir is pivotal for irrigation purposes, particularly catering to the adjacent rice fields.

Covering an extensive area of 17 hectares and boasting a maximum depth of 4 meters, the reservoir is replenished by water flowing from the mountains. One notable feature is the presence of a prominent structure known as "the beauty in the middle of the lake,” historically referred to as "between the backs." This structure is connected to the southern edge of the reservoir through a lengthy concrete bridge. The reservoir stretches for about 2 kilometers, bordered by a charming boulevard that enhances its appeal as a popular sightseeing and recreational destination.

According to local accounts, it is believed that Shah Abbas Safavid, a significant ruler of the Safavid dynasty, commissioned the construction of this reservoir. There were plans to build an expansive palace on the reservoir's island, intended to serve as a residence for Shah Abbas Safavid during his visits to Lahijan. However, as of the present day, there are no visible remnants or traces of this envisioned palace. The historical and geographical significance of the Lahijan Pool makes it an important landmark within the region, attracting visitors for its natural beauty and cultural associations.[8]

One particularly renowned element of Lahijanian cuisine is the traditional Persian-style filled cookie known as "Kulucheh." These cookies, widely recognized and sought after, are marketed globally. Kulucheh features a crusty shell enveloping a soft and flavorful filling. The filling comes in a variety of options, including cocoa, walnut, and coconut flavors. The age-old production of these cookies in Gilan has adhered to traditional methods over centuries. Four well-known brands associated with the production of Kulucheh cookies in Lahijan include Noosheen, Grand Naderi, Naderi, Nadi, and Peyman, all contributing to the reputation of Lahijan's culinary heritage.

• Hazrat Zeinab School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Gilan
• Lahijan Payam-Noor University
• Tarbiat Modarres College, Lahijan

• Islamic Azad University, Lahijan Branch