Varkaneh Village of Hamedan; A Stone Village, Purebred Horses, and the Birthplace of the Artificial Heart Inventor

Today we are going to Varkaneh;
a unique and fascinating stone village near Hamedan where walking through its alleys feels like traveling back in time.

In this journey, we explore Varkaneh from three special perspectives:
its unique architecture, purebred Iranian horses, and the stories of people who changed the world from this very village.

Where Is Varkaneh?

Varkaneh Village is one of the most beautiful tourist villages in Hamedan Province, located on the slopes of Mount Alvand, about 20 kilometers southeast of Hamedan city.
The road to Varkaneh itself is an attraction.

Along the way, you pass by Ekbatan Dam (Shahnaz Dam);
one of Hamedan’s most important dams that supplies water to the city and offers green spaces, boating, and water skiing.

A Stone Village with a European Atmosphere

When you enter Varkaneh, it feels like walking through a historical movie.
All houses are built with rough stone,
the alleys are stone-paved, and this unique architecture has led many to compare Varkaneh to Renaissance-era European villages.

These features led to Varkaneh being registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.

Gardens, River, and Pure Tranquility

After passing the main mosque, you enter a path that goes through gardens of:

• walnuts
• apricots
• grapes
• apples

After about 1.5 kilometers of walking, you reach the Varkaneh River;
a river that originates from the highlands, irrigates the village lands, and eventually flows into Ekbatan Dam.

Varkaneh; The Village of Purebred Horses

One of Varkaneh’s most distinctive features is its horses.
The village is also known as the Village of Horses.

There is a historic stable here that you must visit.
It was built in the late 1960s, covers about 1,650 square meters,
and has a large central courtyard surrounded by horse stalls and fodder storage.

During the Pahlavi era, it was a royal horse breeding center.
After restoration, it reopened in Nowruz 2018, and today visitors can rent horses and learn riding.

Leili Gharehgozlu; The Woman Who Took Iranian Horses Global

This stable was built by Leili Gharehgozlu;
a pioneering, inspiring, and influential woman in the history of Iranian horses.

Leili Gharehgozlu:

• Born in 1927
• Passed away in 2001 in Tehran
• Founder of the Iranian Purebred Horse Association
• Registrar of Arabian horse pedigrees
• Played a major role in the global recognition of Iranian purebred horses

Her life story truly deserves a separate documentary.

The Cemetery Without Tombstones

Another unusual part of Varkaneh is its cemetery.
There are no tombstones at all, which has made it a point of curiosity for many visitors.

Music, Culture, and Local Weddings

If you are lucky enough to attend a local wedding in Varkaneh,
you will truly experience the depth of its culture.

Music featuring:

• poems of Baba Taher Oryan
• Ashiq music
• local dances such as Sarbazi and Sepahi

creates a celebration that is truly unforgettable.

Birthplace of the Artificial Heart Inventor

Varkaneh is not just a historical village;
it is the birthplace of one of the world’s most important medical figures.

Dr. Tofigh Mousivand,
the inventor of the first artificial heart usable in the human body,
was born here in 1942.

He studied in Varkaneh until fourth grade,
then moved to Hamedan and later abroad, becoming one of the world’s most influential medical inventors whose work saved thousands of lives.

Why Visit Varkaneh?

If you are looking for:

• a different kind of trip
• a lesser-known destination
• walking through stone alleys
• filming horses
• and telling stories of remarkable people

make sure to add Varkaneh to your list.

For more stories and travel experiences in Iran’s unique destinations,
visit
koolegard.com/en.