The Province of Golestan has an area of 20,380.7 square km., is in the southeast of the Caspian Sea. On the basis of the last divisions of the country in 1996, the townships of the Golestan Province are: Bandar Turkaman, Bandar Gaz, Ali Abad, Kord Kooy, Gorgan, Gonbad Kavoos and Minoo Dasht. The center of Golestan Province is Gorgan. The population of the province was 1.4 million in 1996, of which 41.3% were urban dwellers and 58.2 

percent resided in rural areas and the other 0.5 were non residents.
Golestan Province is divided into two sections, being the plain and mountainous parts, in the direction of Alborz Mountains, surrounding the shore and Caspian plain like an elevated wall. The ground slope reduces from the heights to the plains towards the Caspian Sea. In the southern and eastern plains of the Caspian Sea, influenced by the movements of earth and local winds, sandy hills have formed and a natural shallow dam has been created between the plain and sea. In the eastern Alborz, the direction of mountains is towards the northeast and gradually reduces in height. Its southern mountains are Abar Kooh Mountains and its highest summit being Shavar, 3,945m. in elevation. The northern range is Shahkooh which confronts the plain of Gorgan like a wall. It's highest peak being Pirgard, reaching a height of 3,204 m.Error processing SSI file

In accordance with certain factors such as geographical location, influenced by the latitude and geographical elevation; the Alborz Mountain Ranges, its distance from the sea, the desert areas south of Turkmenistan, local winds and forest density, brings about a variable climate. In the northeast of the province, particularly to the east of the Caspian Sea and the distance between Gorgan Rood till the borders of Turkmenistan, due to non-influential affects of the Caspian Sea, decrease in the elevation of the eastern Alborz, the extension of the coastal plain and its proximity with the Qareh Qoum and Qezel Loun of Central Asia, a warm and dry climate is experienced. Where as this changes to a semi desert type in areas further off.
The annual rainfall is scarce in this area and due to this, the affect of the heat is overpowering; thus bringing about a vast difference not only between daily maximum and minimum temperatures, but also seasonal differences, that is between the hottest and coldest month too. In the southwestern sector of the province, due to the presence of heights, such as in the cities of Kollaleh and Minoo Dasht, other changes in the climate are experienced and with the change of temperature, a moderate and humid climate prevails.Error processing SSI file

The township of Ali Abad is situated in south of the province and is limited by Semnan Province in the south, Gonbad Kavoos at the north and Gorgan at the north and west. Ali Abad is at a distance of 45 km. from Gorgan and 420 km. from Tehran. Its climate is a Caspian type or Khazari in the foothills and plains and in the heights and mountains is a mountainous temperate type with cold, long winters and moderate summers.
In the past Ali Abad was a village of Katoul in the northeastern Alborz. This village was given due attention because of Ali Mohammad Khan settlement in the original Mazandaran - Mashhad route and the fertility of the earth. It expanded and was named Ali Abad. The forest park of Kaboodwall is near this town.Error processing SSI file

Bandar Gaz is situated in the south eastern fringes of the Gulf of Gorgan and is at a distance of 20 km. south of Bandar Turkaman and 48 km. from Gorgan. This port before the construction of Bandar Turkaman was the most important commercial port in west of Mazandaran, Semnan and Khorassan. Bandar Gaz became an industrial center due to its location in the commercial high way in north-west of Iran. The oil-extraction, rice-grinding and cotton purifying factories were established, in this town. This coastal town has interesting natural beauty and its wetlands, groves and wildlife are famous.Error processing SSI file

This township is situated to the west of Gorgan and limited to the Caspian Sea in the west. Its neighbor is the Republic of Turkmenistan in the north. Its southern part has a temperate and damp climate and its northern part due to proximity to the southern desert of Turkmenistan and remoteness from Alborz Mountains, have an almost dry and desert like climate. The distance from Bandar Turkaman and Gorgan is 35 km.
The name of Turkaman, for the first time was referred to in a Chinese dictionary of 8th A.D. It is also known that Turkaman was the name of a yellow skin nation with a Turkish dialect who used to live in the north of "Isig Goel" lake in north Mongolia, about a thousand years back.
On the victory of the Arab Muslims in the Turk territory, along with some of these people called Qazian-e-Islam attacked other territories. A group of these Turkamans resided at the west and the south and later on some of these groups migrated to different eastern and the southeastern regions of the Caspian Sea.
The Saljuki government was the most important Turkish government and its formation was the biggest source of change in the Islamic civilization and Iran. Saljuq Ebne Daqayeq was one of the Turkamans chieftains. In the 10th century A.D. the Qaz tribes that were ancestors of the Turkamans assaulted Russia and Iran.
In the 16th century A.D.., the Turkamans took possession of all the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea to Gorgan. After Teimoor, the Turkamans dynasties such as the Qara Qoyounlou and Aq Qoyounlou formed powerful governments who governed in the west and north of Iran respectively. Later on they ruled in central and south Iran.
To prevent the invasion of Turkamans and Ozbaks, Shah Abbas made the Kurd warriors emigrate from the western parts to this region, and formed five provinces for the Kurds from the frontiers of Astar Abad till Chenaran. But immigration of Kurds did not prevent the Turkaman assaults which savage continued. Due to inter-clan battles from one hand and the horrible savagely invasions of Bokhara and Kheiveh Khans (rulers), the Turkaman regions became turmoil. The above conflicts and the pressures of the Russian Empire increased the Turkamans immigration to the banks of the Gorgan River. The Qajar Dynasty came to power with the aid of the Turkaman tribes.
In 1276 A.H. coinciding with the Marv war, the Turkamans with the aid of ruler of Kheiveh defeated the Qajar Army, and this territory, remained under the Turkaman domination. During constitution the Turkamans opposed the constitutional government and plundered cities and villages who supported the government. But after the victory of the constitutional government, the Turkamans returned to their regions. After land reforms in 1962, specific groups of Turkamans began cultivation and the others went to cities and some Turkaman villages moved to cities like Bandar Turkaman. The present Bandar Turkaman was constructed in 1927 during the reign of Pahlavi I, and coinciding with the beginning of the railway network. Today it has expanded and became an interesting town with tourism attractions.Error processing SSI file

The township of Gonbad Kavoos is the biggest township of this province regarding the area. This township is neighbors with Turkmenistan in the   north and is limited by Khorassan Province in the east, Minoo Dasht and Ali Abad at the south, Gorgan and Bandar Turkaman in the west. Its center is the beautiful town of Gonbad Kavoos and its distance from ancient Jorjan is 3 km.
Its climate in the southern heights is temperate and at the foot a mountain and the southern plain is temperate and humid, but at the north of Gorgan it changes to a semi-arid and dry type. The name of this town is related to Qabous Ebne Voshmgir, one of the Al-e-Ziar rulers. Jorjan was destroyed by Teimoorian and Mongol attacks, the city of Gonbad was made next to it. In 1937 it was named Gonbad Kavoos. Its original plan was executed in the early Pahlavi period and is example of a new city of Iran.Error processing SSI file

The township of Gorgan is situated in the southwest of the province and its neighbors are: Semnan Province from south, Kord Kooy and Bandar Turkaman from west, Ali Abad and Gonbad Kavoos from east, and from north it is limited to Gonbad Kavoos. The distance between Gorgan and Tehran is 397 km. and has a temperate climate. Gorgan (or Jorjan) was important city in the 4th century A.H. especially at the time of Shamsolmaali Qabous Ebne Voshmgir. But from the 4th century lost its importance and was destroyed in the Mongol attack.
Gorgan (Jorjan) before Islam was one of the important provinces of Iran that almost had independence but in certain periods was a part of greater Khorassan. Due to the Mongol and Teimoorian attacks, Jorjan was destroyed. This town was known as Astar Abad till the end of the Qajar dynasty. Astar Abad was named Darolmomenin in the Safavid era. At the time of Nader Shah due to the Turkamans attack, a rampart was made around it. After that in the Qajarieh dynasty, it changed to a new and modern town. In recent times it has rapidly expanded.Error processing SSI file

The township of Kord Kooy is situated at the west of province and neighbors Mazandaran Province in the west. In the north, this township is limited by the Caspian Sea and Bandar Turkaman. Gorgan is placed at the east, and Semnan Province at the south. Its old name was Tamisheh which was also designated to the western part of Gorgan. At the end of Teimoorian dynasty and early Safavid era, a tribe from Kurdestan immigrated to this region, thus at first it was named as "Kord Mahaleh" and later on Kord Kooy.Error processing SSI file

The township of Minoo Dasht is situated in the east of the province and is limited by Semnan province in the east. Gonbad Kavoos exists at the northwest and to its south is the province of Semnan. Its center is Minoo Dasht, located 98 km. from Gorgan. In Minoo Dasht the climate is a temperate and mountainous type at heights and in plains is temperate and semi-humid. The old name of Minoo Dasht was Hajilar and was constructed by a group of immigrant tribes of Azarbayjan, during the Safavid period. At the same time another group of tribes from Fars had immigrated to this region. Modern Minoo Dasht is a flourishing town and is expanding.Error processing SSI file

This palace was built by Aqa Mohammad Khan-e-Qajar and is situated in the south of Gorgan. Its architectural affects are related to the 12th century A.H.Error processing SSI file

The same is located in Gorgan Park and is in two floors with architecture of the Pahlavi period, and a touch of European architecture. Currently this palace and its surroundings are used as public library in the city of Gorgan.Error processing SSI file

This palace is situated in Gorgan and was built in 795 A.H. by Amir Teimoor. This palace overlooks the banks of the river. Some travelers and geographers like Hafez Abrou have mentioned this in their records. According to him, after Amir Teimoor assaulted all the territory of Mazandaran this palace was constructed as his residing quarter in Gorgan.  The original building was a castle which had been built by Abu Bakr-e-Shasamani in the year 761 A.H., and in 795 A.H. Amir Teimour constructed a palace here and spent the winter of the same year in this vicinity.Error processing SSI file

The same is a majestic structure made of brick, with special technicalities and affects of art, related to the 4th century A.H. This structure which is located on a hillock amidst the grand park of Gonbad Kavoos city, is the tomb of Shams-ol-Mali Qaboos Ebne Voshmgir Ziyari (the ruler of the times in Gorgan and a famed scholar as well).
The tower is a fortified building, constructed by strong elements, and consists of beautiful ornamental works in proportionate lines adorned with harmony. The said structure consists of three parts - foundation, the main building and the dome which is conical, rising to an elevation of 55m. The actual structure rests on a round base, 2 m of which is above the ground, and the rest lies as an underground base.
The tower is artistically designed with ten triangular patterns at regular intervals. Two simple epigraphs in the cuneiform embossment script can be observed on the construction dating to 397 A.H. The tower has been constructed of red brick, but this color has changed to a golden yellow, under effect of sun rays. The conical dome reaches a height of 18 m. with a plain, polished and a steep gradient surface. Vaulted arches can be noted at the entrance of the tower and this adornment dates to the works of art in the early Islamic period. The Gonbad Kavoos Tower was built in the year 397 A.H. and is on historical record in Iran.Error processing SSI file

This tower is located near the Radkan village, 24 km. south of Kord Kooy and 54 km. to the southwest of Gorgan. The same is situated on a strategic hillock. Constructed on simple lines, this brick structure rises to a height of 35m. It does display artistic affects and with two Kufic inscriptions on which the name of the founder and date of construction (407-411 A.H.) can be noted.
The dome is bi-coated and conical in shape. The internal design of Radkan tower is circular with simple design. The whole structure has been built of bricks similar to that of the Gonbad Qaboos Tower, and internally the architecture is also simple. It is the resting abode of one of the ancient commanders.Error processing SSI file

The said defensive wall is reputedly known by the names of "Qezel Allan", "Eskandar" (which is also known as "Firoozeh" Dam) and is located to the north of Gorgan and Gonbad. The same stretches from a west to east direction. Alongside this wall are defensive towers and castles, at certain intervals, the relics of which are similar to hillocks on the fringes of this wall. The walls of these castles and ramparts have been generally constructed of colossal square bricks. Parts of this defensive wall which has remained intact, is approximately 3-5 m. in height and 10 m. in width. This rampart resembling that of a dam is an attractive site for visitors who come from far.Error processing SSI file

The location of this castle is in the northern section of the former Mobarak Abad castle, on the fringes of the Gorgan River.Error processing SSI file

This fort consists of three castles, which according to some narrations when Qabus Ebne Voshmgir, was dethroned remained captive here for a period. The names of these three castles are Seeb Chal, Valeman and Kashidar (now called Deshli) and situated at the top of mountain.Error processing SSI file

The ruins of this fort have been remained in the south west of Gorgan, right on the top of an elevated hill, which is at present surrounded by forest trees.Error processing SSI file

The Maran Castle is a relic from the Parthian era. It is said that Maran is the same second capital of the Parthians which was constructed by Tirdad. It is the vicinity where Yazidebne Mahlab killed thousands of people. Mohammad Hassan Khan-e- Jalayer took refuge in Maran castle after the war with Iranian central government, and was trapped by a person known as Haji. The Maran Kooh area around the castle was rendered to Haji thus named Hajilar.Error processing SSI file

The Aq Qala Bridge is placed at the distance of 18 km. to the north of Gorgan and at the beginning of Gorgan River and Aq Qala city. This bridge is 74 meters in length and in both sides has refuges with 1.5 meters height and consists of four arches. The Aq Qala Bridge was constructed in the 9th century and repaired during the Safavid period.Error processing SSI file

This hillock is accounted as the most valuable in respect to archaeological fields, in Golestan Province. The same is located 25 km. north east of Gorgan, covering a vast area and overlooking a large blue pool. The same dates back to the 3rd millennium B.C. In the archaeological and scientific finds within its layers, evidences such as earthenware, vessel articles for daily use and bronze implements have further increased the merits of this region. The said is on historical record in Iran.Error processing SSI file

Yarim hill, the upper Nezam Abad and the lower Nezam Abad hill in Ali Abad, Seh Tappeh Khanbebin hillock, Takchenar, Dasht Halqeh and Maraveh in Gonbad, Sa'dabad, Mahz Abad, Chalaki, Yas, Narges Tappeh, Gamesh Tappeh, Qaleh Khandan in Gorgan.Error processing SSI file

This bazaar known as "Na'l Bandan" is situated in the ancient quarters of the town. Here, there are historical and religious buildings, water tanks and caravansaries. The ancient Gorgan network was one of the most important centers for commercial, cultural and social activities. This ancient bazaar is one of the most beautiful markets of the province as well as Iran in respect to architecture.Error processing SSI file

This mosque is near Gorgan Square. The original building of this mosque is related to the Safavid period. It was repaired at the Qajar era. Currently a new mosque has taken the place of the ancient one but the southern porch is still of the old construction.Error processing SSI file

The original structure of this mosque is located in the "Na'l Bandan" locality of the city. Most probably, the construction of which coincides with that of the brick minaret of Saljuqian period. It was expanded, ornamented and renovated later. The mosque covers an area of 1,600 sq.m. and comprises of a large courtyard, eastern and western porches, nocturnal areas, north and south facing entrances, minarets of the Saljuqian era, epigraphs, cuneiform inscriptions worked on brick and adornments of brick are some of the historical affects noted on the premises. Besides which there is the carved wooden pulpit, and engraved decrees of the Safavid and Afshar eras. The ancient engraved door of the mosque, together with some archaic epigraphs, and endowment documents are currently in the museum. These are the remnants of the Safavid and Qajar period.Error processing SSI file

This new mosque is situated in Gorgan city and is devoid of any artistic and historical aspects. There is a relatively old "Qadamgah" near the mosque.Error processing SSI file

The other old mosques of Golestan Province are: Karimishan Mosque and School in Bandar Turkaman and the Sardar and Darolshafa Schools in Gorgan.Error processing SSI file

The tomb of Imamzadeh Eshaq-ebne Musabne Jafar is in Sarcheshmeh of Gorgan. He was Imam Reza's brother. One of the rituals relevant to this Imamzadeh is that on New Year thousands of people collect in this vicinity and at the end of this ceremony, everyone receives cards, sweets and coins.Error processing SSI file

This tomb is in Roshan Abad of Gorgan in the middle of the cemetery garden. Its original structure belongs to the 9th century A.H. There are two valuable doors which belong to the date of 865 A.H. The chest on the tomb has a writing which indicates the date of 879 A.H. and the name of its maker, in Raqa' font.Error processing SSI file

Imamzadeh Abdollah and Tayeb in Gorgan and Khaled Nabi Mausoleum, Makhtoom Qoli Tomb, Imamzadeh Yahyebne Zeid in Gonbad.Error processing SSI file

This complex is situated in the southern side of the Atrak River and includes Incheh, Almagol, Alagol, Inchehboroun, Bibi Shirvan, Ajigol, Namak and Daneshmand Wetlands. Their total area is about 1,250 hectares. Some of these wet lands like the Alagol, has been registered and has important biological affects. The distance between the wetlands is short and experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, which has hot-dry summers and mild winters. There are kinds of immigrating birds like swans, geese, heron etc. in these wetlands who spend the winter here.
The annual hunting season is from autumn till the end of winter and on Wednesdays and Fridays. Its fish are Kouli, Oranje, Simparak and Shishehmahi. These wetland regions present rest houses in a landscape of vast pastures, wildlife, and other tourist facilities.Error processing SSI file

The shore of Caspian Sea with its verdant plain and high mountains is one of the most attractive parts of the Golestan Province and Iran. The Caspian Sea covers an area of 438,000 sq.km., and is the largest lake of the world. Its southern shores from Hossein Qoli Gulf up to Astara in Gilan belong to the Iran coastline. A part of eastern and southern coasts of the Caspian Sea is limited to the Golestan Province.
The sea shore is normally sandy and shallow and in some points it has turned to sandy hills. The Caspian Sea plays an important role in the northern coastal climate of Iran. The natural beauties of the Golestan coastal regions totally depend on the maintenance of biological conditions of the sea. In Golestan Province there are two jetties in Gaz and Bandar Turkaman with transportation and recreational facilities.Error processing SSI file

The Gomishan Wet Land due to its sparse varieties of hydro-plants is an important and valuable genetic resource for protecting birds, water species and aqueous plants. This wetland is situated 60 km. to the north west of Gorgan, after passing through Gorgan, Bandar Turkaman, Gomishan and Khajeh Naphas village.
Over 20 kinds of fish and 100 kinds of bird species can be found here which is considered to be one of the interesting manifestations of the Gomishan Wet Land. This wet land is a recreational and educational area and annually attracts many visitors in all seasons.Error processing SSI file

The Gulf of Gorgan is the largest Gulf in the Caspian Sea. It has been created due to the expansion of Mian Kaleh peninsula in southeast of the Caspian Sea. The Gulf of Gorgan covers an area of about 400 km. and its length is about 70 km. in an east-west direction. Its maximum depth is 4 meters and this depth increases from west to east till the southern side of Ashoura Deh peninsula. In the western part its salinity is more than salinity of the Caspian Sea because of its reducing depth and increase of evaporation.
Due to the presence of sweet water of the gushing rivers like Qarah Soo, the salinity of water is reduced and the water becomes muddier. Generally the water entrance capacity is less than its exit and its water shortage is supplemented by the Caspian Sea.Error processing SSI file

The "Alestan" River also known as "Roodbar Alestan" originates from the northern region of "Qoroq Land" Mountain at 47 km. from southeast of Gorgan. Flowing through the western valley of "Nileh Tah" and "Gandi" Mountains it goes towards north. After flowing for 7 km. it combines with a branch originating from "Bidar" and after crossing the Astan Village it adjoins the "Siyahmarzkooh" River and together forms the "Roodbar Mohammad" River.Error processing SSI file

This river originates from Hezar Masjed and Lalehruban mountains in the Province of Khorassan and Golestan and enters the Caspian Sea. Its length is about 600 km. This river along its course, flows from Shirvan, Bojnurd, Maraveh tappeh and then forms a delta in the south west and enters the Gulf of Hossein Qoli. According to the Iran and Russian agreement in 1882, the Atrak River is a frontier between Iran and Russia after Chat which is now the frontier between Iran and Turkmenistan.Error processing SSI file

The Dahaneh River is formed by the adjoining of "Anas Khivag" and "Mothersoo" Rivers, in the Tangar Village, 54 km. north east of Gonbad Kavoos. The same, passing through the valleys in the north and south, flows towards the west. After flowing through various villages and joining minor and major streams it flows westwards. After flowing for about 7 km., and forming a semi circle, it runs towards north. In the south east of the "Aman Khajeh" Village it enters the Gorgan River.Error processing SSI file

This river begins from the Aladaq Mountains in Bojnurd and after a long course about 200 km. and crossing the mountains, valleys, Kalan desert, the vicinities of Gorgan town, Gonbad Kavoos, the Gorgan plain and Aq Qala, in a place known as "Khajeh Nafs" it finally enters the Caspian Sea. The Gorgan River appears stagnant with a slow water current, but in the rain it becomes muddy. A dam is constructed on it and its water is used for agricultural purposes. The existence of the lake, dam beside the quiet surroundings and waterfall create possibilities for recreational purposes and especially for water sports.Error processing SSI file

The above mentioned river is formed by the adjoining of "Vejadareh" and "Zarin Gol" Rivers, 8 km. southeast of Ali Abad. After passing through the Katool Village, east of Qasem Khan Lake, it adjoins the Chah Ali River. Finally at 3 km. east of Arban Aloom Village it enters the Gorgan River.Error processing SSI file

This river is formed from the over flow of the Imamzadeh and Garmabdasht Rivers, 16 km. southeast of Gorgan. After irrigating some villages on its course, in the vicinity of the coastal village of Qarah Soo, it enters the Caspian Sea.Error processing SSI file

Aqband, Torkoulou, Ramian, Karanki, Nailavan rivers in Gonbad Kavoos, Anaskioug, Khanindarreh, Bozpol Valley Barcheli, Qarnaveh, Madarsou, Vajadareh, Kourkoli and Garmabdasht in Gorgan are the other important rivers in the Golestan Province.Error processing SSI file

In Golestan Province, there are 140 springs, most of which are in Gonbad and Gorgan townships. The most important of these springs are:

The Barankooh Spring is another beautiful spring of the Golestan Province and is situated 18 km. south west of Gorgan and is the route of the Shastkala River and Barankooh Park.Error processing SSI file

This spring is in a deep and beautiful valley of Kabodwall forest. Kabodwall is situated 5 km. to the south of Ali Abad Katoul Township.Error processing SSI file

The Ziyarat Spring is situated in a village with the same name, in Golestan Province. It has a beautiful greeneries and landscapes. In summer and winter, it attracts many people.Error processing SSI file

The waterfalls of Golestan Province are divided into two groups, the mountainous and forest types, each of which has interesting view. Most of them have camping areas and rest houses. The followings are the important waterfalls of the province:

This waterfall is one of the beautiful Iranian waterfalls and is at a distance of 20 km. from Galikesh and 5 km. from the main Mashhad - Gorgan Road near a village named Galikesh. In the neighborhood of this waterfall the Golestan Park adds to its tourism values.Error processing SSI file

This waterfall is situated 7 km. to the south of Khanbebin town and in the slopes of the Alborz Mountain in a forested area. On its way, there are some beautiful springs and rivers. This waterfall is in the form of a stairway and includes 12 large and small waterfalls. Its largest waterfall is 30 meters high and its lake is 40-80 meters deep.Error processing SSI file

Baran kooh Waterfall in Gorgan and Kaboodwall Waterfall in Ali Abad are also located in this province.Error processing SSI file

The Golestan National Park is the first Iranian National Park that is situated in the jurisdiction of Golestan, Semnan and Khorassan provinces. This park because of its natural values like verdant and virgin forest and different species of flora and fauna is one of the famous areas in Iran and the world. This park has been a protected area since 1957 under the name of "Almeh" and "Yashki" and in 1976 these two parts combined and became the Golestan National Park with 91,890 hectares in area.
This park is formed of slightly sloping hills and high calcareous rocks. Its climate is very damp and in some places dry. Some important areas around the Golestan National Park are: Loweh, Dasht, Takhteh Iran, Yan Bolaq, Gildaq and the Qorkhoud protected areas. The most important animals of the Golestan National Park are: Rabbit, tiger, golden eagle, wolf, fox, panther, bear, sable wild cat, wild goat, wild pig (bore), gazelle, ram, deer, venison, kinds of snake, kinds of fish, black dall, delijeh, pray birds etc. Most important plants of this park are: fig, mulberry, wild pear, walnut, raspberry, barberry, different medicinal plants etc.Error processing SSI file

This area is situated in the southern heights of Gorgan and the southeast of Kord Kooy. In 1973, it was claimed as a protected place with 30,650 hectares in area. This region was a recreational area for people of Gorgan and its nearby villages. Some important regions like Torkat, Chalestan, Cholqoleh, Aq Reza, Chakel Geda, Landeh Kooh, Talou, Khoshdasti, Landou and Maqzi, are around this protected area. The most important varieties of wildlife are: wild goat, wild sheep, venison, panther, wolf, beer, owl, eagle, weasel, and porcupine and its important plants are: Rosh, Azad, Barberry, Sorkhdar, Kolahe Mir Hassan, Bolandmaza Namdar, Borage Cowslipe, Ras, and Darmaneh.
The most important rivers and springs of this protected place are: Sefid Rood, Tarkan, Mahzi, Chaar Baq, Ziyarat, Marsang, Sbumargah, Shahpasand, Haji Abad, Gachian, Mord Cheshmeh, Vara, Khosh Dasti, Kalichal, Qormehtou, and Pazeebon.
Ancient relics of the said area are: water tank, ancient center of Kamarsarak and Jelingbling, Imamzadeh Razi and Marzieh, and the Western Radkan Tower.Error processing SSI file

The Alborz Mountain Ranges elongate from the east of Sefid Rood Valley and parallel to the southern side of Caspian shore till the Gorgan Valley. It is like a large arch between Mazandaran Plain and central plateau of Iran. Its height increases from the Caspian shore towards the south in a gradient slope. The heights of the province are a part of the eastern Alborz Mountains. The most important mountains of Golestan Province are:

This mountain is situated 30 km. to the southwest of Ali Abad and southeast of Gorgan and south of Imamzadeh Zeilan. This mountain is 3,123 meters in height and the Chelcheli Imamzadeh and Baqeshah rivers and many other springs form their sources here.Error processing SSI file

This mountain is 37 km. to the south of Gorgan and 6 km. to the southeast of the lower Shahkooh Village and its height is 3,813 meters. Gavkoshan is where the Sar Tangeh, Chahardeh, Toroudbar Rivers take their source. Its northern skirts are imminent with Gorgan Township and its southern skirts are imminent with Shahrood and Damqan in Semnan Province and have beautiful views.Error processing SSI file

The Helalan Mountain is situated 42 km. to the southwest of Gorgan and 8 km. of the Zardvan village. Its height is 2,850 meters. In its northern skirts is the Gorgan township and in its southern skirts is Damqan township and it is a part of the eastern Alborz Mountains.Error processing SSI file

The beautiful Jahan Nama Mountains are situated to the south of Gorgan and the south east of Kord Kooy and is a part of the eastern Alborz Mountains. Its height is 3,086 meters. Its skirts are protected and are important for ecotourism.Error processing SSI file

This mountain situated 27 km. to the south of Ali Abad and 8 km. to the south of Alestan Village, is 3,039 meters high. The forest mountain of Qoroq Land is where the Golyouri, Alestan Roodbar, and Ajoran Rivers form their sources and many springs flow from this mountain.Error processing SSI file

The Takiyano Mountain is situated at 22 km. south east of Ali Abad and 7 km. south of the Afratakhteh Village. Its height is 2,901 meters. The Takiyano Mountain is a vicinity where the Afrakhteh and Nardeban Rivers.Error processing SSI file

The semi forested Zereshk Mountains is situated 24 km. to the south of Gorgan and 7 km. to the east of Haj Abad Village. Its height is 2,770 meters and the Sooteh Rood and Khase Rood originate from here.Error processing SSI file

Pir Gardeh Mountains 25 km. south east of Gorgan 3,204 meters height, Tavarnarab 21 km. south east of Gorgan with 2,950 meters height, Telanbar at 23 km. the south of Gorgan with 3,030 meters height, Zeilan 27 km. south east of Gorgan with 2,810 meters height, Sarliseh 26 km. south of Gorgan with 2,910 meters height and Milaneh 24 km. south of Gorgan with 2,735 meters height and Joush Angour with 2,555 meters in the Ali Abad.Error processing SSI file

This museum is situated in center of the city and on the west side of Imamzadeh Abdollah. It was completed in 1976 and has two floors and a basement. Objects and Anthropology views are exhibited in the basement. Ancient objects from Toorang Tappeh, Noor (Behshahr) and Gorgan are on display on the second floor. In external and open area of the museum which is adorned with semi-cylindrical coverings, there are ancient tombstones collected through the years of excavations from cemeteries, with their renovated design and texts, on display.Error processing SSI file

Ashora Deh (Ashorada or Ashour Island) is a part of Bandar Turkaman and one of the beautiful places of Golestan Province situated 25 kilometer from Gorgan. Ashora Deh is an island with damp and moderate climate and is a suitable place for wildlife (when the water of the Caspian Sea ebbs, it turns into a peninsula). The export of caviar, the jetty of the Bandar Turkaman and other facilities are attractions of this area.Error processing SSI file

The Radkan Village is situated 15 km. to the south of Kord Kooy and has a damp and moderate climate. The Radkan River takes its source in Haq Ali and Abshar mountains which is 2 km. south of the village and flows into the Necka River. The "Zarsh Khali" Mountain is situated in the south of the village and "Jen Dareh" Mountain is at the west of village. The landscape of the rivers, mountains, valleys, plants, wildlife, mosque, and the old Hosseiniyeh of Radkan are the most important natural and historical relics of the village.Error processing SSI file

The Ziyarat Village is situated at the distance of 12 km. to the south of Gorgan and has damp climate. The Ziyarat River crosses this village in east. The Poshteh Kamar and Sefidab Mountains are situated in the northwest and Khaloudareh is to the east of this village. These rivers, mountains, valleys, plants and wildlife are attractive and offer natural views around this village and the old mosque and Imamzadeh Abdollah are the religious sites of this place.Error processing SSI file

The most important handicrafts of Golestan Province are: silk-weaving, carpet weaving, felt making, carpets and Jajeem weaving, wooden statues and vessels, textile weaving throughout the province and in particular in Turkaman vicinity. Its most important gifts are, Turkaman carpets, cushions, wooden and mat handicrafts that are very interesting for tourists.Error processing SSI file

There are many types of delicacies such as soups, many types of roasted meals such as meat, vegetable, cutlet, Shami, Morqetorsh, Tah Beryan, Kadou Qaalyeh, types of fish, Morq Badenjan Pollow, Sir Qalyeh, Nargesi, Esphenaj Torshe, Loubiapateh, Shirin Tareh, Badenjan Pateh, Nardoun, Qalyeh, special foods for Sheferd, Fesenjan Aloumosmma, Katteh Chelav, Khoresht Anar, Mirzaqasemi, Torshe Tarreh, Esfenaj Pollow, Local bread, Anarteem Pahlou, Baqali Pollow, types of cookies, sweet meat, many kinds of pickles as well as other dishes.Error processing SSI file

The Turkaman music which has more than 500 melodies has been basically played according to four main divisions, i.e., "Mokhammas", "Tashnid", Qajiqlar" and "Navayee". These divisions can be played in four different methods in special regions or sects. These four methods are known as "Gorgan Yooli", which is more simpler than the other methods; "Damana Yooli", which is more related to the performance style of Khorassan Turkamans (and is more reputed than "Gorgan Yooli"); "Mari Yooli" and "Khiveh Yooli". The most famous and important Turkaman musical instrument is "Dotar".Error processing SSI file

Most of the townships of the province are equipped with communicating roads, telecommunication network and medical services. The various cities provide hotels and other accommodation facilities. People are familiar with the tourism industry and are hospitable to visitors and tourists.Error processing SSI file