Mohammad Mohammadpour loves climbing. He lives in Tabas, a desert city in eastern Iran, where the sun is scorching and water is scarce. But Muhammad knows a secret place where life thrives: the Camel Mountains.
It is a high and ancient mountain range that forms the eastern side of the great basin of Tabas. They are home to a great variety of flora and fauna as well as historical monuments, villages and springs. These mountains are also the source of groundwater for Tabas Geopark, a natural and cultural heritage site.
Muhammad often climbs the mountains with a group of villagers to collect mountain thyme, an aromatic and medicinal plant that grows wild on the slopes. He sells thyme online along with other Tabas local products such as dates, rice and honey. He uses environmentally friendly packaging and delivers products to customers all over Iran.
Mohammad’s goal is to support Tabas local communities and introduce their unique and quality products. He also wants to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of the Camel Mountains and Tabas Geopark. He hopes that more people will visit and appreciate this hidden gem of Iran.
One of the attractions that Mohammad likes to show visitors is Kal Jani or the Valley of Jinn. This stunning and mysterious valley is in the north of Tabas near the village of Azmeighan. The name of this valley is derived from the jinn or ghosts that the ancient natives believed lived there. The valley is also along the outlet of the Qanat, a traditional irrigation system that brings water from underground.
Azmeighan village is another interesting place that Mohammad likes to introduce to tourists. It is a village that combines palm groves and paddy fields, which is rare in Iran, as these crops are usually grown in different climates. This village is a testimony to the ingenuity and adaptability of Tabas people.
Mohammad is proud of his hometown and his work. He believes that by sharing his story and products, he can encourage others to appreciate and protect Iran’s natural and cultural treasures.