The Alachigh

(pronounced Al-a-cheeg)

We are in the process of constructing an Alachigh, which will be replacing the 23' tipi, and hope to have it up and running by May of 2010, but will update you on developments and timing as and when they happen.  We are currently taking bookings for the summer holiday period from the 19th July to the end of August.

The Alachigh is a beautiful structure used by a nomadic tribe, the Shahsavan, in northern Iran.  The Shahsavan tribe have a long history in Iran, dating back to 990 A.D. More than 100,000 Shahsavan live in and around the province of Ardabil and there are still to this day over 5,000 Shahsavan living a migratory or semi-migratory life in this area.  The Alachigh is hemispherically shaped and in some ways is a cross between a yurt and a tipi. There is a central crown, as in the yurt, but the roof and walls are made from timbers which curve from the crown to the ground.  Traditionally the timber framework would be covered with felt but we have used a 12 oz stone coloured canvas with a crown cover over the centre of the roof.

The Alachigh will be approximately 24' in diameter and will comfortably sleep six.  It will have wooden floorboards, a cast iron wood stove and suitable furniture.   As always, rugs, sheepskins, cushions and colourful covers will adorn this beautiful structure.