Hyrcanian forests have been here since the Palaeogene period, which means they are around 25 to 50 million years old. The forests have seen so much history, way before humans even existed. Walking through them feels like stepping into a living museum, where every tree and every corner tells a story.

Some of these trees are 300 to 400 years old, even older than your great-great-grandparents. It’s part of my homeland, and I’m proud to have lived near such a treasure.

My Time Near the Hyrcanian Forests

Two million hectares of these forests are located in my home country, Iran, and they have been listed by UNESCO for their unique natural value. There is so much history in the nearby towns and villages to explore, hike, and climb.

The forests are vast, and I was lucky enough to live in a very small town for six months and discover a glimpse of their beauty.

Home for Stone Age People

People have sheltered themselves in some areas of these forests long ago in hand-carved caves.

Darband Rashi is one of those caves, estimated to be 250,000 years old. The cave is located in a deep valley and was first discovered in 2005.

Archaeologists found fossil remains of animals, including cave bears, a stone chopper, a retouched flake, a core stone, and stone-flaking debris. Archaeological studies show that the cave was hand-carved during the Paleolithic era and was home to ancient civilizations in the Stone Age.

Wildlife in the Hyrcanian Forests

The Hyrcanian forests are home to an amazing variety of plants and animals. More than 3,200 kinds of plants grow here, including many that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. About 280 plants only live in this region.

The forests also shelter a rich mix of wildlife. Bird lovers can spot species like the Steppe Eagle, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Caspian Tit. There are around 58 kinds of mammals, including the rare Persian Leopard and the threatened Wild Goat.

This mix of plants and animals makes the Hyrcanian forests truly special. It’s like stepping into a world where nature has been carefully preserved for millions of years.

Life and Beauty Near the Hyrcanian Forests

The beauty of the Hyrcanian forests and the villages around are just as beautiful as any national park or forest. The only reason they aren’t more well-known is poor media coverage in Iran. Each season has its own colors and charm, with rivers, waterfalls, hills, peaks, and even man-made places like caravanserais and caves.

There are many small towns and villages near the forest, and life is pretty simple there. Locals keep cattle, work on farms, and grow black tea, rice, nuts, and more for a living. Some cities and towns lie along the Caspian Sea, so fishing is also a common job for the locals.

Homesick for the Forest

I’m not currently living in Iran, and the beauty of the forest and everything it holds is the only reason I feel homesick. Anyone who has lived near such beauty would definitely choose to go back there for retirement.

All photos in this blog are my own. They may not be professional, but they come from my heart and my time spent in the Hyrcanian forests.