About IRAN

	Geography and History
Akhanjan tomb Harouniyeh tower Bayaz plain Ferdowsi's tomb Tus Museum Khorshid palace Arsalan Jazeb's tomb	Khorasan province which is located in north-east of Iran, covering an area of 313,335 sq.km., is the largest province of the country and includes one fifth of the country’s area. The townships of this province are Esfarayen, Birjand, Taibad, Torbat-e-Jam, Torbat-e-Haydarieh, Chenaran, Khaf, Darega, Sabewar, Sarakhs, Shirvan, Tabas, Ferdows, Fariman, Ghayenat, Ghoocha, Kashmar, Gonaba, Meshed, Nahbandan, Neyshabour, Bardaskan and Bojnoord. Meshed is capital city of this province in which the Shrine of His Holiness Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of Shi’ite, is situated. The population of Khorasan province was 6,047,661 in 1994, of which 56.58% resided in urban areas and 43.36% in rural areas. Remaining were non- residents or nomads. From natural features point of view, Khorasan province is divided into two northern and southern sections. The northern part is nountainous which in its lower areas, fertile plains are formed and suitable conditions for agricultural and animal husbandry development are made available. The southern part constitutes of low plains with low hills and poor vegetation cover. Khorasan province is located in north temperate zone and has changeable weather as a whole. The temperature of the province increases from north to south, but annual precipitation decreases. The high regions of the province, Aladagh and Binalood heights, have cold mountainous weather. Bojnoord, Ghoochan and Shirvan regions and southern parts of Binalood, Kopeh-Dagh heights, Hezarmasjed and some part of Meshed township have temperate mountainous climate, Ghaenat and mountainside of the province have mild semi-arid weather and southern areas have warm, dry and arid climate. Khorasan province has been the permanent arena of emergence and fall of powers and governments along the past history of Iran. The Turkkish, Arab, Tatar, Ghaz, Ghagar and Ghabchan, Mongol, Turkemen and Afghan clans have caused uncountable events in this wide territory. Ancient geographers have divided the Great Iran (Iranshahr)into eight territories of which Khorasan was the largest and the most flourishing territory. In Sasanian Dynasty era,this province was governed by a Espahbod (Lieutenant General) who was called "Padgoosban" and four margraves, each commander of one of the four parts of the province. In the Islamic period, Khorasan was divided into four Parts, each part was called in the name of four large cities i.e., Neyshaboor, Marve, Harat and Balkh. In the year 652 AD., Arabs came to Iran and in this period residents of Khorasan adhered to Islam religion. Khorasan land till the year 821 AD. was dominated by Bani-Abbas clan. But in the year 900 AD. was emancipated by Taherian clan as an independent territory and in 904 AD. joined to the realm of Samanian dynasty. In the year 1004 AD. Sultan Mahmood Ghanavi conquered Khorasan and in 1049 AD. Toghrol the First (Saljooghian dynasty) conquered Neyshaboor. Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi fought against Saljooghians and finally Ghaznavi Turks defeated Sultan Sanjar Saljooghi badly. In the year 1161AD. Khorasan was conquered by Kharazmshahian, simultaneously, due to attacks of Mongols, it was annexed to the territories of Mongol Ilkhanan. In 15thcentury, independence flag was hoisted by Sarbedaran movement and in 1493 Khorasan was occupied by Amir Teymoor Goorkani and city of Harat was declared as capital. In 1537 AD. it was possessed by Ozbakans. After the death of Nader Shah Afshar (1791), Khorasan was occupied by Afghans and in Ghajar period, with Supporting of Afghans for protection of Indian’s borders, finally paris Treaty was concluded (1903) and Iran was obliged to not interfere in Afghanestan’s internal affairs. At this time Khorasan was divided into two parts: eastern part became England protectorate and western part remained under occupation of Iran. In other wors, the most populated part of Khorasan separated from Iran. In spite of all these ups and downs, Khorasan is one of the fertile and flourishing provinces of Iran. From natural attractions point of view, despite of water resources limitation, Khorasan is one of the sightly points of Iran . Small lakes, mineral water springs, recreational areas, protected regions, heights and summeits, caves and ... are amongst the attractions of this province. Khorasan province has encompassed numerous religious buildings and monuments of pilgrimage, including the Shrine if His Holiness Imam Reza and hundreds of nausoleums and Imamzadeh which attract so many pilgrimages and visitors to this province. Hereunder, historical, cultural and tourism characteristics of the cities of the province are pointed out.
	Meshed
Goharshad Mosque Imam Reza Shrine Imam Reza Shrine	Enjoying mountainous temperate climate, Meshed is located 909 km.far from Tehran in a plain between two mountain ranges of Binalood and hezarmasjed.In the year 823 Ad., after the martyrdom of His Holiness Imam Reza in a place around Toos named "Sanabad" which was called Meshed-e-Reza (place of martyrdom), the main nucleus of today Meshed appeared. Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi built a mausoleum opposite to the Shrine and in 13th century AD., due to destruction of Toos city by Mongols, Meshed developed and so many people migrated to this city.At the first, the Toos area was the residence of non-Aryan tribes and some parts of it was conquered by Arabs in the period of Caliph Osman and was annexed to Islam territory in the time of Caliph Omar. Toos was amongst the first cities which was subject to destructive Mongol onslaught and. like other cities of Khorasan, was completely ruined. Toos, due to its specific and sensitive conditions, in the period of Teymoorian and Ilkhanan, was passed on from hand to hand between different governors and people were massacred. Finally, in 1438 AD.. Shahrokh, the son of Amir Taymoor, took the throne as monarch. Afterhis reign on, Toos had been paid special attention causing its expansion and development. Since second half of 15th century AD. this city was commemorated as suburb of Meshed. There have been remained some ruins of old Toos, but new Toos Due to existence of the tomb of "Ferdowsi" the great Iranian poet, has its own reputation and importance. However, today Meshed has unbreakable tie with the history of the old Toos and annually hosts hundreds of thousand of pilgrims and visitors and is one of the polars of the world She’ite place of pilgrimage. The important natural, cultural and religious sites and monuments of this township are: hBazangan lake, hRecreational areas of Kooh-Sangi, Akhloomad, Torghabeh, Band-e- Golestan (Golestan dam), Shandeese, Jaghargh, Zeshk, Naghandar, Kardeh Dam and Miami, hCakilabad and Mellat parks, hGilas and Garab fountains, hZari, Hendelabad, Mozdooran, Moghan and Kardeh caves, hKhorshid palace in Kooh- Sangi, hMilakhanjan and Robat Sharaf castle, hRuins of old city of Toos, hKalat-e-Naderi historical aggregate, hTombs of Ferdowsi, Sheikh Tabarsi,Khajeh Abasalt, Nader Shah, Imam Mohammad Ghazali, hKhajeh Morad, Ravi(famous Iranian Gnostics) and mausoleum of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi, hMeshed mud-brick dome, hMashed Mossalla (place for public prayer), hNavab, Soleyman Khan, Ghyasieh (Khargerd) and Mirza Gafar Schools, hGoharshad and Imam (former Shah) mosques, hImam Reza Shrine aggregate, Hor-e-Ameli mausoleum,Imamzadeh Mohammad, Imamzadeh hYahya and Khajeh Rabi mausoleum, hHaroonieh and Sabz (green)dome.
	Esfarayen
	Esfarayen is about 772 km. far from Tehran. A part of this towns is located in the slopes of Shah Jahan mountain and other part is in the plain having cold weather.Esfarayen is one of the focal points for residence of Aryan tribes after entering to Iran. In Arsacides (Parthians) time, Esfarayen was one of the important villages of Neyshabour. After dominance of Arabs, Esfarayen was very flourishing and after Islam, in spite of attacks and destruction, was reconstructed. In the late 14th century AD. this city was ruined by Taymoorians attack. In Safavid and Ozbakan period, Esfarayen was rushed and in Afshar time old Esfarayen was completely ruined and Esfarayen is one of the thriving cities of Khorasan . The most important natural, historical and religious sites of Esfarayen are as follows: hOld huge trees, hSari Gol protected area, hHasanabad, Ghaisar and Solak old castles, hNoshirvan and Ebadatgah caves, hBrlghyes old city, hFaghatdezh castle, hSarmaran ancient hill, hAhmad reza, Abdollah-Kooran, Shahzadeh Zaid, Sheik Mohammad Rashiddedine and Shahzadeh Gafar Imamzadeh. hTomb of Sheikh Ali Esfarayeni
	Bojnoord
	Bojnoord is about 701 km. far from Tehran and is situated in a plain area enjoying mild mountainous weather.Originally, this city was called "Bizhan Gerd". "Gerd" means a residential area and Bojnoord means "Bizhan’s city".Old Bojnoord was located on a hill in north-west of present city which is now named "Sareban Mahaleh". Ethnical composition of Bojnoord is a combination of Tork and Kord tribes.The important natural, historical and religious monuments of Bojnoord are as follows: hSaloog Protected Area, hBesh Ghardash (five brothers) and Baba-Aman springs, hBidag, Konegarm, Konjekooh and Seyed Sadegh caves, hMofakham mirror house, hBaba Tavakol mausoleum, hImamzadeh Sultan Seyed Abbas
	Birjand
	Birjand is located 1309 km. far from Tehran. It is surrounded by desert (kavir). Its weather in southern area is warm and in mountain region is temperate. In the past, Birjand was a small part of a region which called "Ghahestan" (mountainside) and had an important situation after Islam. On one hand, this region was a place of refuge for some movements like Esmailian, and was paid attention by Arab refuge who escaped from tyranny of Abbasi Caliphate, on the other . In Birjand region some Zoroastrians vestiges have been discovered. Since 17th century on, i.e. Safavid period, with formalizing of Shi’ite religion and their concern to trade, this city developed in such a way that it changed to a regional government center. Presently, this city is one of theimportant cities of south Khorasan and its trade and economic center. The most important historical and worth seeing places of this city are: hChenshat cave, hJame’ mosque, hImamzadeh Mosa, hAlam palace.
	Ghoochan
	Ghoochan city has about 807 km. distant from Tehran. Its climate, due to existence of Hezar Masjed, Aladagh and Shah Jahan heights, is moderate in summer and cold in .In medieval ages, Ghoochan city was famous as Khabooshan and Khoojan . This city was rebuilt in the time of Holakookhan. Shah Abbas the First transferred Kord warriors to this region for preventing Ozbaks and Torkmans attacks. In the year 1791 AD., Nader Shah was killed in " Tapeh Nader" ( Nader’s hill) close to this city. Its historical sites mostly belong to 12th century AD. Important natural, historical and religious monuments of this city are as follows: hGhoochan Gheshmeh Garmab (hot mineral water spring) hAbleh and Bardeh Rostam caves, hRecreational areas around the city.
	Tabas
	Tabas is 1345 km. far from Tehran and is situated in a desert area with temperate weather in mountainous region and hot in plain.Tabas was conquered by Arab Moslems in the reign of Osman and in the second half of 11th century AD. was occupied by Esmailieh religion disciples. During the reign of Saljooghian, Esmailieh castles were attacked on the order of Sultan Sanjar. In the time of Shah Abbas I, this city was ruined by Ozbaks and remained historic sites belong to 11th and 15th centuries AD. In spite of historical destruction and natural damages, Tabas has its own thriving state and aesthetic features. Important natural, historical and religious monuments of Tabas are: hGolshan great minaret, hTabas citadel, hSepahsalar grave, hJame’ Mosque, hTabas and Hossein Imamzadehs, hMausoleum of Sheikh Abounasr Iravehi,
	Shirvan
	Shirvan city is located 773 km. far from Tehran. The northern part of Shirvan is mountainous with cold weather. The southern part has temperate climate due to flowing of "Atrak river" . Remaining of Zoroastrian graves shows that it was habitable before Islam and has a long history. In the year 652 AD. in the time of Osman, Shirvan residents accepted Islam religion. Shirvan city was flourishing in Kharazmshahian era. It was badly damaged after the attacks of Goorkanians. In the time of Safavid, Kord tribes were moved to this region by Shah Abbas I for preventing the attacks of Ozbaks. This city was the center of local clashes during Ghajar period. This city is reconstructed according to new architectural styles in recent years. The important natural, historical and religious sites of the city are as follows: hZavarem, Oghaz, Golbol-Namanlou countryside, hGolool protected area, hPoostindooz and Kafar Ghaleh (castle) caves, hTeymoori grave, hImamzadeh Hamzeh Reza, hSheik Rashiddedin Mohammad mausoleum.
	Ghaenat
	Ghahestan or Koohestan ( mountainside) region is surrounded by desert from the south of Neyshaboor to Sistan and has semi-arid temperate or mountainous climate.Marco Polo in his travel account has named this city as "Tonokayn". This name is a combination of two large cities of this state i.e. "Toon" and "Ghayen". Ghahestan state was place of refuge for Zoroastrians simultaneous with arrival of Arabs. In Salijooghian period it was a place for Esmailieh disciples who constructed strong castles for defense. The important historical sites of the city are: hKhading cave. hBoozarjomehr mausoleum, hSheikh Abolfakher grave. hJame’ Mosque.
	Sabzevar
Traditional crafts The Jameh mosque	Sabzevar has a distance of 654 km. from Tehran. Sabsevar is composed of two parts, mountainous and plain. Weather in plain area is warm and is mild in mountainous area.In Islamic epoch, Bayhagh State had two cities, Sabzevar and Khosrogerd. This city was completely ruined after the attack of Mongols. In the year 1368 AD. Sabzewar was place of refuge and capital city of Sarbedaran movement and won the name of "Darolmomenin". In the period of Ozbakans, this city was ruined again but is Safavid time developed once more. In last decades, Sabzevar has flourished again. Important historical monuments of the city are: hKhosrogerd minaret. hTombs of Shah Tahmasb, Pirestir, Pirmorad, Molana Kashefi, and Molla Hadi Sabzevari, hFamous (Iranian Gnostics). hFasihieh, Kohneh, Fakhrieh and Shariatmadar Schools,Jame’ Mosques of Chashm hFeriomad Villages, and Pamenar. hShoeib, BiBi Alieh Khatoon, Seyed Aliakbar Sultan Hossein, Seyed Hossein , Seyed Esmail, hHaft Masoom and Yahya Imamzadeh. hBildarbashi, Seyed Naserebn Mohammad and Ebnabi Tayeb mausoleums.
	Torbat - Heydarieh
	Torbat - Heydarieh city is 1005 km. far from Tehran and is located in a mountainous region on the skirt of mountain having different weathers in different areas.In the past, this city was called "Zaveh", According to a narrative in 13th century AD., Sheikh Haydar- famous Gnostic- was living there. The change of its name from "Zaveh" to Torbat-Haydarieh is related to the life and tomb of this great Gnostic. The existing cultural heritage belong to Sasanian time and 13th century AD. and are as follows: hBazeh Hovar and Robat Sefid fire- temple, Ghotb -e-dinn Haydar, Sheik Haydar, Sheik hAbolghasem hAnd Shoh Senjan tombs. hFerdows Ferdows is about 1158 km. far from Tehran. This city is located in the slope of Kalat mountains, Salt Desert is located along with the west and north of the city and has Changeable weather. Ferdows is famous on its former name"Toon". Cause of erection of the city is not correctly known yet. This city was founded before Islam. Ferdows is a thriving and developing city.
	Nyshaboor
Tomb of kamal-o Molk(painter) The village of Akhanjan tomb of Khayyam	Neyshaboor city is 768 km. far from Tehran. It is located in a level plain. There are Binalood heights in the north and other heights in south-West. Its weather is temperate in plain and slightly cold in mountainous region. This city was occupied in the year 652 AD. in the time of Osman and was one of the four large cities of Khorasan in Islam period. This city was so large that was called "Omol-Belad" (mother of cities) . In the Islamic period, this city was in such a greatness position that we can see its name on the coins which were coined in the time of Omavi Caliphate. In the time of Ghaznavian and Saljooghian , Neyshabour was one of the most important cities of Khorasan. In the year 1249 AD. this city was completely destroyed by Mongols attack. Near the end of Mongol Ilkhanan, Neyshaboor was annexed to the territory of Sarbedaran dynasty. This city is one of the centers of Iranian civilization and art. So many poets and thinkers have appeared from this city. Moreover, this city has been in the course of Silk Road. The important historical sites of this city are as follows: hGarmab Taghankooh and Shahan Garmab springs, hNeyshaboor fire- temple, hTombs of Nezamolmolk Bekravi, Omar Khayam , Sheik Attar, Fazlebn -e-Shazan, and hKamalolmolk, hJome’ Mosque hSeyed Ebrahim and Mahroogh Imamzadeh hGhadamgah mausoleum.
	Daregaz
	Daregaz city is 1910 km. far from Tehran. Daregaz, thanks to being surrounded by adjacent mountains and hills with low altitude from sea level, has relatively tropical climate . Daregaz has political and military importance for locating close to borders of Turkemnestan Republic. The most historical sites of this city belong to Afsharieh era. Daregaz is a flourishing city today . Naderi Mosque (Kabood Gonbad), 138 km. far from Sarakhs, is the most important religious site in this town.
	Kalat
	City of Kalat was destroyed at the end of 14th century AD. after being occupied by Amir Taymoor . Nader Shah made use of Kalat’s circumstances and since then it was called "Kalat Naderi". After Nadershah, till 1303 A.H. Kalat was the capital of a small local government which followed government of Iran.
	Torbat Jaam
	Torbat Jaam is located 996 km. far from Tehran. Torbat Jaam is located in a plain and has temperate mountainous climate. Present name of this city is after Sheik Jaam and his grave over there. In the past, the important part of this city was called "Bakhezr" which is a historical place between Harat and Neyshaboor. Existing historical sites belong to 14th and 15th centuries AD. These sites are: hMausoleums of Mirghiaseddin, Shah Ghasem Anvar and Khajeh Azizollah, hAggregate of Torbat Sheikh Jaam and Sheikholeslam Khaneghah,
	Gonabad
	Gonabad township is located in a plain region 1091 km. far from Tehran. There are some mountain ranges from west to east of this township . Its weather, depending on the land topography, is mostly warm. Gonabad is one of ancient cities of Iran which its century AD. by Sheibani tribe who were opponent to Ghajar. It was damaged badly but was reconstructed and developed. Existing historical sites in this city belong to 13th century and include: hFas cave. hGonabad fire- temple. hJoghtein Gisoor mausoleum hJame’ Mosque hSoltany mausoleum. hImamzadeh Ahmad.
	Kashmar
	Kashmar is 926 km. far from Tehran. Sheshtaraz river, across which Shahi historical dam is constructed, flowing its vicinity. Its weather is temperate in northern areas and warm in southern and plain areas due to closeness to desert. The old name of this city is "Torshiz" . In the year 1151 AD. it was surrounded and plundered by Sultan Sanjar Saljooghi. After that, it became one of the most important centers of Esmailieh faction. After the defeat and disappearance of Esmailieh faction, this city flourished again. But in 14th century was ruined by Amir Taymour Goorkani. The historical sites of this city are: hAtashgah cave. hAli - Abad tower, hFirooz - Abad minaret, Atashgah castle. hShahid Moddares tomb. hSeyed Hamzeh an Seyed Morteza Imamzadeh
	Sarakhs
	Sarakhs is located in far north- eastern of Khorasan province . Its weathers is cold in winters and warm and dry in summers under influence of Gharaghoroom sandy region. It is as old as Sasanians. In the year 617 A.H. simultaneous with the attack of Mongols to Iran, Sarakhs was plundered and destroyed. Till the end of Ghajar period, Sarakhs was governed in feudally system. It was also conquered by Torkamanans. The historical sites of Sarakhs are: hBazangan cave. hMazdarand cave. hLoghman Baba mausoleum.
	Khaf
	Khaf is one of the cities of Khorasan province. natural landscape of it are plain and mountain . Kahf plain is subject to Sistan’s 120- day winds. The history of this city is mixed with Torbat Heydarieh. Amongst its important historical monuments, MalekZozan and Gonbad mosques can be pointed out.
	Taibad
	Taibad is composed of two sections, plain and mountainous, having arid and semi-arid weather. Taibad is so called because it is attributed to cleanness or goodness. The famous historical places of Taibad are: hKarat tower or minaret. hTomb of Khajeh Abdollah and hGhiasieh Shahrokh and Molana mosques
	Fariman
	Fariman was one of the Meshed’s parts till some years ago, was reconstructed in 1931 AD. according to new architectural styles and its Sugar Factory is famous
	Chenaran
	Chenaran is located among Binalood heights in the south of province, Radkan heights in the north. Its climate is cold and mountainous . The history of this city is mixed with Meshed . The historical tower of Radkan is the most important ancient site.
	Protected Areas of the Province
	Khorasan province is the habitat of different plant and animal species. Protected areas of the province are as follows: hTandooreh - National Park covering an area of 57,000 ha. hLocating in 250 km. far from Mashhad, close to Turkamanestan borders. hGaloon Protected Area covering and area of 17.000 ha, is located in 70 km. north of Shirvan. hSari Gol Protected Area covering an area of 28,000 ha. hLocated in east-north of Esfarayen. hprotected areas of Miandasht, Sabsevar Kavir, Saloog, Bojnoord, North Esfarayen and Sarani. In protected areas of the province are habitats of different species of wildlife like Urial sheep, Western red Sheep. Moreover, different plant species are visible in lush vegetation and thinly scattered forests of the province.
	Tourism Facilities
	All cities of the province are equipped with transportation (air and road) , communication, accommodation and medical facilities and are easily accessible and all people are well informed on tourism activities. So many pilgrims annually come to this province. All necessary information is mentioned in this book. The most famous souvenir of the province is saffron.

	[About IRAN]

	Home \| About ICCIM \| Local Chambers \| Publication \| Laws \| Members' Directory \| Business contact \| Links \| Contact Us
	Designed by Mehr Argham Rayaneh