Ileh Village

Ileh is a village in Kerat Rural District, in the Central District of Taybad County, Razavi Khorasan Province. It lies in a mountainous area southwest of the town of Taybad, about 45 to 50 kilometres away, and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that is at its best in spring. High mountains, green valleys, bubbling springs and attractive orchards are the main natural features of Ileh, and in spring they draw travellers and nature lovers to the area. According to the 2006 census (1385 in the Solar Hijri calendar), the village had a population of 167 people in 37 households. The village's water comes from a qanat and a concrete dam built in 1977 (1356 SH). Farming and animal husbandry are the main occupations of the villagers. Wheat, chickpeas, saffron, onions, tobacco and cumin are among the village's crops.

Despite its small population, Ileh holds a collection of natural, historical and cultural attractions and is one of the areas with tourism potential in Taybad County. The village is the gateway to the highest mountains of Taybad County. Barqa Kuh peak, at about 2,050 metres, is one of the region's notable summits and is called the "Shining Mountain" because sunlight reflects off its limestone rocks. Mil (or Mikh-e Engelis, "the English Nail") peak, at 2,220 metres, is the highest point in the county, known as the "Roof of Taybad", and attracts mountaineers and nature lovers. Tangal-e Pir-e Derakht-e Sib is another natural highlight of Ileh: a green valley with permanent springs and ancient trees that also holds special spiritual significance, and the tomb of a figure from early Islam adds to its cultural importance. Next to this valley, the remains of a historic fortress stand on top of an almost impassable mountain. Based on the available evidence and local accounts, it is attributed to pre-Islamic periods, including the Achaemenid and Sasanian eras, although no comprehensive archaeological excavation has been carried out there so far. The Hoz-Anbar of Ileh (a water reservoir) is also a valuable work from the Qajar period. It is registered as number 140 on Iran's National Heritage List and is an example of traditional architecture and of how water was supplied and stored in mountainous, water-scarce regions. Ileh also has a notable cultural and educational history: the first village school in Taybad County was built here during the reign of Reza Shah (the first Pahlavi era).

Ileh is about 45 to 50 kilometres from the town of Taybad, and the route to the village continues from the Taybad area. Because Ileh lies in a mountainous area with orchards, green valleys and bubbling springs, spring is the best time to visit and see the village's nature. This is when the landscapes look their best and conditions are better for nature trips and mountaineering. When visiting Ileh and the surrounding countryside, travellers should avoid damaging vegetation, polluting the springs, leaving litter, or damaging or tampering with historic remains. They should also respect the tomb and other places of cultural and spiritual importance, and visit the orchards and the villagers' living areas with consideration for local customs.