Natthimmel

Kharanaq: A Sun-Bathed Legacy

In the heart of Central Iran, nestled within a remote valley, lies the ancient mud-brick village of Kharanaq. For over 4,000 years, this settlement has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, its adobe buildings standing as silent witnesses to centuries gone by. It is to this day unclear if the city was founded by early Elamites, sadly enough there was very few archaeological data we could find on this place. Most likely it is a proto Elamite settlement. The findings in the Tepe Sialk are similar to those of Kharanaq, some other similar Tepes are not that far off, but once again this ancient village kind of escapes ancient history and archaeological studies.

Kharanaq, meaning “place of birth of the sun,” is a tale of two halves. The Old Town, with its collection of mud brick structures and a caravanserai, tells of secrets of a bygone era. The New Town, where more than 400 resilient souls reside, continues to breathe life into this arid landscape.

The village’s fortunes once thrived on agriculture, but as water sources dwindled, its inhabitants departed, leaving the Old Town in ruin. Yet, remnants endure—a Qajar-era mosque, a cylindrical 17th-century shaking minaret, and a caravanserai that beckons curious travelers.

In building the city we tried to – more than make a copy – evoke the feeling, views upon a once thriving place lost in time. Feel free to wander around, maybe get lost in the labyrinths, visit the bathhouse, grab a seat on the roof tops to enjoy the view and conversations.

Kind regards Saskia and Konrad