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Alamut
It is a region in the western edge of the Alborz (Elburz) massif, between the dry and barren plain of Qazvin in the south and the densely forested slopes of the Mazandaran province in the north. Starting from Qazvin toward Alamut, passing through the first range of hills, curvatures, forms, scars, wrinkles are significant themes in nature's composition of this area.
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Valley of the Assassins
The old capital of highlands, the fortress of Senex de Monte, the Old Man of the Mountain, the King of the Assassins, the greatest wizard of all time...
These are phrases commonly used by ancient travelers and storytellers worldwide referring to the Alamut, which was home to several fearful fortresses furtively built by the devoted followers of legendary Hassan Sabbah known as the assassins (Hashishins). The ruins of castles are one of the historical attractions of the region and Iran.
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Shahraks
A road to the north near Qazvin leads to Alamut. After passing through an initial range of hills, it winds up to a dry and rocky mountainous area. The mountains ascend sharply into valleys dotted with villages and patches of greens which are called Shahraks and are reachable by tight hairpin roads. Houses are mostly made of stone with flat roofs.
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Regional Products
Most of the villages are bordered with orchards, produce fruits and cultivate wheat. Except for the main Alamut valley, where the Shahrud river is formed by confluence of the Taliqan and Alamut rivers, making it suitable for rice-farming. Their income is supplemented by raising sheep, goats and cows. Vineyards are common place in the region.
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