Mesr is an oasis located in the central desert of
Iran, (known as Dashte-Kavir in Persian). Mesr is a village in Jandaq Rural District, in the Central District of
Khur and Biabanak County,
Isfahan Province,
Iran.
At the 2006 census, its population was 183, in 41 families.
The central mountain ranges of
Iran which are predominantly isolated oasis Type Mountains which run through the desert territory of
Iran, are close by.
The town’s only water source and therefore lifeline comes from a spring that flows out of the foothills of the aforementioned mountains quite close to the heart of the village.
This is the only source of life for the gardens and
Date Palm orchards that make this oasis such a special place.
As far as we know it has been thus for several thousand years.The documented history of human settlement in the area is as far back as 4000 years ago but there exists some relatively reliable evidence that suggests human habitation
...see more as far back as 7000 years ago.
The main activity for the natives during this incredibly long period had been some form of agriculture and wresting sustenance out of the harsh and unforgiving conditions that are the reality of this land.During more recent historical times (from about 2000 years ago), the oasis was placed on the main route of the of the famous Silk Road and therefore the main trading route between China and Europe.
Consequently many travelers have passed through the area. A famous Persian poet, philosopher and adventurer by the name of Nasser Khosro passed through the area about 950 years ago and has mentioned the area in his travel writing.
This is very well known for all literate Persian readers.
As an example of the more well known European travelers of the last few centuries; one can mention the names of Seven Hedin and Alfonse Gabriel who visited Garmeh about a century ago.
The hot villages in the central desert are one of the favorite types of ecotourism in Iran, visited by many Iranian and foreign eco tourists every year.
Khour, Mesr and Garme are the widely known areas located in the southern part of the desert which deserve more attention.Perhaps Mesr village is one of the amazing natural highlights of Persia especially for those who enjoy experiencing the rough but beautiful nature of the desert.
Mesr (which means Egypt in English) is located 30 km North of Khour town in Isfahan province. The village is accessible from two almost non-asphalted roads.
One is to the east of Khour town which is about 35 km long. The other road is from Jandagh town which is about 45 km long. It has a dry and hot climate because of its location in the Southern part of Iran’s central desert.
The village is somewhat deserted; there aren’t many facilities but there is a telecommunication center for making calls and a generator producing electricity for the village.
What’s more, despite the roughness and being far away from the other spotlight of tourism in Iran, it gets quite many visitors during the year, half of which are foreigners.
Thus, they are very much familiar with tourists and are prepared to welcome them and provide some services to somewhat facilitate your trip.
Mesr is best known for its unique sand hills and an amazing bamboo field. The sand hills around the village are known as thrones since the strong winds have flattened the surface forming peculiar and attractive shapes.
Takht-e aroos and Takh-e-Abbasi are among the most famous flat hills in the area. To get to these flat sand hills, you have to drive some short distance through the desert which is only possible by 4wd.
Once on the top of each sand throne, you get an amazing view of the village and the desert.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesr
http://www.adventureiran.com/component/content/article/54-spring-slide-show/150-mesr-central-desert-of-Iran.html
