Masuleh, city in Gilan Province, Iran
Masuleh is a mountain city in northern Iran built on steep slopes about 1,050 meters above sea level. The houses are constructed from wood, stone, and clay and form an unusual structure where the rooftops of one row of buildings serve as pathways and streets for the buildings above.
Masuleh was founded around the 10th century and was originally known as Masalar or Khortab. The first settlement developed in the early 11th century near a river, and the population later relocated to the current site to escape illness and attacks.
The residents of Masuleh speak Taleshi and Gilaki languages unique to this Caspian region. Visitors notice traditional crafts on display in the market, including hand-woven rugs, pottery, and textiles made using methods passed down through generations.
Cars are not permitted in Masuleh since the streets are too steep and narrow, so visitors must walk. The city can become slippery in rain and fog, making sturdy footwear with good grip essential for navigating the pathways.
A remarkable mosque called 'O-ne-ben-ne Ali' was built here nearly 1,000 years before the city's modern founding, featuring doors carved from ebony and inscriptions of Quranic verses showing ancient craftsmanship. The surrounding mountains contain minerals like iron, quartz, and zinc that were once used to manufacture cannons for Iranian armies.
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