Iran: The Abandoned Ghost Town Of Kharanaq

KHARANAQ | In a world with a rapidly growing population, we’re always hearing stories about cities growing faster than anticipated, cities becoming more densely populated, cities becoming more hectic. It’s a common story around the world. How is it then, that there can be cities that decline in population? There are the obvious answers like war and famine, but what else can cause a once vibrant place to decline in population to such an extent that it becomes practically uninhabited? This is one of the questions that I was asking myself as I explored the ruins of the abandoned ghost town of Kharanaq (Kharanagh) in Iran.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

Located about 70km north of Yazd, this crumbling mud brick city has been occupied by humans for over 4,000 years (the adobe houses and architecture visible today dates back over 1,000 years). There’s actually a New Town located 2km from the Old Town where the remaining residents of Karanaq live (about 400 people save for a few elderly people who refuse to leave), but it’s the Old Town that captures the imagination of visitors and photographers. It’s a fascinating place to walk through with its winding and decaying alleys, tunnels and spaces, and is located in a picturesque valley.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

One of the most visible monuments in the city, and one of the few things around that has been restored is the 15 metre tall Shaking Minaret of Kharanaq. Dating back to the 17th century, the minaret can frequently be seen vibrating. Why? Nobody knows.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

This is not your typical tourist attraction and visitors to Kharanaq quickly learn that the words “watch your step” are very important, as the city is literally crumbling away and many of the surfaces are less than stable. Steps and rooftops could give way at any time. I’m sure that once Iran becomes the popular tourist destination that it’s destined to be, busloads of tourists will arrive in Kharanaq to see the ancient ghost town from the safety of a marked and restricted walking route but for now, there’s nobody around and you’re free to go wherever you want in the city.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

Most people started to leave Kharanaq in the 1940s. Up until the 1970s there were still some residents who believed the city was worth saving. Construction was started on this mosque around that time but as you can see, even those determined stragglers eventually gave up on Kharanaq. Most of the residents left today are those who are too old and poor to start a new life elsewhere.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

It’s obvious from the mosque’s exterior that it’s one of the relatively modern, and final structures to be built (well semi-built) in Kharanaq.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

 

Remnants of everyday life lie scattered throughout Kharanaq, and because of the dust and sand it’s hard to tell how old some of the debris is. Clearly this 7up bottle is relatively new. I found other items that must have dated back until at least the 1970s.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

One can’t help but wonder what stories those who lived here would have. Whose house was this? What were they like? Where did they go?

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

This public bath (Haman) is one of the most fascinating parts of the city for me. I think the fact that it’s relatively well preserved means that there’s a stronger link between the populated city that was and the abandoned ruins that now are.

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

 

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

kharanaq abandoned ghost town iran

As for my original question, the reason that Kharanaq was abandoned is a simple one. Drought. Once the drinking water and formerly fertile farmland was no more, the entire lifeblood of the city was gone, and gradually people moved to seek opportunities either in Yazd or the nearby mines.

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