Accessible village of Fahraj sets new benchmark for tourism
The ancient village of Fahraj, located in Yazd Province, is a groundbreaking tourist destination in Iran that has been fully adapted to accommodate people with disabilities.
Seyyed Mohammad Rastegari, the head of the local tourism organisation, announced this on 11th November this year, emphasising that the comprehensive renovation aimed at adapting the infrastructure to the needs of people with disabilities was completed in just six months.
The first village of its kind in Iran
He added that the support of local authorities and residents was significant. The modernisation 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 cities 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.
A must-see is also Fahraj Castle (pictured above), with its exquisite façades and decorations. Despite these attractions, the village does not draw crowds. Authorities hope that these new amenities will finally change that.
The village is located in central Iran, about 30 kilometres 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, fuelled for centuries by peach wood.
