Qamsar is a town in central Iran located about 31 kilometers south of Kashan. Qamsar, together with three other smaller towns of Niasar and Barzook in the Esfahan province, are the main producers of rosewater in Iran for well over 800 years.
Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area
Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area is one of the most famous sights of Qamsar, located in the southwest of Kashan, in the range of three cities of Qamsar, Barzak and Joshaqanokamo. If you are an adventurer and you want to discover nature, Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area can be a good choice for you. This area was banned as a forbidden hunting area in 2007 to revive the wildlife. Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area covers an area of 60,000 hectares, the major part is mountainous, and the other part includes vast plains. This area has a variety of vegetation and due to its cold climate; plants such as Artemisia, Astragalus and Acanthophyllum constitute the major vegetation in the region. There are numerous animal species in the region including 20 mammal species, 50 bird species, 15 reptile species and one amphibian species. Among the rare species in Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area, Pallas cat can be mentioned, which is part of the cats family and the carnivore, and its generation is in the danger of extinction; also the ram, the pika and horned snake, the boar and Goat are considered as important animal species in this region. Ghamsar and Barzak Protected Area, with dozens of bird species, including partridge, Teyho, Quail, Black Belly Coquerelles and Eagles, every year brings a lot of nature lovers to see the birds in this area.
Ghamsar Dam
The beautiful city of Ghamsar is full of notable historical places that each of them is a world full of mystery. Ghamsar dam is one of attractions in Ghamsar which is located in the north of Ghamsar in Farfahan district and is known as a prominent tourist attraction in this city. This dam was registered in 1386 as one of Iran national arts with the number of 19876. Ghamsar Dam is built on Ghamsar River towards Kashan plain and it returns to Malek Shah Siljuk dynasty. The wall of dam has 22 meters’ height and in the depth of valley, it has 40 meters’ length and in the top part of wall, it has 50 meters’ length. It seems that the thickness of the wall in the first stages was 14 meters and later it was changed to 26 meters. Ghamsar dam is made of Stone and Sarooj and although it was made too many years ago, it can resist against the pressure of water and as you can see, it is still standing. In the east part of the dam, there is a remained canal which was used for extruding extra water. Hatches were made 20 meters away from each other for regulating the pressure of water that only one of them is working properly now. These hatches were used for supplying electricity of stairway and neutralizing the power of destruction of water which is in the pipes. If you are interested in Iran’s history, we recommend you visiting Ghamsar Dam which was a symbol of intelligence and knowledge of people for making dams and is a priceless treasure for future people.
Rosewater Museum in Qamsar
Rosewater museum is one of Ghamsar tourist attractions and everybody knows Ghamsar as the city of flower and rosewater. When you step in this city, you feel magnificent smell of damask rose. Every year, so many rosewater extraction festivals have been held in this city which is famous all around the world. Rosewater Museum in Qamsar is 500 square meters and it is located in Zakeriha House. This house returns to Qajar dynasty that in 1390, Rosewater Museum was opened in it. You will get familiar with the history of rosewater extraction which goes back to 1000 years ago and you will see some tools that are used for getting this. Because Ghamsar in Kashan is the home of rosewater extraction in Iran, this museum is made in purpose of introducing the history of rosewater extraction and its culture in this city. You will get to know the traditional ways of extracting rosewater which is the product of art and intelligence of Ghamsar people in rosewater museum. According to the documents in this museum, rosewater extraction returns to 2000 years ago in the Sassanid dynasty that people were celebrating it by splashing the rosewater on each other. They would splash rosewater on decorative bottles with jewelries and send it to the king. The enjoyable space of the yard in this museum is so considerable. You can see the pots and other tools of rosewater extraction under the shadow of trees that is mixed with the traditional atmosphere of the house and the yard. It definitely takes you to the past. There are some beds around the yard that old carpets are flattened on them and you can take some rest.
Qohrud Village in Qamsar- Kashan
Qohrud is a village in Qamsar, Kashan which is located 40 kilometers away from Kashan in the heart of Karkas Mountains. In spite of other central cities in Iran, Qohrud has nice weather. It has a good location because of being placed on the north to south route. That’s why many tourists and visitors come to see this place. In addition of fresh weather, one of the main reasons that many tourists are attracted to this place is the presence of natural tourist attractions. That’s why Iranian and foreign tourists have mentioned this place on their logbooks. If you are interested in historical tourist attractions, Qohrud village has a lot of attractions to visit such as Kaleh mosque, Quhrud old cemetery, Qohrud dam, etc. one of the prominent features of Kaleh mosque is the two big entrance doors which are wood carved and also some historical inscriptions that will be wonderful for each visitors. The altar of mosque is decorated with beautiful tiling which have made the mosque look much more beautiful. Quhrud historical dam has been a symbol of intelligence and knowledge of people in that time is another tourist attraction of this place. Kind and warm-blooded people host visitors in the best way.
Bahareh Yousefi
