Arand Village

Arand is a historic village in Charam Rural District, in the Central District of Charam County, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, about 8 km southeast of the town of Charam. Its unspoiled nature, abundant springs and mountain scenery make Arand a good destination for anyone interested in village tours and ecotourism. According to local accounts, Arand dates back to the Achaemenid era, the time of Cyrus and Darius the Great. Other accounts link the village's name to "Orang", a prince said to have lived in the area during the Sasanian period. Yet another account connects the name Arand with "Orand Shah" from the stories of the Shahnameh. According to the 2016 census (1395 in the Solar Hijri calendar), the village had a population of 175 people in 49 households, and its people speak Luri.

Besides its unspoiled nature, Arand holds a number of historical remains and landmarks, which make the village even more interesting for lovers of history and culture. On one of the high mountains facing the village stand the remains of an old castle, parts of whose architecture still survive. Within its area you can see old houses and mills, and an ancient cemetery with graves oriented toward Jerusalem. The many mills, old castles and fortresses, discovered objects such as coins and jars, and an old road passing through the village all testify to Arand's historical past. About 5 km east of the village lies the historic area of Romahandon, which is the subject of stories linking it to the conflicts between the Sasanians and the Romans. The surrounding landscape, with its mountains, springs, pomegranate and grape orchards, and especially its rain-fed (dryland) vineyards, gives Arand a distinctive character. Most villagers work in farming and livestock raising, and pomegranates and grapes are among the village's main products.

To reach Arand, take a mountain road southeast from the Charam area and continue for about 8 km until you reach the village. Given the climate and natural setting, spring is the best time to visit Arand: the weather is mild and pleasant, and the countryside and orchards look their most beautiful. Summer can also be suitable for exploring thanks to the area's agreeable weather, although autumn and winter are colder and road conditions may not be suitable for travel. When hiking and touring the village, please avoid damaging the orchards and natural vegetation, entering farmland without permission, harming historical remains, and leaving litter. When talking and mixing with local people, respect their privacy and the peace of village life.