Get Better Acquainted with Religious and Historical City of Mashhad

What You Should Know Before Travelling to Mashhad

The city of Mashhad, located in the northeast of Iran, is the capital of Khorasan Razavi Province. This city, considered as the second vastest city of Iran after Tehran, is situated on the trade rout of the Middle East Countries.

Imam Reza Holy Shrine is located in Mashhad. Therefore, the city is one of the most important religious hubs of Iran and a good destination for the interested ones to pilgrimage tours. Many foreign and domestic tourists visit this city every year.

Mashhad History, from the Aryans to the Afsharid

The region, known as Mashhad at present, was the inhabitant of the Arian because of its proper environment for habitation.

Actually, this city has been the advanced form of a village known as “Sana Abad”. There was a garden in the village in which Harun al-Rashid, one of the Abbasid Caliph, is buried, so the garden is known as “Harounieh”. After the 8th Shia Imam was martyrized by Al-Ma'mun and was buried in Harun al-Rashid Tomb, the Village increased in importance. Finally, by increasing the population, the village turned to the city.

Mashhad literally means the place of martyrdom, and the person who devotes herself/himself for his/her beliefs is called martyr. Therefore, the name of this city refers to the martyrdom of the 8th Shia Imam.

The prosperity procedure of the city started in the Safavid era. In fact, Shiism became the official religion of Iran in this era, so this religious city was noticed by the Safavid kings.

The city was the capital of Iran in the Afsharid era. In addition, the military men were chosen among the Khorasan Nomads. The construction of Imam Reza Holy Shrine was also completed in this era and many buildings were formed there.

Khorasan was torn in the Qajar era. Finally, Afghanistan was separated from Khorasan in 1857 as a result of Paris Treaty.

It is noteworthy that the city has witnessed many important events in the contemporary history of Iran. Among the events we can mention Tobacco Movement, Constitutionalist Movement and Goharshad Mosque Rebellion.

Imam Reza Holy Shrine, the Most Important Symbol of Mashhad

Imam Reza Holy Shrine is the symbol of this religious city. This site, known as a holy place by the Shiaa, is the burial place of the 8th Shia Imam.

Imam Reza Holy Shrine is a historical and cultural complex including mosques, library, museum, portico and mausoleum. Every section has a high historical importance. For instance, more than 12000 manuscripts are preserved in the library, some of which belong to 12 years ago.

Goharshad Jameh Mosque is the most important building of Imam Reza Shrine, which mesmerizes every visitor. Furthermore, a historical event has doubled the importance and reputation of Goharshad Mosque. Actually, the mosque was the center of protests against the mandatory laws of wearing European hat.

A Look at the Historical and Cultural Attractions of Mashhad

Ferdowsi Historical Tomb, the Prominent Poet of the 9th Century

Ferdowsi Tomb is one of the most valuable and significant attractions of the city. The tomb lies in Tus Historical City, 20 KM away from Mashhad. The ground around the tomb is 6 hectares in which a library and a museum is located.

Ferdowsi was the famous poet of the 9th century. He was also the author of Shahnameh, considered as a masterpiece in the literature of Iran and the world. Shahnameh is a valuable book in Persian language treasure in which Iranian epics are in the shape of long poems.

The construction of the Tomb has been ruined and renovated frequantely during the history. What the tourists visit today, is an inspiration from the architectural style of the Achaemenid era. The final renovation of the site lasted from 1964 to 1968.

The interior of the tomb represents the epics recited by Ferdowsi in the form of figures carved in reliefs. In addition, the tiles used in the structure if the tomb is so stunning.

Tomb and Museum of Nader Shah Afshar

Nader Shah Tomb, lying in Naderi Garden, is another attractive sight of Mashhad. This site, also known as Naderi Tomb, consists of a library, Museum and the memorial stone of Nader Shah.

Nader Shah’s grave is located at the center of the tomb building. There are also two museum halls next to the grave. One of them is the weapon museum displaying artifacts from different eras, and the other one displays the weapons and the spoils of war related to Nader Shah.

The tomb has been designed in a way to demonstrate Nader Shah’s battlefield. The construction consists of a 12-stair platform at the vicinity of which there is an equestrian statue of Nader Shah.

Naderi Museum, like many other monuments, have been destroyed and rebuilt over again. The initial building of the tomb was constructed by the order of Nader Shah, but it was destroyed after his death. Afterwards, a new tomb was built in the late Qajar era which was destroyed again. Finally, the design and construction of the new building started in 1955 and lasted for two years.

The Natural Geography of Mashhad

Mashhad lies in a flat and semi mountainous area, in the Basin of Kashaf Roud River and through Hezar Masjad and Binaloud Mountains. In addition, its climate is hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. We will introduce some of the attractions in this area in the following:

Kooh Sangi, the Most Famous Recreational Site in Mashhad

Kooh Sangi, located in the south west, is the third most visited sight of the city. There is also a lush park around and a big pool at the center.

Kooh Sangi, which has been so important for recreation of people since the long past, is also remarkable historically. Above all, it is narrated that it is the place where Shah Abbas crowned.

Kooh Sangi is a composition of two words Kooh, literally means Mount, and Sang, literally means Stone. This mount is called so, due to being made of stone. It is noteworthy that Nader Shah Tomb is also made of the stones of this mount.

Vakil Abad, a Lush Street Ending an Old Park

Vakil Abad Boulevard is one of the most beautiful streets of Mashhad and is located in the west of the city. As a result, it is a good choice for a nice stroll in the afternoon. This street ends Vakil Abad Old Park. Above all, the water passing through this area originates from Vakil Abad Qanat.

Shandiz, a Temperate City Near Mashhad

Among the main features of Shandiz, we can refer to the beautiful nature and temperate weather. In addition, Shandiz is the best choice for trying delicious Kebab because there are many restaurants there. The other feature which has increased the attraction of Shandiz Nature is the river running through Binaloud Mounts.

Sholeh, the Most Famous Dish in Mashhad

Mashhad, like other cities of Iran, has traditional dishes of its own. More than 15 different types of traditional foods are cooked in the city, the most popular of which is Sholeh.

“Sholeh” is a traditional dish like soup. However, it is a bit thicker than soup due to the more pulse used in it. In addition, a red liquid made of meat, split pea and tomato paste is poured on the dish. It is noteworthy that this food is usually cooled in religious ceremonies.

Exploring Mashhad, the City of Golden Domes

If you are interested to get familiar with different religions and worship places such as churches, synagogues and mosques, visit this religious city on your trip to Iran. In fact, this city is the best destination in order to know the religion of Iranians.

Religion is an inseparable part of Iranians’ lifestyle and their history has always been connected to religion. Therefore, if you would like to know the culture and history of Iran, put pilgrimage tours on your list.

1001 Nights Tours has placed this religious and historical city on the list of its tours. In order to read more about such tours click here. In addition, if you are interested to enrich your knowledge about religious attraction of Iran click here.