Discover Qaleh Bala: The Vibrant Village Celebrating the Endemic Iranian Ground-Jay!

Located in the heart of Iran, the eco-friendly village of Qaleh Bala has become a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly during its annual “Journey to the Habitat of the Iranian Ground-Jay” festival. This vibrant celebration not only honors the Iranian Ground-Jay, a rare native bird, but also emphasizes the community’s commitment to environmental conservation and cultural heritage.

The Iranian Ground-Jay, known as Zagh-e Boor in Persian, is a unique species found exclusively in Iran. With its sandy-yellow plumage, this bird thrives in the deserts and semi-desert shrublands of the region, particularly in tamarisk-saxaul sand plains. The festival serves as a crucial part of the local conservation program aimed at protecting this remarkable bird.

Qaleh Bala is strategically located at the gateway to Turan National Park, Iran’s largest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This picturesque village is not only known for its commitment to wildlife but also for its rich biodiversity, which includes the endangered Asiatic cheetah and the Persian onager.

Situated in the northeastern part of Iran’s Central Desert within Semnan province, Shahroud county, Qaleh Bala boasts a hot, dry climate and stunning architecture. The village is characterized by traditional structures made from local materials such as adobe, mud, stone, and wood, which gives it an authentic and historical appeal.

This year’s Zagh-e Boor Festival was a vibrant affair, bringing together local residents dressed in traditional attire, visitors from various provinces, environmental activists, birdwatchers, and officials from both local and national governments. The main square and central alleyways of the village were alive with age-old cultural rituals, including:

• The traditional wedding ceremony
• The Tal and Mahtal rain-invoking ritual
• The wooden-stick dance
• Performances of local music
• The Rain Doll show

These cultural expressions were not just entertainment; they served to revive and celebrate the rich cultural identity and intangible heritage of the Qaleh Bala community.

As part of this year’s event, villagers showcased their commitment to environmental sustainability. A significant highlight was the unveiling of a statue of the Iranian Ground-Jay made from iron scrap. This artistic piece communicated a clear message about the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and protecting the village’s natural resources.

Moreover, the use of fabric bags, beautifully embroidered with designs of the Iranian Ground-Jay and other local symbols, has become a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. These bags, crafted by the village women, are a testament to the art, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Qaleh Bala, recognized for its handicrafts that date back over 300 years.

The local markets during the festival were bustling with activity, featuring a variety of local products. Visitors could find items made from:

• Pomegranate
• Apple
• Plum
• Grape

These included delicious grape syrup, Falghel sauce, lavashak (fruit leather), pomegranate paste, jams, syrups, vinegars, rosewater, and various medicinal herbs. Local youth and ecotourism activists also showcased the region’s wildlife diversity from Turan National Park.

Festival attendees had the opportunity to stay in eco-lodges in Qaleh Bala, immersing themselves in the authentic rural lifestyle of one of Iran’s oldest villages. In line with sustainable tourism practices, many villagers have donated portions of their land to Turan National Park since the United Nations initiated its 2002 project to protect the Asiatic cheetah. In exchange, they have embraced tourism and established eco-lodges to welcome visitors.

Guests in these traditional adobe houses can indulge in authentic local dishes such as abgoosht, gandom-polo, and various traditional breads. They can also enjoy an array of local foods including dano, ashkeneh, digi, ghorouti, and hearty soups. To complement these meals, natural herbal drinks made from thyme, kakooti, mint, and rose are offered, showcasing the village’s warm hospitality.

Among all the culinary delights, the special traditional food dano remains the most popular and is served to visitors during the festival each year. This unique culinary experience, along with the vibrant cultural celebrations and commitment to environmental conservation, makes the Zagh-e Boor Festival in Qaleh Bala a truly unforgettable event.