Perhaps trees form the most precious ecological assets for our planet. They are precious not only from a botanical, but also from cultural, symbolic, mythological and historic point of view. Trees have a longer lifespan than other plant species, and if they are not cut down and destroyed by the wicked hands of some people, they will last for centuries and even millenia, and will not lost their vitality. Enough to say that the second lands where ancient trees have taken root and survived. Suffice it to say that the second oldest tree in the world has taken root in Iran: the 4,500-year-old cypress of Abarkooh!
In the beliefs and in the minds of our ancestors, trees were the pillars of the Earth and linked the Earth to the sky. Therefore, trees were sacred and cutting them down was an unforgivable sin. In Persian legends and of other lands also, the tree is full of mysteries; so much so that our stores and those of other places have undisconnected link with trees. Similarly, in our dreams the tree is interpreted as a human being. In Iranian culture especially, the tree grows towards the sky and is cherished as a sacred element on Earth. From the dawn of history until today, Iranians are known to have cherished the tree and always tried to protect it; except for those whose greed has not even spared the tree. From the dawn of history until today, we Iranians have cherished the tree and tried to protect it; Except for those whose greed has not left the trees alone!
Sacred trees of Iran
Certain trees in Iran are more precious for us and they are full of spiritual signs and symbols. Most of all, it is a cypress tree that is considered a symbol of Iranians. From Persepolis paintings to the role of Iranian carpets, the tall and green Iranian cedar can be seen and recognized. Cypress has been integrated into our lives from the day Iran was formed until now (and certainly forever). The cypress is the sacred tree of Iran and a symbol of endurance and stability and is full of symbolic secrets.
The pomegranate is known as a source of sustenance, and we consider it a symbol of immortality. Likewise, the cedar tree symbolizes splendor and freshness, and a palm tree is considered as life-giving. The date palm is mentioned in the ancient text of ‘Bundahishn”. Cultivation of this tree dates back to ancient times, even before the Achamenid era. Ancient Iranians considered taking care of the date palm as their duty.
The fig tree is also one of the sacred trees of Iran and has a cherished place among the people, especially in the southern parts of the Persian Gulf. With thick trunk, the fig tree has branches, some of which look towards the sky and some towards the ground, giving an imaginative and symbolic look to it. It is a tree that is always green and its crown-like leaves grow in its highest part.
Ancient trees of Iran
They grow from infancy towards seedling, and then youth, middle age and old age, and then reach the stage of longevity. In old age the tree starts decaying from inside. This decay is sometimes small and sometime widespread, but it does not end the tree’s life, and this beautiful, green creature can last for centuries and millennia. That’s why trees are considered the oldest creatures on our planet. There are several ways to determine the age of trees. The simplest way is to count the circles of the trunk that have a common center; or use a tester. There are other scientific methods to find out the life of a tree. It is said that among all the trees sycamore is older than other trees. In Iran too, there are numerous sycamore trees that date back to centuries and millenia.
Based on a study conducted by the Iranian Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, a few years ago, more than 570 old trees from 36 different types of trees and shrubs have been registered. (report of the Iranian Journal of Nature). With more searches and investigations, other old trees will undoubtedly be found in different parts of Iran. Some trees have been able to live long under suitable conditions but some in hard conditions, and have helped to give our country a fresh and beautiful face.
Some of the oldest trees in Iran
The oldest tree found in Iran is the Abarkooh cypress. This tree has been called “the oldest living creature in Iran.” The Abarkuh cypress is living since 4 and a half centuries ago.
The ancient Iranians believed that Zoroaster planted this tree. The second oldest tree in Iran is found in the village of Basht in Kohkiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Provinces. The life of this tree reaches 2700 years. In Shahmirzad city in Semnan province, the tree called Rostam’s bow, has been living since 1300 years. The Abarsij tree of Semnan, Sarani of Khorasan and Aras tree of Shahrestanak have between 2700 and 2800 years age. The cypress trees in southern Khorasan are around a thousand years old. In the same way, the 25m tall cypress tree in Kharu of Yazd province is considered to be one of the oldest trees in Iran.
In the same way, the 25m tall cypress tree in Kharu of Yazd province is considered to be one of the oldest trees in Iran; Of the trees whose survival depends on their sustainability. The old trees of Iran can be seen everywhere in our country: cypress Forg, Doushangan tree, Razg, Bahlgerd, Ferest, Eskivang, Rach and many others in South Khorasan; Juniper and pistachio trees of Rameh, Abarsij, and Rudbarak in Semnan province; Juniper and cypress trees and walnut, Chapanloo and Sycamore plantain in North Khorasan province; cypress of Goushegh, cypress of Semnan, Sangan and Bibi Bidoost in Sistan and Baluchestan province; Gesk tree, Rochi tree and Mayan Takhteh juniper in Khorasan Razavi province; Herzl tree in Gilan and sycamore in Mazandaran; Abarkuh cypress in Yazd, Kalani cypress in Fars province and the Kolouseh walnut tree in Isfahan; the baghvas sycamore in Hamedan, the chestnut tree of Bayan Dareh in Kurdistan, and Daghdaran in Kuhrang, Bakhtiari province and several other trees in Iran.
All these trees have lived together for generations of Iranians for centuries and have seen many events and endured the hardships and difficulties of the history of this long-standing land. Be diligent in the protection and stability of the trees of our land.
Using the article of “Iran Nature” magazine, Volume 2, Number 4 (November 2017).
