Galugah, several 1000-year- old history and nature

Galugah is known as the city of Golab (rosewater or a fragrant distillate of rose flowers). Some believe that Galu refers to Golab. It is located in a region which was called Kabud Jameh or Panjah Hezar in the Islamic period and was in fact a substitute for the city of Namiyeh which was the second largest city after Tamishe in the first century AH. Apparently, the city was destroyed after the invasion of Mongols to Iran and people were dispersed. The ruins, coins and objects found indicate it dates back to 1254 years ago.
Most of the residents speak in Azeri. They mainly belong to a tribe known as Omranlu and partly to Kalbadi and Golo tribes. The rest are migrants coming from different cities.

History in Galugah

In the northwest of Galugah , is the ancient hill of Garavdyn. The Kalabd ditch, in the east of Galugah, 2 km away, shows it’s important historically. On its south, the remains of Shah Abbasi road, which runs through green forests with striking springs, waterfalls and spas, are seen. It’s bounded by Shorshori mountains.
According to Russian Melgunov, Mohammad Khan Qajar made the tribe migrate from Gharabagh and Gharadagh to here. Now Gharabagh belongs to Azerbaijan Republic and Gharadagh stands in the east Azerbaijan in Iran.
Historically, the destiny of two dynasties took place in the region.
Mohammad Hassan Qajar was defeated by Karim Khan from Zand dynasty in a region near Garavdin hill in 1171 AH. The independent state of the Zand was founded then (the ditch of Kalbad surrounding the city was dogged at that time). After the death of Karim Khan, the united Qajar dynasty dominated the entire cities of Mazandaran, Gilan, Azerbaijan, and Caucasia. They then ( in 1195 AH) managed to make the tribe of Omranlu move from Gharabagh and Gharadagh to settle in the current Galugah to protect its ditch and the region. They beat Zand’s troops and arrested them.
The tribe of Omranlu came to the region under the order of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar to protect the borders and resist the attack of Turkmen. The existing trenches in the Gorgan bay and a castle in Miankaleh peninsula are testaments to its history.
The youth of the tribe battled against the enemies along with Agha Mohammad Khan. He then decided to gift them the current land and provided their water from the village of Avan. Under the order of Fathali Shah , workers of the village nearby were asked to restore the village and hand it over to them . As faithful soldiers, they did their best to serve the dynasty.
Therefore, the Zand troops retreated out of Mazandaran with disgrace and then were withdrawn out of the country after their reign had collapsed. The Qajar dynasty came into power in 1199 AH and founded their dynasty in the hillside of Garavdin.

What does Galugah mean?

There are two stories why it’s called Galugah: in Persian it means a strategic place which is important militarily. Also, it consist of two words: Galu or Golab( rosewater) and Gah ( a place). It is then a place where rosewater is made.

How to go there?

Galugah is situated in the southeast of the Caspian Sea and north of the Alborz mountain range. To travel, you should leave for the east of Mazandaran province, the city of Behshahr, west of Golestan province. The city is 5 km from the sea.

Where to go?

In your visit, you shouldn’t forget Tuska Cheshmeh, located in the south of the city between Damghan and Galugah sea. The sea is on the north of the paved road of shah Abbasi which goes through the forest , south of Galugah.