Sheikhanbar Village

Sheikhanbar is a village in the Central District of Lahijan County, in Gilan Province. According to the 1395 (2016) census, the village had a population of 110 people in 40 households, although in 1385 (2006) its population was 952. Sheikhanbar lies in Lialestan Rural District, only a few kilometres from the centre of Lahijan. Its setting, which combines village life, tea plantations and the surrounding mountain scenery, makes it a pleasant destination for travellers and nature lovers.

The village is best known for its proximity to the tomb of Sheikh Zahed Gilani, a historic and spiritual shrine standing on a hilltop overlooking the tea fields, which gives the place a soothing atmosphere. The area around the village, especially the higher parts, is covered with tea and rice gardens and fields. This lush, peaceful landscape offers beautiful views and makes Sheikhanbar more than a residential settlement: it is a good destination for light nature tourism and cultural tourism. Sheikhanbar was especially important in the Safavid era, when people visited it on the pretext of making a pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Zahed, the maternal ancestor of the Safavid kings. The historic remains and ruined brick structures around Sheikh Zahed's tomb are relics of that period and show the special attention the Safavid kings paid to this area. In addition to the tomb, the clear springs and huge rocks in the Shah Khaniver and Omar Sang areas point to military uses and to the drill ground of the soldiers of that era.

To reach Sheikhanbar, simply head east from the centre of Lahijan; the entrance to the village is a short distance away, about 3 to 4 kilometres. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the nature of Gilan is at its freshest and the tea and rice fields take on a vivid green. Visitors to this beautiful setting can help preserve the beauty and spiritual value of the area by practising responsible tourism: not littering, keeping quiet, respecting the residents and the pilgrimage atmosphere, and protecting the surrounding nature.