Astari
Sar Agha Seyed is a quaint settlement nestled within the picturesque landscapes in Miankuh-e Moguyi Rural District of the Central District of Kuhrang County, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran.
The village derives its name from the sacred shrine of Seyyed Isa, recognized as Aqa Seyyed, a descendant of the seventh Imam of the Shia faith, and also referred to as The Masuleh of Zagros.
The village lies 120 kilometers north of Tehran, amidst the Alborz Mountains.
Perched at an altitude of around 1,200 meters above sea level, the village is surrounded by the majestic Alborz Mountains.
The region’s temperate climate, characterized by mild summers and snowy winters, contributes to its appeal.
In 2016, the most recent census recorded 1,698 individuals residing in 380 households. This made it the largest village within its rural district.
Furthermore, the village’s notable architecture is characterized by adobe houses stacked atop one another. This creates a unique layout, where the roofs of lower houses serve as yards or passageways for the upper ones.
Building ponds and harvesting salt is the main livelihood of the Sar Agha Seyed community. Apart from that, other activities include farming and animal husbandry.
Additionally, many gardens yield fresh fruit. Some sell it, while others keep it for inventory.
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Known for Mud-Brick Houses and Yard Roofs
Sar Agha Seyed boasts traditional architecture, reflecting centuries-old Persian craftsmanship and ingenuity.
The village is renowned for its charming mud-brick houses, adorned with intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
Built with local materials, these homes endure, showcasing villagers’ resilience and cultural pride.
Moreover, the yard roof houses typically consist of one or two stories, with a central courtyard surrounded by living quarters.
The roofs of these houses are flat and accessible, often serving as additional living space or a gathering area for families and neighbors during pleasant weather.
Renowned as a Salt-Producing Village
Sar Agha Seyed produces salt and is renowned for its salt production methods.
Moreover, the villagers here actively harvest salt from nearby salt marshes and employ traditional techniques passed down through generations.
They gather saltwater from natural springs or shallow ponds. Then, they allow it to evaporate under the sun, leaving crystallized salt.
The salt produced in Sar Agha Seyed is highly regarded for its purity and quality. The villagers then sell the harvested salt to Kuhrang City.
Traditional Attire and Cultural Identity of the Residents
The villagers in Sar Agha Seyed belong to the Bakhtiari tribes of Iran. They speak the Lori dialect and don traditional local attire.
Men typically wear shirts, short pants, shawls, choqas, and giwehs. Women’s attire includes long shirts, pants, lace, vests, enamel scarves, kalanjeh, and various types of coats.
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Religious Significance in Sar Agha Seyed
The residents of Sar Agha Seyed deeply value religious ceremonies and beliefs.
Furthermore, magnificent religious events take place at Imamzadeh Agha Seyyed. The month of Ramadan and the days of mourning in Muharram hold special significance in this Iranian community.
Imamzadeh Seyed Agha Isa holds a revered position among the villagers, who hold it in high esteem.
According to local belief, the arrival of Agha Seyed Isa to the village marked the end of drought and brought blessings.
Within the Imamzadeh, residents attribute it to “Agha Seyed Isa”, who played a crucial role during wars and the conversion to Islam.
During times of drought and disease, villagers invoke this connection to alleviate suffering.
The “Khime” mountain facing the village bears a sign resembling the number eight. Locals believe it marks the spot where “Agha Seyed” cast a spear to determine the Qibla direction.
Additionally, “Morad Cheshme” on the same mountain is regarded as a sacred site. Here, prayers are answered and wishes fulfilled by the village inhabitants.