Herabarjan Village: A Stroll Through Its Charming, Timeless Garden Alleys

Nowadays, in nearly every city you visit, you can observe the impact of modern construction — often devoid of the traditional spirit and logic that once shaped communities. Cities, as centers of development, have been rapidly transformed under the influence of modernity, giving rise to concrete and cement structures that replaced their older, more organic forms. It can be said that the effect of modernity on the physical and visual identity of cities has been harsh and abrupt, quickly altering their essence and character. In contrast, villages, for various reasons, have largely remained untouched by these changes, preserving their authentic identity. This very quality has made villages a valuable subject of study in fields such as anthropology and architecture. Across Iran, many villages have retained their ancient character by preserving their traditional physical structure. Among them is Herabarjan Village, which has managed to absorb the superficial influence of modernity while maintaining its traditional form and timeless authenticity.

This village is located in Marvast County, Yazd Province, and its historical texture covers an area of about 20 hectares. Marvast is situated in the southern part of Yazd Province and, in 2021 (1400 in the Iranian calendar), it became an independent county after being separated from Khatam County. It is said that the village’s old name was “Avaorjan”, which gradually evolved into “Harabarjan.” According to local oral traditions, Harabarjan is believed to be the remnant of an ancient and vast city called “Marjan.” However, this account is not widely accepted by researchers.

The buildings found in the village mostly date back to the Safavid period (16th century CE). However, about five kilometers west of the village lies a group of stone tombs that are believed to date back around five thousand years. The favorable location of the village and its proximity to the connecting routes of several towns — including Marvast and Bavanat (in Fars Province) — are considered the main reasons for the initial settlement of early inhabitants in this area. Until 1937 CE (1316 AH), the village was part of Bavanat, but after the approval and implementation of Iran’s new administrative divisions, Harabarjan was recognized as the center of the Harabarjan rural district. Studies show that the original core of the village developed in its eastern section, near the Jameh Mosque and the Hosseiniyeh. As the population increased over time, the village gradually expanded toward the north and northwest.

An aerial view of Harabarjan village and its farmlands.

Most of the houses in the village have an “upper floor” (balakhaneh), and on the ground floor, there is a central courtyard with a pool, following the style of traditional Iranian houses. From an urban design perspective, the village layout can be described as linear. Within the traditional fabric of the village, valuable structures such as the Jameh Mosque, Hosseiniyeh, and several historic houses can be found, with the mosque and Hosseiniyeh located at its center. In addition, some hand-dug structures exist, and the lush, picturesque garden alleys (kooche-bagh) are quite remarkable. An old cemetery lies beneath the ancient part of the village, covering an area nearly equal to the size of the old settlement itself. The old quarter remains dense and vibrant, built entirely with local materials. The houses are constructed so close together that their rooftops are interconnected. As is common in the desert architecture of Iran, the village houses have thick and tall walls, which cast their shadows over the narrow village alleys, creating a pleasant, shaded environment.

National Registration of Harabarjan Village and Its Registered Monuments
What led to the inclusion of the historical fabric of Harabarjan Village in the National Heritage List of Iran was the architectural value and traditional structure of its buildings and layout. This recognition took place in 2023 (1402 AH).
Within the village stands a tower known as “Edareh Tower” or “Ali Aziz Khan Tower.” This structure dates back to the Zand and Afsharid dynasties (18th century) and was officially registered as a national monument in 2007 (1386 AH).

National Registration of Harabarjan Village and Its Registered Monuments
What led to the inclusion of the historical fabric of Harabarjan Village in the National Heritage List of Iran was the architectural value and traditional structure of its buildings and layout. This recognition took place in 2023 (1402 AH). Within the village stands a tower known as “Edareh Tower” or “Ali Aziz Khan Tower.” This structure dates back to the Zand and Afsharid dynasties (18th century) and was officially registered as a national monument in 2007 (1386 AH).

Information

Name	Herabarjan Village: A Stroll Through Its Charming, Timeless Garden Alleys
Country	Iran
State	Yazd
City	Marvast
Type	Historical,Natural
Registration	National