Malhamdareh Village

Malhamdareh is one of the target tourism villages of Asadabad County in Hamadan Province. It lies about 3 km from the city of Asadabad, in the northwestern valleys of Alvand and on the slopes of Almabolagh Mountain. This foothill village sits at an average elevation of about 1,585 m above sea level and is surrounded on all sides by mountains and green valleys. Its mountain setting gives Malhamdareh a relatively cool, temperate climate, with lush scenery and pleasant weather, especially in spring and summer. Orchard farming and animal husbandry are the main occupations of the villagers. Vineyards and orchards of walnut, plum, peach and apple, together with farmland, form an important part of the local landscape and economy. Medicinal plants growing in the surrounding valleys and slopes are another well-known natural feature of the area, and in local accounts the name "Marham-dareh" ("Ointment Valley") is linked to this.

The most important feature of Malhamdareh is its terraced layout and vernacular architecture. The houses are built to follow the slope of the land, so that the roof of one house becomes the courtyard of the next. This structure makes the village a striking example of terraced architecture and is why Malhamdareh is called the "Masuleh of the West". The use of local materials such as stone, wood, sun-dried brick and mud also helps the village blend in with its natural surroundings. A river that rises at Chehel Cheshmeh flows through or around the village and, together with the area's springs, irrigates the surrounding orchards and pastures. In the past, the village's spring water also powered several watermills. Other attractions of Malhamdareh include its plum orchards and the plum harvest festivals, its vineyards and its walnut groves. Handicrafts such as carpet weaving, kilim weaving and enamel work (minakari) are also part of the village's cultural heritage. Local products such as plums, walnuts, grapes and foods made from them can be part of a rural tourism experience in the area.

To reach Malhamdareh, travel from the city of Asadabad toward this tourist village on the slopes of Almabolagh. Because it is so close, a visit to the village can easily be included in an Asadabad sightseeing itinerary. Spring and summer are the best times to visit Malhamdareh: in these seasons the valleys, orchards and surrounding slopes are at their greenest, and the weather is better for walking and exploring the village. Early autumn can also be a good time to visit, thanks to the ripening of the orchard fruits and the changing colors of nature, and the plum festivals are held during the plum harvest season. While exploring the village and the surrounding countryside, avoid damaging the vegetation, over-picking medicinal plants, entering private orchards without permission, polluting the river and springs, and leaving litter. By preserving the local architecture and respecting the privacy of the residents, you help keep tourism in the village sustainable.