Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The central
horseman statue
(Shohada Sq)
is Kuchuk Khan, the Jangali leader of 'Soviet
Iran'. A steady flow of well- wishers also visit his
tomb
(Manzariyeh St)
, 2km southwest
of Shohoda Sq (also known as Shahrdari Sq), sheltered by a contemporary brick gazebo
with intricate wooden roof.
Rasht Museum
(Taleqani St; admission US$1; 8am-5.30pm Tue-Sun, 9am-1pm Fri)
While small, this
museum is well presented in a 1930s house. Its mannequin displays illustrate Gilaki life-
style, amid a selection of 3000-year-old terracotta
riton
drinking horns in the shape of
bulls, rams and deer. Supping from such vessels supposedly endowed the drinker with the
powers and skills of the animal depicted.
MUSEUM
COTTAGE
Gilani cottages historical
Supposedly 'typical' thatched-roof with upper wooden balustrades are shown in many
brochures, but are very rare in situ. One-such has been dismantled and moved to a traffic
island in Shahid Ansari Blvd (behind a drive-in burger takeaway) and is now used as a
tourist information outpost.
Gilan Rural Heritage Museum
( 323 9490; admission US$1; 9am-dusk Thu-Fri)
Many more traditional Gilani cot-
tages have been reassembled in the grounds of this excellent museum 18km south of
Rasht (2km off the Qazvin highway). Six full homesteads complete with rice barns are
already 'active' in 150 hectares of woodland. On open days, local crafts (thatching, mat-
making, cloth-weaving) are displayed and there are tightrope-walking mini-shows.
Houses display local tools left lying around as though the owners had just nipped out to
the pub.
MUSEUM
Tours
Hassan Mohit
( 0911-136 7796;
www.aryantour.com
)
This delightful and personable English-speak-
ing driver-guide has a refreshingly easy-going manner. Daily rates range from US$150/80
with/without car. Hassan can provide scrumptious family meals and homestay beds at Titi
('blossom') Cottage in the semi rural village of Ebrahim Sara (25km east of Rasht).
GUIDE
