The village of Ansarud and the gratitude of its inhabitants to nature in the shepherd ceremony.

Customs of Iran

The people of Ansarud village, located in the western part of East Azerbaijan Province, hold a ceremony every year on the first day of autumn known as the “Sultan Dagh” or “Shepherding Ceremony.” Due to its historical significance, this ceremony was registered on Iran’s National Intangible Heritage List in 2011 (1390 SH).

Introduction to the Village of Ansarud

Ansarud is one of the historical and tourist villages of Osku County in East Azerbaijan Province. The village is located 18 kilometers from Osku and approximately 50 kilometers from Tabriz, with a population of around 1,500 residents. Built on a mountainous terrain, Ansarud features a stepped layout in which the roof of each house serves as the courtyard for the house above it.

The villagers primarily engage in animal husbandry and agriculture, while some traditional handicrafts, such as carpet weaving, are also practiced. Ansarud is home to several historical and cultural sites, including a mosque, a rock-hewn bath, the tomb of Sultan Osama bin Farghat atop Mount Qaladaghi, and several mineral springs. These features make the village a noteworthy destination for cultural and eco-tourism in the region.

The rocky mosque of Ansarud village is considered the largest rock-hewn mosque in Iran. Some researchers believe it dates back to pre-Islamic times, as the overall structure resembles ancient places of worship, with its function likely adapted after the advent of Islam. Thanks to its stone construction, the mosque remains cool in summer and warm in winter. This durable design has protected it from moisture and erosion over the centuries, eliminating the need for major restoration. Today, it serves as one of the main centers for social and religious ceremonies in the village.

Ansarud is also home to extensive fields of Mohammadi flowers, making it one of the key rosewater-producing villages in East Azerbaijan Province. Every year, the village hosts the "Mohammadi Flower Festival" to celebrate this heritage.

With its numerous springs, Ansarud is among the greenest villages in the region. The most notable spring, Agh Bolagh, produces clear, refreshing water that is even believed to help with kidney stones. The spring gushes from the ground and flows down a hill, surrounded by lush greenery that provides an ideal grazing area for livestock.

The Shepherding Ceremony of Ansarud Village

On the first day of autumn, the people of the village of Ansarud ascend Sultan Mountain to visit the tomb of Osama. During this ceremony, they offer their votive gifts and engage in prayer. This ritual is held as a sign of gratitude to God and in recognition of the role of nature and the mountains in supporting the villagers’ livelihoods and daily work.

According to local accounts, Osama bin Farqad traveled to this village and its surrounding areas as a preacher of Islam in the early days of the religion and earned a high standing among the people. The construction of a tomb for him atop the mountain reflects the deep respect the villagers have for him.

Typically, the first groups of people set out toward Sultan Peak on the afternoon of the last day of summer to reach the Tomb of Osama. Upon arrival, they prepare a place for the overnight stay and mourn to the lamentations of a Nohay singer. Temporary shelters are set up at the tomb specifically for this ceremony.

After performing the morning prayer, people wait for the flocks of sheep kept nearby. The sheep move toward the tomb from the west, while people stand along both sides of the path to watch them pass. After circumambulating the tomb, the sheep exit from its western side. During this time, one of the shepherds walks in front of the flock to guide it, and the people say “Mashallah” to show appreciation for the shepherd and to honor the importance of his role.