TEHRAN -- Iranians celebrate annually the National Dezful Day on May 25, commemorating the resistance of Dezful´s citizens during the Iran–Iraq War of 1980-88.

The day follows the Liberation of Khorramshahr, the Iranian recapture of the port city from the Iraqis on May 24 1982, during the war.

Located in southwestern Iran, the city is known as the “City of Rockets”, since it fell under rocket attacks over 200 times through Iran–Iraq War.

The name Dezful derives from two words: dezj (fortress) and pol (bridge), which, when combined, stand for: “the bridge to the fortress” or “fortified bridge”.

The city has several tourist attractions, some of which are mentioned below:

-------------------- Caravansaries

In the city of Dezful, one can find remnants which most probably belong to the Safavid era and the rule of Vakhashtu Khan. Two caravansaries, named Afzal and Qandi, are used by traders and store men nowadays.

-------------- Kul-Khersun (Eshkaft-e Zard)

Kul-Khersun, one of the most amazing natural attractions of Dezful, is located in the north of the city. In the local dialect, the word “kul” means “a very narrow valley”.

Several plants and trees grow on the walls of the valley, including pomegranate and Ziziphus trees.

Kul-Khersun is used as a recreation place during the hot summer days as the narrow geography of the valley prevents the sunlight from penetrating the place, making it rather pleasant.

------------- Iran’s brick museum

Dezful can be considered one of the few Iranian cities which still preserve the historical and cultural identity in its city center.

The old part of the city, over 200 acres, is at the edge of the river and consists of 28 districts connected by archways, called by locals “Sabat”.

Most buildings are made out of bricks and have been ornamented by elegant bricklaying. That is why Dezful is known as “Iran’s brick museum”.

In the archways in the old part of city, eye-catching bricklayers are called “Khun chini”. A total of 113 monuments in the city have been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List including: old mosques, baths, houses and historical archways.

----------- Kornasiyon Historical Bathroom

Covering an area of 880 square meters, the historic bath Kornasiyon dates back to 200 years ago, early Qajar-era.

The bathroom houses the city´s Museum of Anthropology since 2006.

PHOTO: Sassanid bridge in Dezful (Photo: looklex.com)

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