THE CAVE DWELLINGS OF TROGLODYTE

Believe it or not, there is a small village in Iran called Troglodyte which is more than 700 hundred years old and has still retained its original shape. Troglodyte is situated at the north east of Iran at the foot of Mount Sahand in Kandovan. The most amazing fact about this village is that even today the villagers live in cave homes carved out from the volcanic rock. The very nature of a volcano is to destroy but this is one unique example where a volcano has enhanced the beauty of a place. It is this beauty of the place which draws the attention of the world and attracts hundreds of tourists year after year. Hundreds of years have passed but still this place has treasured its uniqueness and natural beauty. The cave homes of Troglodyte, the unique living style and the culture are unmatched in the world. Though the modern times have brought many changes in the living style, the homes which provide shelter to the inhabitants of the village still remain in their primitive state. Irrespective of all odds associated with Iran, this small village has been successful in preserving its distinct image and original form. The cave dwellings of Troglodyte villages and the underground towns are the remains of a traditional human habitat dating back to over 700 years which are amazingly intact in even in todays fast changing world. For what reason I don’t know, these caves have not been declared a world heritage site while similar cave dwellings in Turkey have been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. If ever one thinks of the eight wonder of the world, it ought to be these cave dwellings. They are beyond any words, they are simply awesome.

Following are a few pictures of the cave dwellings of Troglodyte villages. I received these pictures in my mail inbox and felt like sharing them. I really wish one of these beautiful homes goes for sale and I would give the fortune of a lifetime to make it my own. They are certainly very impressive, are’nt they?

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