A place in Isfahan province called Khor and Biabanak, is a favorite destination for desert hikers. An area further off is called the “Mesr Desert”. A village with the same name in Mesr, a little more than fifty kilometers from Khor and Jandaq, is the place that gave its name to the surrounding desert. You have to pass through this desert to reach Nayin and Isfahan. In the past, the Mesr desert had a different name: “Kalate Yusuf” and sometimes “Chahderaz”.
Mesr Village
When hearing the name of this desert one might wonder why it is named Mesr (Egypt). Records tell us a story of a man named Yousef, who lived in Kalate village and was engaged in sheep breeding (animal husbandry). He had to dig wells to supply the needed water because the village qanat was dry. These wells reminded some of Egypt and the story of the wells there.
Therefore, the village was named after Yusuf’s efforts, Kalate Yusuf, and sometimes it was called Mesr village (because of the same wells). The surrounding desert was thus called the Mesr desert. One of Yusuf’s efforts in the village was to build a long and wide street. Because he knew that the desert of the village has such tourist attractions that it would attract many desert lovers and tourists in the future, the village needed to have a wide street. What Yousef envisioned a hundred years ago came true, and now the village and the desert of Mesr are full of tourists and desert travelers in the cold seasons of the year.
Mountains surround the Mesr desert. It is as if a plain of sand and dunes has spread between the mountains and shelters hikers in its heart. From this range of mountains, the central plateau of Iran is visible. Gaz trees in Mesr village are a natural barrier against the influx of quicksand. Among them, wells can be seen here and there, that have penetrated deep into the desert. Dunes may sometimes blow dust into the eyes of hikers and villagers when winds blow, but for those who are regular desert hikers and ride camels as a hobby, this is just another attraction, and draws them to the Mesr desert from time to time, to enjoy the sight and the attractions there. The Mesr desert has still other attractions, such as Namak Khor Lake, Arousan and Farahzad villages, and sand dunes. “Chal Sulkenun”, which are depressions in the ground, are found south of Mesr desert. Sand dunes border these depressions. Chal Sulkenun can be seen on the road that connects the two villages of Mesr and Farahzad. Selkenun Salt Lake is also there.
Another spectacular village is “Bayazeh”, 50 km on the south-west of Khor. It is full of palm groves. A structure from the Sassanid period also casts its shadow over the area. In addition to this historical scenery, a new hotel has been built there to give shelter to the tourists and desert explorers.
But “Takhte Arous” is something else! Beautiful and spectacular and delightful! The Mesr desert can be seen from above. It has high walls that have been shaped by soil erosion. It is not without reason that they consider that place as a bride. The climate of the Mesr desert, like other desert areas of Iran, is hot and dry. So, you must be a little patient and travel in the Mesr desert during the cold seasons. Of course, no matter how intense and exhausting the sun’s rays are during the day, the air turns cool and sometimes even cold at night, giving it a pleasant effect.
The Mesr desert is rich in animal species; Sand fox, snake, rabbit, karal, tarantula, scorpion, and high-soaring falcons can be found; not to forget camels and wild cats of that area. Desert poisonous reptiles spend the cold season in deep sleep. Therefore, in this season, desert travelers are safe from their bite! Also, the Mesr desert is good for stargazing on its starry nights. Stargazing is one of the most exciting pastimes for astronomy lovers.
* Sources: Websites: Kojaro; Alibaba magazine website; Wikipedia
