Zarghan Village, Jaghatai

Zarghan is a village in the Central District of Jaghatai County, in Razavi Khorasan Province, about 15 km from the town of Jaghatai. It is one of the best-known settlements in the county and lies on an alluvial fan at the foot of the Jaghatai mountain range. The people of Zarghan speak Persian with a Khorasani dialect, and farming and animal husbandry are the main economic activities of the residents. The surrounding heights, rivers, valleys and natural scenery, together with the village's long history, make Zarghan a good destination for those who enjoy nature tourism and visiting rural historic fabric and monuments.

Besides its beautiful scenery, Zarghan has a historical and cultural heritage, parts of which are reflected in local accounts and records. The village is mentioned in the travelogue of Houtum-Schindler, who passed through the region in the Qajar period; he describes Zarghan as a village with farmland, walnut and fruit trees, and a copper mine nearby. Historic sites in the village include the remains of the twin towers, the Seriyan Fortress, and the old Baladeh and Kucheh Bagh-e Bala mosques. According to the villagers, the twin towers were once used as lookouts and to raise the alarm when bandits attacked. They are said to have been linked by an underground passage, and today only parts of one of them remain. Mud-brick houses also showcase the village's traditional architecture and culture. Alongside these sites, other natural and nearby attractions include Zarghan Dam, the Sar-Asiab River, the Nevez River, the Kelb Qasem River, Ali Kudar, Duri Ri and Embroti. Walnuts are Zarghan's most important product. Grapes, grape syrup, almonds, watermelons, honey and apples are also produced here, and they form part of the village's cultural and tourism appeal.

To reach Zarghan, take the road to Jaghatai in Razavi Khorasan Province and continue for about 15 km to the village. Routes around the village also give access to parts of the region's rivers, valleys, highlands and natural scenery. Thanks to the mild mountain climate, the rivers and the natural vegetation, spring and summer are the best seasons for walking and nature tourism in Zarghan, especially when the landscape is at its greenest. When visiting the village's natural surroundings, please avoid damaging the vegetation, polluting the rivers and the surrounding environment, or harming historic sites, and carry all your litter out, so that Zarghan's natural landscape and cultural heritage are preserved for residents and future visitors.