Historic Iranian village becomes first disabled-friendly destination
The ancient village of Fahraj, located in the Yazd province, is the first tourist destination in Iran to be fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
Seyyed Mohammad Rastegari, the head of the local tourism organization, announced this information on November 11, emphasizing that the comprehensive renovation to adapt the infrastructure for people with disabilities took only six months.
The first village of its kind in Iran
He added that the support of local authorities and residents was significant. The modernization allows for a walk from the main entrance to the historic Jameh Mosque in Fahraj and among the traditional village buildings, providing full access to all visitors.
"All elderly and disabled residents and tourists visiting this village have the right to fully use these spaces," he said. "Half of Yazd province’s historical sites have been adapted for accessibility, with Fahraj becoming the first village to achieve complete accessibility along its tourism route."
The village features 102 monuments, making it one of the most renowned historical towns in the world. A key attraction in Fahraj is the Jameh Mosque. Also known as the Imam Hasan Mosque, it remains the only mosque in the Islamic world that has retained its original architectural form since its inception.
The Fahraj Castle (pictured above) is also a must-see, with its exquisite facades and decorations. Despite these attractions, the village does not draw large crowds. Authorities hope that these new amenities will change that.
The village is located in central Iran, about 19 miles from the city of Yazd, considered one of the oldest in the world. The Towers of Silence overlook it. In the Zoroastrian temple, an eternal fire burns, fueled for centuries by peach wood.