Saqlayman

Saqlayman is a small village located in the Sarab County of East Azerbaijan Province in Iran. It lies in the eastern part of the province, within the Sarab District and is administratively part of the Mianrud Rural District. The village is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the rugged terrain characteristic of the region.

According to the most recent census conducted in 2016, Saqlayman had a population of 312 people living in 78 households. The population is predominantly ethnic Azeri, and the primary language spoken is Azerbaijani Turkish, with Persian used for official purposes. Family units are typically large and socially tight-knit, and many residents maintain traditional crafts and agricultural practices.

The economy of Saqlayman is largely based on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. The surrounding fields are suitable for growing wheat, barley, and a variety of garden crops, while sheep and goat herding provide meat, wool, and dairy products for both local consumption and regional markets. In recent years, some residents have engaged in small-scale tourism, offering homestays and cultural experiences to visitors exploring the natural landscapes of East Azerbaijan.

Historically, Saqlayman has been influenced by the broader movements of the region, including the spread of Islam in the medieval period and the administrative changes during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties. The village retains several older family homes and a small mosque that serves as a community center. Archaeological surveys in the surrounding hills have uncovered pottery fragments dating back to the early Sassanid era, indicating that the area has been inhabited for several centuries.

Infrastructure in Saqlayman is modest; there is a primary school serving the village children, a clinic that provides basic medical services, and a primary road connecting it to the county seat of Sarab. Electricity and water supply are managed through regional cooperatives, and there is limited access to internet services. Efforts by local and provincial authorities to improve transportation links and educational resources are ongoing, aimed at reducing rural migration and fostering sustainable development in the village.