Mashad

Overview

Mashhad is the holiest city of Iran, a country that is quite rich in holy places. It is located in the north-east corner of the country, in the mountainous region that is known as the Khorazan.

The name Mashhad means place of martyrdom and the Martyr in question is Imam Reza. Back in the 9th century, this Shiite leader was poisoned here the city. His holy position made his tomb a sacred place for pilgrims to worship. Millions of people come as pilgrims to the holy shrine. There are plenty of priceless objects and unique manuscripts in the shrine's library.

By Iranian standards Mashad can be considered a tourist city with many hotels of various categories as well as a great number of guest houses for the pilgrims who come to this city from the other parts of the country everyday by tens of flights, trains and buses.

The city's climatic condition is varied with very cold winters, pleasant springs, usually mild summers and beautiful autumns. The magnificent holy shrine of Imam Reza and the historical and artistic complex attached to it including the courtyards, porticos and porches, the Goharshad Mosque (of Timurid period) as well as its rich museum and libray are the most significant sights to be seen by any visitor and pilgrim. There is a magnificent golden dome over the shrine's building; surrounded by several proches. The Grand Gohaharshad Mosque is located to the south of the shrine, the museum and the tomb of Sheikh Bahaee to the southeast and...more

History