Mashhad (مشهد)

Mashhad is Iran's the second-largest city. In ancient times the city was known as Sanabad and it used to be a small village on the silk road. It got its current name, meaning 'place of martyrdom', after the eighth Shia Imam named Ali al-Rida was buried there. Later a shrine was erected to commemorate him. The Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid was also buried within the same shrine. Nowadays the shrine is a place of pilgrimage, which is visited by millions of Iranians every year.

During the 18th century, the area was ruled by the Afsharid dynasty. Its founder, Nader Shah, was also buried in Mashhad and his tomb can also be found there.

Apart from the forementioned shrines, there are several other places of interest in Mashhad, including Khurshid castle, the Astan Quds Razavi Museum, the Anthropology Museum (or Mehdi Qolibek Bath), Keshti Dome, Harunieh Dome, the Naderi Museum and the Bread Museum. The Shah Public Bath was built in 1648, during the Safavid. It was beautifully restored and is home to a museum.

The city boasts several beautiful parks. The Koohestan Park-e-Shadi complex includes a zoo that houses many species of wild animals. It is also home to the Mashhad Airbase. Other parks include Mashhad Mellat Park, Vakil Abad Park, Miniature Park and Professor Bazima Science Park. There is also a Bird Garden in Mashhad.

There are several tombs outside the city that are worth a visit. The tomb of Khajeh Morad sits along the road to Tehran. The tomb of Khajeh Rabi' can be found some 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the city. It includes some inscriptions by Safavid calligrapher Reza Abbasi. The tomb of Khajeh Abasalt is on the road to Neishabur, about 20 km (12 mi) from town. In the nearby towns of Tus and Nishapur, more tombs of historical figures are located.

The summer resorts of Torghabeh, Torogh, Akhlamad, Zoshk and Shandiz are very popular with locals.

Mashhad is in the northeast of Iran, some 900 kilometres (560 miles) from Tehran.

Because of the war with Israel and the United States it is not recommended to travel to Mashhad (مشهد), or any other destination in Iran at this moment.

Hotels in Mashhad

Images

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