World’s second oldest tree lives in Iran

on January 31, 2022 | 12:37:23

The world’s second oldest tree is Sarv-e Abarkuh, located in Abarkouh city of Yazd province, Iran.

This Iranian natural heritage and tourist attraction stands 25-28 meters high and has a width of 11.5 meters, HistoricalIran reported.

Russian scientist Alexander Rouf has estimated its age as over 4,000 years old and could be the oldest tree in Asia.

Some legends attribute its origin to Japheth, the son of Noah, while others believe Zoroaster himself planted it.

Favorable natural conditions of its location has been credited as the main reason for the tree’s longevity, although it is now surrounded by an urban park and is open to disturbances by unnatural elements.

In ancient Iran, planting a tree was of great importance and can be seen in some of the carvings of Persepolis. The cypress tree in particular was considered sacred by Zoroastrians as it remained green all year long.

References to the tree have been made as early as the 14th century by Hamdollah Mostofi. In his book, ‘Nezhatol Quloob’, Abarkouh is described as “a cedar of global fame”.

Cypress has been the first choice of Iranian gardens. In all of famous Persian gardens, such as those of Fin, Mahan, Dolatabad and others, this tree plays a central role in their design.

While the cypress tree of Kashmar was chopped down on the orders of Abbasid Caliph Motevakkel and transported to Samarra, the Abarkouh Cypress withstood the test of time.

It was never forgotten by the Iranians and, in fact, its legend grew ever stronger with the passage of time, while poets and artists also depicted it in their works.

Source: English.irib

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