A story-led walk through Rasht with an Iranologist
Two hours strolling Rasht's lanes with Roozbeh Khalig Moeini: stories you won't find in any guidebook
روزبه خلیق معینی
Iranologist and licensed Rasht tour guide
I've been a tour guide since 1390 (2011/12) and have been hosting experiences since 1400 (2021/22). I studied Iranian studies, and I work on travelogues, the roots of place names and the social history of Gilan; that's exactly what I share on my walks: why Rasht became Muslim 400 years later than the rest of Iran, where the “-chi” and “-chian” surnames came from, and why Rasht's bazaar has no roof. My programs are story-led: you'll hear the city's story more than you'll look at buildings.
About this experience
Everyone knows Rasht for the bustle of its bazaar and Shahrdari (Municipality) Square; this walk is something else. Roozbeh Khalig Moeini, an Iranologist and licensed tour guide, sets off from Shahrdari Square and reads the city to you through the names of its lanes, its family names, its trees and its breads. Over these two hours you'll hear why the palms on Shahrdari Square bear figs instead of dates, why Rasht's bazaar, unlike those of Kashan and Tabriz, has no roof, how a garlic seller from Tarom brought Islam to Rasht, where surnames ending in “-chi” and “-chian” come from, why Rasht had no bakeries until the Qajar era and how Aria bread became a brand, which tree is “the enemy of Gilan's architecture”, and what “dul” means in the Talysh language. The route: Shahrdari Square and the pedestrian street, the Grand Bazaar of Rasht and its trade rows, the old neighborhoods of Saghrisazan and Lab-e Ab, and finally piroshki at Aria. The program is story-led, which means you'll hear the city's story more than you'll look at buildings. The route is entirely on foot and gentle, and it suits families too. Roozbeh has been a tour guide since 1390 (2011/12), holds a master's in ancient languages from Allameh Tabataba'i University and a master's in Iranian studies from the University of Guilan, and is a PhD student in history. Besides his Rasht walks, he also runs programs in Masuleh, Lahijan, Anzali and Fuman.
This page has been translated. The languages your host speaks are listed under Details.
Group pricing
The more people join a session, the lower the price per person. If you book early and the group grows, the difference goes back to your wallet as credit after the experience.
What's included
Included: • A licensed, card-carrying guide under the Cultural Heritage and Tourism authority • Historical and cultural storytelling along the route, from Shahrdari Square to the bazaar and the old neighborhoods • Coordinating the start time with the group Not included: • Entry to museums and historic houses (if visited) • Refreshments, piroshki and shopping in the bazaar • Transport (the route is on foot)
What to bring
Comfortable shoes for two hours of walking, a water bottle, an umbrella or a hat (Rasht means sudden rain or sudden sun)
Frequently asked questions
How much walking is involved?
About two hours of easy walking in the city center with plenty of stops; the route is flat and manageable for children and older people too.
What if it rains?
It's Rasht; rain is part of the experience. The walk goes ahead in light rain (bring an umbrella), and in heavy rain the start time is moved in coordination with the guide.
Is the start time fixed?
No. After booking, the guide's number is sent to you and you arrange the start time with him. The meeting point is always Shahrdari Square.
Can the walk be combined with Masuleh, Saqalaksar or Anzali?
Yes. Roozbeh also runs combined day programs; arrange it through support before booking.
Details
- Age group
- All ages
- Booking deadline
- Up to 12 hours before the start
- Host language
- Persian
- Location
- رشت، میدان شهرداری
Where we'll meet
رشت، میدان شهرداری