Hatam Mashesi Forest

Hatam Mashesi Forest is one of Iran's most valuable forest reserves, located 28 kilometers west of Meshgin Shahr County in Ardabil Province. Covering more than 6 hectares, the forest is considered part of the Arasbaran forests in terms of location, climate and habitat characteristics, and is recognized as one of the country's important natural reserves. Its position at the meeting point of three mountain ranges, the Alborz, the Zagros and the Caucasus, has created a distinctive and unique climate that plays an important role in the region's biodiversity and ecological stability.

In terms of plant diversity, Hatam Mashesi Forest is regarded as one of the richest forest reserves in the country, and its vegetation diversity has in some cases been reported to exceed even that of other parts of Arasbaran. Four main forest types have been identified here: pure oriental hornbeam (Ouri), Ouri–Karab, Ouri–Van, and hawthorn–wild cherry plum. In total, the forest holds 31 tree and shrub species belonging to 11 families and 23 genera. The presence of rare species such as hazel, hornbeam, Qarehqat, willow, wild pistachio (Bodagh) and Shirkhesht, together with herbaceous species on the forest floor such as fescue, milkvetch, clover and purple barley, has turned this area into a rare genetic reserve.

Hatam Mashesi Forest can be reached via the Meshgin Shahr to Ahar road. After passing Doshanlu Dam, turn onto the side road to Aghjehlu village and continue to Qinarcheh village, the starting point of a dirt track of about 4 kilometers leading to the forest. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the weather is mild and the vegetation is at its greenest. Given the forest's high ecological value, responsible nature tourism, including avoiding damage to vegetation, not lighting fires and keeping the habitat of wild animals undisturbed, plays an important role in sustaining the life of this genetic reserve.