Troglodyte Village of Kandovan

Kandovan ranks 4th in the list of the most beautiful caves in Iran. It is a tourist village in the province of East Azerbaijan, claims to be more than 700 years old, according to its current population. It was constructed, according to legend, when people escaping the invading Mongol army sought refuge in caves. In the native Turkic dialect, the houses are called "karan," which approximately translates to "beehive multiple."

The Kandovan settlement has an odd appearance that more closely resembles a massive termite colony than typical caverns. When Mount Sahand erupted in the last 11,000 years, ash and debris from the now-dormant volcano built the structures. The ash hardened over thousands of years, allowing the elements to chisel it out. The ash blanketed the earth in a more customary pattern throughout the surrounding area. The residents of the community have expanded their homes throughout time. Most cave dwellings now include two to four storeys, containing living quarters, storage areas, and animal shelters. Porches, windows, doors, and stairwells have been carved into the rock in several cases. The caves are some of the most energy efficient residences on the planet, with enough insulation provided by the rock to keep the interiors warm during the lengthy winter season. In the summer, the houses are also kept cool.