Question:

I was wondering if anyone has travelled in the "Turkmen Sahra" region of Iran, i.e. the area around Gorgan, Gonbad-e Kavus and Gharra Tappeh-Sheikh, up to the Turkmenistan border. I've travelled quite a lot in Turkmenistan over the past few years, and was thinking of combining a first trip to Iran with a return to TM, crossing the border in this area.

Answer:

Turkmen Sahra that means Plain of Turkmens, is a region in the northeast of Iran near the Caspian Sea, bordering Turkmenistan, the majority of whose inhabitants are ethnic Turkmen.
It is a slightly hilly area, sloping gently towards the Caspian Sea.  Its climate ranges from moderate in winter to hot and dry in summer, which changes into a humid Mediterranean type around the Caspian Sea.  Yomut Turkman resides in this area.
The Turkman territories enjoy a variety of climate.  Regions close to Mazandaran province in the north of Iran have a moderate climate with green hills, fields and thick forests, near Golli Daq.
The Turkmans of Iran belong to the Turkish speaking tribes. They have presently settled down in the north eastern corner of Iran.  The Turkmans of Iran consist of four main tribes: the Yomut, the Guklan, the Nokhorli and the Tekké. Social and cultural differences can be observed due to their historical background and different means of subsistence, despite their great similarities.

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