Cypress Tree of Abarkuh

Being an evergreen tree, “cypress” is known as a symbol of freedom and resilience in Persian literature. This tree is so respected by Iranians that it is considered one of the symbols of Iran. The image of this tree was even used in the sculptures related to the Achaemenid era (550 to 330 BC).

“Paisley pattern”, which has been one of the genuine designs of Islamic architecture over the centuries resembles bent cypress and is the symbol of beauty and strength. Keeping this in view, it is not strange that the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh, with an estimated life of 4500 years, and as the oldest living creature in Asia and one of the oldest trees in the world, is so respected by the people of Iran.

Features of the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh

The perimeter of this tree on the ground is 11.5 meters and its height stands at 25 meters. This cypress tree is a type of Mediterranean Cypress and its trunk diameter reaches 4.5 meters. The life of this tree is estimated to be around 4500 years, but some scientists believe that the life of Cypress Tree of Abarkuh is between six and eight thousand years. According to the list prepared of living ancient plants of the world, only 26 trees date back to pre-historic times, which makes the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh the 9th oldest living tree in the world.

Cypress Tree of Abarkuh in Historical Texts

One of the books in which mention has been made of the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh is “Nuzhat al-Qolub: by Hamdullah Mostofi. This book was written in the year 740 AH (1339 AD) in which the author says: “There is a cypress tree there that has a great reputation in the world, just as the cypress tree of Kashmir and cypress tree of Balkh have a reputation, and now, this one is taller and bigger than them and there is no other cypress tree like it in Iran.” This statement shows that the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh was famous as an old and stout tree even around seven centuries ago. In the famous Western travelogues, such as the Travelogue of Marco Polo (14th century AD), too, mention has been made of this tree.

Measures to Protect the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh

After being inscribed on the list of Iran’s natural national certain measures were taken to protect the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh. One of these measures was to handle the ecological barriers and unfavorable environmental tensions that may occur suddenly and threaten the life of the tree. Other measures taken in the last few years to protect the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh included making a fence and organizing the space around this tree, using biological pest control methods, trying to restore the tree trunk, and installing a lightning rod next to this tree.

Ways to Visit the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh

Abarkuh being located in between the three historical cities of Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz has a special geographical position and the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh is located in the southwest of this city.

Cypress Tree of Abarkuh was inscribed - as the third natural national site - on the list of Iran’s natural national heritage in the year 2004 AD.

One of the books in which mention has been made of the Cypress Tree of Abarkuh is “Nuzhat al-Qolub: by Hamdullah Mostofi. This book was written in the year 740 AH (1339 AD) in which the author says: “There is a cypress tree there that has a great reputation in the world, just as the cypress tree of Kashmir and cypress tree of Balkh have a reputation, and now, this one is taller and bigger than them and there is no other cypress tree like it in Iran.”