Must Know about Sarv-e Abarkuh, a 5000-Year-Old Cypress in the Center of Iran
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Roshan Amiri
- . June 21, 2025
- . Update: June 21, 2025 1:24 am
At the heart of Yazd province in Iran is an incredible natural wonder, Sarv-e Abarkuh, a cypress tree that is over 5,000 years old. Believed to be one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, the tree has seen the rise and fall of empires, cultural evolution, and centuries of human history in its lifetime. Located in the historic city of Abarkuh, this living specimen not only represents a tree, but it is also a symbol of Iran’s natural and cultural heritage.
A Symbol of Life and Legend
The tree is called “Sarv-e Abarkuh” (Cypress of Abarkuh) and is well established in Iranian folklore. Some stories of the tree start with the story of Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism, who possibly planted the tree (or so the legend goes), while other stories state that it was planted in the time of Noah. Whether fact or folklore, what the tree exemplifies so well is resilience, wisdom, and timeless beauty. The ancient cypress tree has a height of over 25 meters and a trunk diameter of 11.5 meters. The fact that this ancient cypress has survived millennia in Iran’s arid climate is noteworthy in itself.
A Protected Heritage
As a national natural monument, Sarv-e Abarkuh draws tourists, historians, and nature enthusiasts from around the world and has come to epitomize environmental conservation and valuing natural history in Iran. The local authorities protect the tree and continue to preserve, study, and celebrate this magnificent tree for future generations.
Why You Should Visit
If you ever happen to be in central Iran, do not miss the opportunity to visit this ancient tree. To stand under Sarv-e Abarkuh is to touch history that is epically rooted in nature, nourished for centuries, and as vibrant as ever.
