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2026-06-08 17:59
Nazr-e Aloofeh in Qaleh Bala: a living tradition of wildlife conservation and community solidarity
Nestled on the edge of Touran National Park in Semnan province, about 140 kilometers southeast of Shahroud, Qaleh Bala is a village known for its stepped architecture, striking landscapes, and close connection to nature. Often described as the gateway to Touran, the village is not only valued for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural traditions that continue to shape the lives of its residents.
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2026-05-30 17:54
Qaleh Bala: Where community-based governance aligns with wildlife conservation
TEHRAN - The village of Qaleh Bala, located at the “Golden Gate” of Touran National Park, has become a shining model of participatory governance and community-based environmental conservation in Iran.
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2026-04-19 18:59
Wildlife-friendly Qaleh Bala targets UN Best Tourism Villages recognition
TEHRAN - Perched on the edge of Iran’s vast desert landscapes, Qaleh Bala village has emerged as one of the country’s most compelling candidates for the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” label, an initiative that recognizes rural destinations combining cultural heritage, sustainability, and community-driven development.
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2026-02-14 17:17
Desert village Qaleh Bala moves closer to possible UN label
TEHRAN – Cultural heritage authorities in Shahroud have finalized a dossier to nominate the village of Qaleh Bala in Semnan province for inscription by the UN Tourism, a local official said on Saturday.
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2025-12-14 17:50
Digi and glimpses of culinary heritage in Qaleh Bala village
TEHRAN – A traditional dish known as Digi, prepared using a centuries-old method in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, offers insight into the area’s indigenous culinary culture, reflecting local knowledge, communal practices and social traditions passed down through generations.
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2025-12-10 17:31
Women preserve ‘Tal-o Mahtal’ ritual for rain in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village
TEHRAN – The ancient rain-seeking ritual Tal-o Mahtal, observed in Iran’s Qaleh Bala village, is originated as a community response to recurring desert droughts and continues to be practiced today. The ceremony is listed as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.
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2025-12-03 17:37
‘Forest to Desert’ project, an opportunity for tourism development in Shahroud
TEHRAN--The ‘Forest to Desert’ project is an exceptional opportunity for tourism development in Shahroud county, Semnan province, said Shahroud Governor Mohammad-Hassan Asafari.
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2025-12-02 17:36
Restoration work begins on centuries-old water mill
TEHRAN - Restoration and revitalization work has begun on an ancient water mill in Qaleh Bala, a touristic village in Shahrud county of Semnan province, according to the local heritage authority.
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2025-11-30 18:52
Qaleh Bala, a village where people celebrate endemic Iranian Ground-Jay
TEHRAN - For 14 years, the remote eco-friendly village of Qaleh Bala has welcomed wildlife enthusiasts to its unique “Journey to the Habitat of the Iranian Ground-Jay” festival — an annual event where residents and visitors come together to honor and protect one of Iran’s rarest native birds.