Pomegranate Harvest in the Village of Anbuh

Pomegranate seeds are not only tasty but a feast for the eye. The tree is native to Iran but has been extending its domain to many parts of the globe since ancient times.

In human terms, the village of Anbuh in Gilan, a province on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea, is not any less ancient than the pomegranate tree. Archeological finds indicate that the area has been inhabited for at least 5,500 years, so it is safe to assume that the cultivation of pomegranates in the village goes back a long, long way.

Anbuh, with a population of around 1,200, is located 1,320 meters above the sea level on the Alborz mountain range. Although Gilan is mostly a subtropical region, Anbuh is situated at an elevation that makes it less humid. The nearby hills are void of greenery most of the year but the village itself is surrounded by a wide green belt of orchards that support the economy of Anbuh.

The village has many things to offer tourists: Its terraced houses built on the slopes of the mountain, its view of surrounding nature, and some historical sites including an architecturally fascinating bridge built in 17th century. But every year in late October, what brings many people to Anbuh is its festival to mark the pomegranate harvest. People come from nearby villages to help the natives pick pomegranates; some come from cities for the entertainment and local beauty. But before they leave, most people buy the a healthy portion of the harvest, either for themselves or to sell in the cities.

Photographs by Alireza Nasri for Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA)

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