Mashhad

Chak Chak Village is located in Ardakan County, 70 km north of Yazd city. The temple of Chak Chak is perched beneath a cliff, which is one of the holy Zoroastrian mountain temples in Iran when the avid Zoroastrians gather on special occasions to observe their rituals. While the temple is a man-made grotto in the cliff, historical beliefs and legends shrouds the sanctuary. The mystery of the history of Chak Chak Village is a folklore legend as it goes: After the invasion of Arabs to the realm of Sassanid Dynasty and the defeat of the last king, Yazdegerd III, the royal family took refuge in the current city of Yazd. By the time Arabs conquered Yazd, the family separated to increase the chance of survival. One of Yazdegerd’s daughters, Nikbanu, flees to the Ardakan mountain and Chak Chak Village. And prays to Ahura Mazda (what Zoroastrians call The God) to protect her from Arabs. In response of her sincere supplication, Ahura Mazda commanded the mountain to be opened and safe haven for the chaste lady.

Meybod Caravanserai or popular as Shah Abbasi Caravanserai Meybod, built in 1689, sits in the city of Meybod, 56 km northwest of Yazd City. Properly preserved, Meybod Caravanserai is one of the numerous caravanserais of Iran, constructed in the Safavid era (1501-1726). It is neighbored by Kolar Water Reservoir (Ab Anbar) on its entrance, an Icehouse (Yakhchal) on its opposite, and a Pony Express (Chapar-Khaneh) on its side. Hence, Meybod sightseeing counts as one of the popular Yazd tourist attractions. Caravanserais were constructed along the highly commuted Silk Road and major trade or pilgrimage routes throughout history. During the Safavid Era, especially the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, 5th and influential king of Safavid Dynasty, numerous caravanserais were established to facilitate commutes as part of their growing international trade and relations policy, and pilgrimage routes to/from religious cities. Meybod Caravanserai, like its counterparts, did not just offer an austere place to stay the night, but it served travellers with full amenities such as equipped chambers and niches, freshwater access, animal stalls, etc. for a comfortable stay of several days.

The Masjid-e-Jameh Yazd is the grand, congregational mosque of Yazd city. The 12th-century mosque is still in use today. It was first built under Ala’oddoleh Garshasb of the Al-e Bouyeh dynasty. The mosque was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365, and is one of the outstanding historical buildings of Iran. The mosque is a fine specimen of the Azari style of Persian architecture. The mosque is crowned by a pair of minarets, the highest in Iran, and the portal’s facade is decorated from top to bottom in dazzling tile work, predominantly blue in colour. Within is a long arcaded courtyard where behind a deep-set south-east iwan is a sanctuary chamber (shabestan). This chamber, under a squat tiled dome, is exquisitely decorated with faience mosaic: its tall faience Mihrab, dated 1365, is one of the finest of its kind in existence. The elegant patterns of brickwork and the priceless inscription of mosaic tiles bearing angular Kufic all create a sense of beauty. The main prayer niche, the one which is located below the dome, is decorated with elegant mosaic tiles. On the two star-shaped inlaid tiles, the name of the builder and the time of construction of the prayer niche sparkle beautifully. The two towering minarets dating back to the Safavid era measure 52 meters in height and 6 meters in diameter.

The 19th-century Amir Chakhmaq Complex with its imposing three-story facade is one of the abundant tourist hotspots of Yazd, an oasis city in central Iran. Located on a square of the same name, the prominent complex is noted for its eye-catching rows of symmetrical sunken alcoves, which are perfectly lit up following the sunset. The structures that make up the complex include a mosque, a caravanserai, a bathhouse, a cold-water well and a tekyeh where Shiite Muslims come together for observing special religious ceremonies, all of which have been designed in accordance with traditional layout principles. The perfectly proportioned niches on the façade may seem at their best and most photogenic late in the afternoon, when towering exterior appears to glow against the darkening sky and copper-coloured sunlight is captured within each alcove. A pedestrianized square overlooking the complex is usually full of visitors. It is landscaped with a vast pool, illuminated fountains, well-manicured trees and shrubs that lend an attractive foreground to the splendid vista at night.

Dolat Abad Garden: Imagine a hot sandy desert. Sun is up and you can feel the high-temperature rays in your every cell. Neither wind nor breeze. Nothing but heat. Are you ready for a miracle to put you at leisure? Are you ready to get cool and relaxed? Dolat Abad Garden (Dowlat Abad Garden) is somewhere you’re looking for! Generally, the Persian garden style is a really unique one indeed. UNESCO has listed 9 of the Persian gardens of Iran and Dolat Abad Garden is one of them. The moment you enter the gate you are astonished with the nature you didn’t expect to see. A manmade waterway with small fountains, walled with tall trees leading you to the pavilion in the middle of the garden. As you walk down the path you can feel the cool breeze touching your skin and the shade of trees relieving you from the burning sun. We hope that you are feeling better than those heaty moments before entering the Dolat Abad Garden.

Towers of Silence in Yazd city are raised circular structures where Zoroastrians would leave the dead bodies to deflesh since ancient times. As one of the main Yazd attractions, no tourist affords to miss a visit to the daunting Towers of Silence. Now, Where is the Tower of Silence? Well-preserved Zoroastrian Towers of Silence are found in Yazd, which is home to the majority of Zoroastrian community in Iran. Towers of Silence offer visitors an unmissable story behind Zoroastrian beliefs, on top of all, the answer to the much asked question: What did Zoroastrians do with dead bodies and why? Towers of Silence (or Dakhma) were constructed atop hills or low mountains in desert locations distant from population centers. Today, the only extant towers of Silence are found in Iran (cities like Yazd, Kerman, Shiraz, …) and India, where Parsi communities exist.

Jame mosque which has been made in the 14th century was the main place for Moslems prayer in Kerman. Because of its special and important position which was located near the bazaar and in the centre of the city, Jame mosque of Kerman sites in the angle between Qadamgah bazaar from the south and so Shariati street from north and Shohada (moshtaqie) square from the east. In the west side, there is a huge and high portal which has been decorated with beautiful tile-works and is watchtower has added to its beauty. It has too large summer and winter porches and on the west side there is sites Mahdieh building. Some of the shops of Qadamgah and Mozafari bazaars have bequeathed their income to the expenses of this mosque.

This bath is a collection of art, architecture and using different materials with a suitable space which attracts people to itself. The architect of bath and in general Ganjali khan complex is a Yazdian architect named “Ostad Mohammad Soltani” who indeed knew the political, economical and cultural conditions of its time. Ganjali khan bath is a wonderful work, that with its beautiful tile-works, paintings plaster-works pats the eyes of every visitor. Baths are included among the inseparable part of the city’s building and are the main and important parts of Islamic cities and villages. The entrance to the Ganjali bathhouse is located along a section of Ganjali Khan Bazaar. The entry portal of these baths has been decorated with beautiful paintings of Safavid era. The bath is 64m in length and 30m in width at an area about 1380 sq.m. The length of its hot-chamber (Garmkhane) is 6/25m in width is 7/5 m and its reservoir is 8/5 m in length and 5/7 in width at an area of 44/8sq.m. It consists of two main parts; hot-chamber and dressing room. According to the class division in Safavid era the dressing room of bath has 6 chambers which each of them devoted to a special social class, including “Sayeds, clregies, tribal chiefs, grades, merchants and rustics. However, today they are one are two statues in every chamber of the dressing room that demonstrate the feature of mentioned classes.

Kerman Bazaar is one of the prominent bazaars of Iran in both architecture and antiquity (dating back to 6 centuries ago). As one of the main Kerman attractions, it is located in the old district of Kerman city, stretching for 1,200 meters from Arg square (Tohid) to Moshtaghieh square (Shohada). Grand Bazaar of Kerman is also the longest market order of Iran, with multiple bazaars branching off in different directions. The location of Kerman Bazaar was on the way of various trade roads such as the old Silk Road and was considered as a connection point between southern ports, northern and eastern cities and the cities in deserts according to these features Kerman Grand Bazaar had a significant role economically. Bazar Kerman as one of the oldest trading centers of Iran is a complex of historical monuments and works, which was built in different eras by Kerman’s different rulers of the time and includes more than 60 percent of historical monuments as schools, mosques, bathhouses, etc.

Pahlavanpur garden is one of the well-known and historical orchards of Iran. The orchard manifests Iranian and traditional architecture and has an eye-catching landscape. Located in Mehriz city, the orchard covers an area of roughly 5 hectares which is dated to Qajar era. Although the orchard was constructed in Qajar era, the hallmarks of the architectural styles, belonging to Zand dynasty are evident in different parts of this orchard. Historical buildings in this orchard have created a special bond between the nature and the art of architecture. The orchard includes a summerhouse, a winter quarter, janitor’s unit, the public bathroom and the kitchen Its architectural style is a blend of the architectural style of the summerhouse and the central courtyard.

Agha Bozorg Mosque is a historic mosque in Kashan city. Constructed in the late 18th century (Qajar era). Aqa Bozorg Mosque and theological school were dedicated to Molla Mahdi Naraghi II (titled Agha Bozorg or the great lord), a prominent clergy of the time, to perform praying, preaching and teaching. The mosque counts as one of the unique Kashan attractions. Agha Bozorg Mosque architecture makes the monument truly unique among Iranian mosques, for its vernacular architecture and adaptation to the desert climate with such finesse and aesthetic taste. Aqa Bozorg Mosque Kashan is still a working mosque and open to both students and the public. One of the finest Islamic complexes and best of the mid-19th century.

Borujerdi House is a traditional historic house in Kashan city of Isfahan Province. It was built in 1857 by the same architect who built the exquisite house nearby (Tabatabaei House), for its affluent merchant owner, Seyed Mehdi Natanzi. Borujerdi House is a brilliant example of vernacular architecture of the desert region of Iran. The house counts as one of the top Kashan tourist attractions. Owner of Boroujerdi House Kashan (Borujerdi House), Seyed Mehdi Natanzi a wealthy merchant of Natanz known as Boroujerdi, fell in love with Seyed Jafar Tabatabaei’s daughter (one of the greatest carpet merchants of the time). In order to give him his consent to marry his daughter, he asked Seyed Mehdi Natanzi to build a house similar to his own house! And he did so! to satisfy the demand of his future bride’s family. After seven years the construction of Andaruni yard (interior yard) and after 11 years the main hall were completed!

Tabatabaei House is a historic traditional house in the city of Kashan. Built in 1835, the house belonged to the affluent Tabatabaei family. The house measures 5,000 sqm and includes 40 rooms. Tabatabaei Historical House is the quintessential example of Iranian climate-adaptive vernacular architecture. Tabatabaei House in Kashan is also known as “the bride” among all other traditional Houses. The reason behind this naming is the fact that the delicate beauty visible to the visitors of the mansion is one of a merit kind! Tabatabaei Historical House is one of the well-preserved original Persian mansions of Iran. You will be astonished with the details of the Tabatabaei House architecture. Tabatabaei House in Kashan along with a couple of other mansions are the most visited Kashan attractions. Tabataba’iha House is occasionally used in the production of films portraying the old Iran.

Abyaneh village is situated on the slopes of Karkass Mountain in Natanz County of Isfahan Province. With a population of 301 (2016 census), the history of Abyaneh village dates back to 1500 years ago, making it one of the top attractions of Isfahan, and one of the unique villages of Iran, for its peculiar reddish hue. Most famed for its peculiar red hue and nature-adapted layout, Abyaneh village attracts thousands of Iranian and foreign tourists year-round. However, there is more to Abyaneh red village than meets the eye, which is why it was listed as one of Iran’s national heritage sites in 1975. According to a 2016 census, the population of Abyaneh village was 301. People mostly subsist on agriculture (including orchards) and raising cattle; While rug weaving workshops and making traditional Giveh shoes are a source of income for the villagers too. Needless to say that tourism is an ever-growing industry for Abyaneh historical village.

Fin Garden is located on the western end of Kashan city. Fin Garden (Bagh-e fin) is the oldest existing Persian Garden in Iran. Built in 1590 by the order of the Safavid king, Shah Abbas I, the garden was expanded in early Qajar era (late 18th century). It counts as one of the most important Kashan tourist attractions. Fin garden is a UNESCO world heritage site since 2011, along with 8 other Persian Gardens in Iran. Fin Garden architecture is a perfect sample of Iranian Gardens and a mixture of architectural features from Safavid era, Zandiyeh and Qajar periods. There was symmetry applying on the garden plan, but later the addition of the buildings by the kings led to its plan’s symmetry decrease.

Situated in the center of the city of Isfahan, the Juma Mosque is the most significant Seljuk monument in the city. Isfahan became the capital of the Seljuks, who came to Iran in the 11 th century. Adopting Sunni Islam, the Seljuks considered it an honour to repair the mosque, which was built by the Abbasid caliph. After the conquest of the city by Tughrul Beg, the Seljuks began an intense construction activity, and the Isfahan Masjidi Juma is the leading example of these efforts. The Seljuks did not conceive of the Masjidi Juma as an independent structure, but rather as an integral part of the urban plan. The Seljuks thus initiated the concept of the urban square, which would be further developed during the Safavid period. information from sources of the period relate the initial state of the building. Yakut Halevi states that when Tughril Beg conquered the city in 1051, the citizens of Isfahan forced him to destroy the building because of their need for wood Nasır­; Husrev, who saw the mosque in 1052, describes its magnificent appearance. According to these sources, ft can be determined that the mosque was built in the Arabic or Kufa-type hypostyle mosque plan, as there were numerous wood bearing supports in place prior to the Seljuk period.

This mosque is another masterpiece of architecture and tilework of the 16th century which was constructed by a decree issued by Shah Abbas I and took a period of 18 years to be completed. The architect and mason of this structure was Ostad Mohammad Reza Isfahani. Inside tile work decorations of the plinth to the top are covered with mosaic tiles. In terms of the architectural grandeur of the mosque, foreign archaeologists believe: “It can hardly be considered a product of human hands.” Sheikh Lotfollah was one of the great pious in the Shia sect, in what is known as Lebanon today. At the invitation of Shah Abbas I, he came to reside in Isfahan. This place was constructed in honour of this great man who led the prayers and preached in this mosque.

Before Isfahan was selected as Capital by the Safavid dynasty, a square called Naqsh-e Jahan (Image of the world) existed in the vicinity of Imam square. During the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, this square was enlarged to almost its present dimensions and the most famous historic buildings of Isfahan were constructed around this square. This square has an area of more than 85 thousand square. During the reign of Shah Abbas I and his successors, this square was an area where festivities, polo, dramatics and military parades took place. Two stone gates of the polo are embedded in the north and south of this square. The length of this great square is 500 meters from north to south and its width about 150 meters from east to west. Most of the foreign tourists believe that Imam square is one of the greatest squares in the world. Naqsh-e Jahan Square has witnessed many historical memories of Iran during the past four centuries. Memories of the life of Shah Abbas the Great and his successors until the end of the Safavid era is associated with this great historical square.

The construction of this mosque situated at the south side of Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan) started in 1020 A.H under the order of Shah Abbas I during the twenty-fourth year of his reign, and the decorations and extensions of the building were completed during the rule of his successors. The chief architect and the supervisor of the building were Ostad Ali Akbar Isfahani and Moheb Ali Beik. This mosque is a masterpiece of the 16th century from the viewpoint of architecture, tile work and stone carving. One of the interesting features of this mosque is the echo of sound in the center of the gigantic dome in the southern section. The height of this dome is 52 m and the minarets therein 48m; whereas the minarets at its portal in the Naqsh-e-Jahan Square reach an elevation of 42 m. The huge one-piece marble and other slabs of stone, besides the intricate tile work and adornments, prove extremely spectacular views of this mosque.

Si-o-Se Pol Bridge (or Allahverdi Khan bridge) is the largest bridge among the 11 bridges in Isfahan city, which cross the river of Zayanderud, an of Isfahan tourist attractions. The bridge was built in early 17th century by the order of Safavid king, Shah Abbas I, to serve as a bridge and also a dam. The popular name Si o se Pol (lit. 33 bridge) comes from the structure of the bridge comprising of 2 superimposed rows of 33 arches. The first thing that comes to mind about Isfahan city is probably the Si o se Pol bridge. All people in Iran know si-o-se pol bridge in Isfahan as its symbol (bridge of 33 arches Iran in English). Si-o-se Pol Isfahan Iran like other must-see places has a history behind it.

Menar Jonban (meaning: Shaking Minarets) is a historic monument in Isfahan city. While the monument dates back to 14th century as a shrine for a Sufi hermit, the shaking minarets are believed to have been built in the Safavid Era (1501-17036). An anti-earthquake monument is considered as one historical, architectural and scientific site in Iran and is one of the famous sites of the world, and of the top Isfahan tourist attractions. The reason to name this monument Menar Jonban (Shaking Minarets) is that in spite of the building’s firmness, it shakes in its place. The minarets were shaking every hour for the past few hundred years and are still standing. The major distinguishing feature of the monument is that whenever one minaret is shaking, the other also shakes, along with the whole building and Menar Jonban Isfahan, gets its uniqueness from this feature.

Istalif lies north of Kabul in the Koh Daman - a valley ringed by barren hills dotted with villages nestled within green orchards. It is one the largest, most ancient and loveliest of them all. Istalif is famous for its green and blue pottery and its picturesque bazar. A visit to this place combines beautiful scenery with an introduction to Afghan village life.

Laid out by Babur, the founder of the Mogul Dynasty, in the middle of the 16th Century, the gardens include a summer pavilion added by Amir Abdur Rahman, a commemorative mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan and the tomb of Babur himself. Babur died in Agra in 1530 but he so loved these gardens that he asked to be buried here, a wish was fulfilled by his Afghan wife "Bibi Mobaraka".

The mausoleum stands in the center of Kabul in Zarnegar ("Adorned with Gold") Park. A long inscription beside the main entrance relates the story of how the stucture was first built by Amir Abdur Rahman (1880-1901) as a small private palace. The building has a bulbous red dome atop a whitewashed drum, and fussy decorative minarets. The cupola and minarets were added by his son, Amir Habibullah (1901-1919) constructed the mosque beside the mausoleum. The mausoleum itself is closed to visitors. On the opposite side of the park a huge new mosque was under construction when we visited, named for its private benefactor - confusingly called Haji Abdul Rahman

Naqsh-e Rustam is an ancient necropolis, located near Persepolis and 68 km northeast of Shiraz city. Naqsh-e Rustam Shiraz is the necropolis of the Achaemenid Dynasty (550–330 BC) and contains rock-reliefs from the Sassanid era (224–651 AD). Naghsh-e Rostam counts as one of the top Shiraz attractions, paired with Persepolis. A historic treasury lies in the Naqsh-e Rustam tombs location. Naghshe Rostam Shiraz is where the tomb of Darius I is located. According to the Naqsh-e Rustam inscription, archaeologists have discovered which great kings reside in Naqsh e Rustam burials. Inside Naqsh e Rustam tombs lacks any special design, however, there are carved the Naqsh-i Rustam inscriptions on the façade. Naghshe Rostam relief is like an ancient family album of the Achaemenids.

Tomb of Saadi: The Tomb of Saadi is also called Saadieh. The first mausoleum was built in 13th century, however, it faced destruction in 17th century. The building that tourists visit today is the heritage of 1950s. The present building, which its architect was Mohsen Foroughi, was inspired by Chehel Sotun of Esfahan. Moreover, a Sassanid-year-old garden, the gorgeous Delgosha Garden is near the Tomb. The Tomb of Saadi was a Khangah* where Saadi lived the final days of his life there. And so he was buried there. Inside the mausoleum, the verses of Saadi poems are inscribed all around the walls.

Tourists coming down to Shiraz must not miss the chance to visit the Persepolis. The Persepolis, Shiraz is a must to every itinerary to Shiraz for its beauty the grandeur and history. It is a major Shiraz Tourist attraction which represents the grandeur of the Persian Empire. The Persepolis, Shiraz is situated at the center of the Persian Empire and was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenians. The exact location of the Persepolis in Shiraz is in Fars province which lies at a distance of 60 kilometers from Shiraz, near Marvdasht city.

Eram Garden (Bagh-e-eram) - Highly recommended. This stunningly beautiful complex contains a vast network of gardens, as well as a colorful palace and a system of small artificial rivers flowing throughout the entire area.

Formerly a prison, but now an architectural wonder on exhibit. The structure of the citadel combines military and residential architecture, for it was the home of Karim Khan and the military center of that period.

Bagh-e Narenjestan (or Qavam House) is a historical house in the city of Shiraz. Construction of the house dates back to late 19th century (Late Qajar era), belonging to the famous wealth family of Qavam in Shiraz. Qavam House is one of Shiraz tourist attractions for its beautiful garden of sour oranges and exquisite architecture. While walking in the alleys of Shiraz, the smell of bitter orange intoxicates you. Now imagine wandering in the garden of bitter orange: Bagh-e Narenjestan! Bagh-e Narenjestan Shiraz or Narenjestan Garden Shiraz is famous for its bitter oranges and also the great mansions inside it. Narenjestan Shiraz is a must-visit to truly appreciate what makes Shiraz so famous among people.

Shah Cheragh Shiraz (in Persian: King of Light) is one of the most popular funerary monuments in Iran. It is home to tombs of Ahmad and Mohammad, two brothers of Ali ar-Ridha – 8th Imam of Shia Muslims. Circa 900 A.D, the two brothers aiming to join Ali ar-Ridha, who at the time resided in Khorasan of Iran (in eastern Iran) as the appointed successor to Abbasid caliph, took refugee in Shiraz but were persecuted by the Abbasids. The tombs remained unknown until early 12th century A.D. Different accounts or myths exist around the discovery of the tombs; All of which revolve around noticing a luminous light in the distance, where later the gravesites were discovered. And this is basically the reason behind the appellation: ‘’King of Light’’ or Shah Cheragh Mausoleum.

El Guli is one of the most beautiful parks of Iran, located in southeast of Tabriz. Neither construction date nor founder is certain, but some evidences attributable to Safavid and Aquyunlu eras have been found there.

Azerbaijan Museum is Iran’s second rich museum after national museum. This three-floor museum with a vast porch and a mansion was erected in 2400 square meters area in 1957, based on a plan designed by a French archeologist named Andre’ Godard.