Darakeh, A Piece of Paradise

Darakeh valley symbolizes human reconciliation with nature. This exceptional peaceful place immersed in natural phenomena inspired me with picturesque landscapes and fascinated me with the unique flora and fauna of the region. Darakeh reminds of paradise on Earth, gifting memorable experiences to everyone and letting them have a marvelous time in the village. The running river is one of the inherent attributes of Darakeh. The view of the fast-flowing river, which attracts many flocks of birds, stays in my memory for a long time. The sound of water, the rustle of tree leaves, and the dance of bird-songs all come together, writing a majestic symphony and serving as bliss for the listener. The fresh air near the river and the panorama contributed to the creation of the magical atmosphere. One of the brightest memories is for hiking in the mountains and admiring the natural beauty of the valley. It was impossible to saturate the desire to encounter the sunset on top of the hill. Mountain area allowed me to appreciate the vastness while the village impressed me with the narrow alley among stone fences embellished with vines. Moreover, the best image from the memory relates to the brilliant hospitality visiting local cafes and restaurants. They represented the place where everyone could relax and taste delicious dishes. Darakeh thrived and changed each season of the year. In spring, the trees turned green, and flowers bloomed, turning the place into heaven. In summer, I could savor fresh fruit and bask in the sunshine. Fall added new colors to the picture and transformed the streets into a series of masterpieces. In winter, skiing became the most exciting activity which engaged many people. Darakeh is an incredible place that epitomizes heaven on Earth, presenting great memories. The village was fascinating each season and surprises with the harmony between nature and human civilization. It will remain a significant part of my life.

Increasing population and Tehran urbanization affected Darakeh ecological environment from 1351-1378. At first, this region was full of greenery, including a river valley providing fresh water, green/blue corridors for climate moderation, green open space, and biodiversity parks. In the past 3 decades though, Tehran has experienced rapid urban growth accommodating 12 million inhabitants, thus affecting Darkeh to have decreased greenery. Urbanization and construction brought increased environmental pollution and degradation. Unfortunately, recent developments have not been able to restore a ecological network fragmented by unmanaged growth.