Kandovan is a picturesque village situated in the far-flung northwest region of Iran, renowned for not only its natural beauty but also for the exceptional homes of its inhabitants. The village is home to numerous dwellings which have been constructed in caves located in naturally formed cone-shaped compressed volcanic ash structures, giving rise to a landscape resembling a colossal termite colony. According to locals, Kandovan has been around for over 700 years and was established when refugees fleeing from the Mongol army took refuge in the caves. The traditional homes, referred to as “karan” in the local Turkic dialect, are akin to beehives.

Throughout the years, the residents of the village have expanded their living spaces, resulting in cave dwellings that now span from two to four stories high. These homes come complete with living areas, storage rooms, and animal shelters, and many even boast porches, windows, doors, and stairwells carved into the rock. Not only are these caves uniquely charming, but they are also incredibly energy efficient due to the rock’s natural insulation, ensuring a comfortable living space through the cold season while remaining cool in the summer. If you’re interested in visiting this one-of-a-kind village, it can be found in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province, located 60 km south of the provincial capital Tabriz in Osku county.

Soucre:bumkeo.com