Sur Village

The historic village of Sur lies in the Central District of Bonab County in East Azerbaijan Province, in North Bonajuy Rural District, about 24 to 25 kilometres from the county seat of Bonab. The village sits in a mountainous setting, in narrow foothill valleys on the southern slopes of Sahand. A river runs through the village and divides it into northern and southern sections. Mount Duzlag lies to the north, Mount Poligoni to the east and Mount Farhaddash to the southeast of the village. With a history of about three thousand years, Sur is considered one of the region's historic and still-inhabited villages. Its rock-cut architecture was registered on Iran's National Heritage list on 17 Bahman 1379 (6 February 2001) under number 3086. The village's elevation is reported at about 2,414 metres above sea level, and because of its mountain location it has cold, snowy winters and mild, cool summers.

The most important feature of Sur is its rock-cut, hand-carved architecture: today's brick-built homes stand on top of older rock-hewn and underground spaces. In the past this structure was a complex of hand-carved spaces including living rooms, animal pens, storerooms, niches, platforms, corridors and connecting passages, and some units were linked to neighbouring spaces by underground routes. In many of these spaces you can see circular or oval plans, domed ceilings and small openings to let in light, and tool marks left by primitive implements are still visible on parts of the rock. A fairly abundant spring flows in the centre of the village, and an underground qanat has long been used to supply water. Around the village, besides the rock-cut architecture, there are attractions such as natural and ancient caves, ancient mounds, historic cemeteries, unspoiled nature, the lush Turan Darasi area and views of the southern slopes of Sahand. The Chakhmarkhalar and Qoyunlar caves are also among the region's natural attractions.

Sur village can be reached from the city of Bonab. It lies about 24 to 25 kilometres northeast of Bonab; the route leads from the urban area of Bonab toward the mountainous areas and reaches Sur after passing through several villages of the region. Given the high altitude, the cold mountain climate and the long winters, spring and summer are the best times to visit the village, enjoy the scenery and wander through its historic fabric. Spring is especially good, when the surrounding slopes are covered with vegetation and medicinal plants. When visiting the rock-cut architecture, avoid tampering with it, damaging it or entering sensitive spaces without permission. In nature, do not leave litter, damage vegetation or disturb the villagers' peace. Buying farm produce and handicrafts from the locals can also help support the local economy.