Bandar Torkaman, the caviar capital of the world, lies on the westernmost part of Golestan Province. It used to be called Bandar Shah (King’s Port) before the Iranian revolution. It is one of the first Iranian cities where the railway system was installed. It was founded by Reza Shah’s decree in 1927. The remains of three wharfs are still visible by the receded seaside. Ashurade Island is one kilometer away from the city. It is also the first Iranian city designed by modern architects. Unlike spider network structures of many Iranian cities, it has well-organized streets and squares. These are the highlights of Bandar Torkaman:
* Ashurade Island, the biggest Iranian island in Caspian Sea, lies in the western side of Bandar Torkaman. It used to be composed of three connected islands two of which have been submerged over the centuries. It was inhabited several years ago but now it deserted due to the rise of sea level and it is owned by bureau of fisheries. However, travelers can go there by taking a motor boat in Bandar Torkaman pier. It does not take more than 10 minutes to get there, and enjoy its unsurpassed beauty and tranquility. One can see remains of the structures built by Safavid dynasty and later Russian imperial forces.
* Baha-eddin’s holy lodging spot is 10 km away on the eastern part of Bandar Torkaman. It is believed that Baha-eddin is a mystic whose Sufism has still lots of followers in many countries including Iran, India, and China. It is said that he stayed here for a while that is why this place is sanctified. He died in 1389 and buried in Bukhara (a city in Uzbekistan). This place is specifically favored by local infertile women who believe that it can gratify their needs for children.
* Also called Border Market, it is located by the pier of Bandar Torkaman. It is a vibrant and colorful bazaar attracting local people and tourists alike. Besides items imported mainly from China and Turkey, you can find Torkaman handicrafts glamorizing the whole market.
Aqqala is on the north of Bandar Torkaman, and the distance between them is 36 km. The Old Bridge of Aqqala is the most famous monument which was constructed over Gorgan River during Safavid dynasty. Majority of the people are ethnic Turkmens who were settled there not more than 100 years ago. Besides the bridge, there are other things which make Aqqala one of the prominent cities in Turkmen Sahra including Thursday Local Market, Voshumgir Dam, and the nearby wetlands of Almagul, Alagul, and Ajigul.
* Built over Gorgan River, the Old Bridge of Aqqala is a historical structure dating back to Safavid era around 400 years ago; and it has gone through repairs and restorations recently. There used to be two minarets over the bridge according the oldest photo available. It is 70 meters long, around 4.50 meters wide and 14 meters high. Brick, plaster and lime are the main materials utilized in the construction.
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Bandar Torkaman And Aqqala Tour
Bandar Torkaman and Aqqala Tour
Sights and Scenes from Bandar Torkaman and Aqqala