A Brief History
In the 3rd century AD, Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire, established Kerman as a defense outpost known as Veh-Ardashir. The city fell under Muslim rule after the Battle of Nahavand in 642. The city's relative seclusion allowed Kharijites and Zoroastrians to flourish at first, but the Kharijites were wiped out in 698, and by 725, the population was overwhelmingly Muslim. The city was known for its cashmere wool shawls and other textiles as early as the eighth century. The Abbasid Caliphate's authority over the territory was shaky, and sovereignty shifted to the Buyid dynasty in the 10th century, which retained control even after the province and city were captured by Mahmud of Ghazni in the late tenth century.
Kerman remained virtually independent during the Seljuq Turks' control in the 11th and 12th centuries, conquering Oman and Fars. By the time Marco Polo arrived in Kerman in 1271, it had developed into a major commerce hub connecting the Persian Gulf, Khorasan, and Central Asia. However, the city was repeatedly sacked by various invaders after that. During the Safavid reign, Kerman grew dramatically. During this time, carpets and rugs were transported to England and Germany.
Lotf Ali Khan conquered the Qajars in 1793 and seized Kerman in 1794. Soon after, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar besieged him in Kerman for six months. When Agha Mohammad Khan took control of the city, he was enraged by the public support that Lotf Ali Khan had earned. Many of the male residents were slain or blinded, and 20,000 severed eyeballs were piled in front of Agha Mohammad Khan, who had triumphed. Many women and children were sold into slavery, and the city was destroyed in about ninety days. During this time, however, the Zoroastrians of Kerman, who had been major supporters of Lotf Ali Khan, bore the brunt of the founder of the Qajar dynasty's fury.
Kerman's current city was created to the northwest of the ancient city in the 19th century, although it did not grow back to its original size until the 20th century.
Climate and weather
The Kerman plain is sandwiched between two mountain ranges, one to the northeast and the other to the southeast. These two mountains stretch from northwest to southeast. This length was extremely useful in establishing Kerman's city passageways. From Southeast to Northwest, the Kerman plain descends. This plain is distinct in height from sea level. It reaches a maximum height of 2100 meters in the southeast and around 1650 meters in the northwest.
Joupar mountain to the south, Darmanoo and Teez mountains to the north Bid and Badamoo mountains to the west, and Namour and Nasr mountains to the east encircle Kerman plain. The earliest political and military stations in Kerman are Ardeshir Castle, Dokhtar Castle, Jamaran Township, and the Farizan area. With a height of 1778 meters, they are known as Kerman's highest points.
Kerman's climate is influenced by elements including altitude, the Lut desert, and local influences. All of these variables contribute to Kerman's arid and ultra-dry climate.
Climate and temperature are influenced by natural geographic features as well as mathematical positioning. The most essential elements in changing the Kerman climate are elevation and distance from the sea.
The height difference between temperature in the cold and hot seasons, as well as day and night, is one of the characteristics of this climate. The temperature averaged 15 degrees Celsius in 1359 and 1377, according to climate information from Kerman's synoptic station.
In Kerman city, the average rainfall over the last 18 years has been 1149 millimeters. Winter is when it rains 59 percent of the time. The highest amount of rain in a month was 40 millimeters. It rains in the city from the middle of October to the beginning of April.
Local and external winds have an impact on Kerman Province. Because of the wind, Kerman experiences a varied climate. These breezes are normally dry and predictable. In February, March, and April, the wind blows from the southwest to the northeast.
This wind blows around a lot, causing a lot of dust and a lack of moisture. The effect of east and northeast winds on the average amount of rain in the winter and spring.
To balance the passage of air in buildings, the shape of buildings should be matched with the climate. The best form and type of structure loses heat in the winter and gains it in the summer from the sun.
Kerman has a variety of climates due to its unique location. So, the north, northeast, and center get dry weather, while the south and southwest have hot and humid weather. The rainy season in this province runs from October to April. In Shahdad, the highest temperature is more than 50 degrees. The amount of evaporation varies between 1500 and 4500 millimeters, with the highest amount occurring in the Lut desert.
When to Go to Kerman?
The greatest time to visit Kerman is between mid-March and the end of May when spring is at its most beautiful. The Maghami Music Festival, on the other hand, is held in the spring and is one of the most prominent events in Kerman's city and province. Iranian music artists and lecturers, as well as local performers from throughout the country, take part in this festival. If you are interested in local music, you can visit this event in Kerman from May 1st to 4th.
Please keep in mind that Kerman is quite busy in the spring and during Nowruz (March 20th to April 1st or later), so you should schedule your tour services in advance.
The weather in Kerman is particularly pleasant from late September to early November, and some people consider that this is the greatest time to visit. As a result, you can plan your Kerman trip in the autumn, which is not only gorgeous but also less congested.
Furthermore, the greatest time to explore the Lut Desert is in the autumn, when the temperature is pleasant. You can see Kaluts, the desert monsters, huge golden dunes, gorgeous Salt Lake, Nebkas (natural flower pots), Gandom Beryan (the hottest location on the earth), and ancient water reservoirs during this season. Insects and dangerous desert creatures such as snakes and scorpions also hibernate in the autumn and are no longer a threat to desert visitors.
Kerman, which is located in the desert, is cold and dry in the winter. As a result, the winter season (late November to February) is not the best time to visit Kerman. Kerman, on the other hand, is a Zoroastrian city, and the Zoroastrians hold various rites throughout the year. The most prominent of these events, Sadeh, is celebrated in the winter.
As summer is hot and dry in Kerman, June, July, and August are the least preferred months to visit this ancient city. Notably, the travel expenses in this season are at the lowest.
Recommended month for traveling to Kerman Province
APRIL, AUGUST
Where to Go in Kerman?
Kerman is one of Iran's ten largest cities, located in the country's southeast. It is renowned as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iran in recent years, thanks to its dry and desert atmosphere, rich history, and, of course, hospitable and warm-hearted people.
You should know that this lovely city offers so many tourist attractions and sights in its heart that you will have a pleasant trip regardless of your age group or preference. Your journey to Kerman will be as pleasant as the desert's pleasant warmth and as fragrant as Kerman's cumin perfume. We'll learn about some of the best things to do in Kerman today.
Arg-e-Bam
The Bam Citadel is the world's biggest adobe structure and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unfortunately, the Bam earthquake in 2003 badly damaged this wonderful structure, to the point where UNESCO threatened to remove it from the World Heritage List. They were successful in greatly restoring this wonderful edifice and bringing many people back to Bam to view it again after roughly 15 years of the unbroken rebuilding of the Arg. Bam Citadel is located in Bam City, about 2 hours from Kerman.
Fath Abad garden
Bigler Beigi Garden, also known as Fath Abad Garden, is one of Iran's most beautiful gardens. Although this garden had been neglected for years and some of its trees had died as a result, it was resurrected as elegantly as possible and restored to its former grandeur.
This garden dates from the Qajar era, and its mansion displays regal architecture. I recommend going to Fath Abad Garden at sunset since the wonderful lighting enhances the beauty of the site. This garden is located in Ekhtiar Abad, 25 kilometers from Kerman.
Shahzadeh Mahan garden
Shahzadeh Garden is, without a doubt, one of Kerman's major tourist attractions. If you are planning a day trip to Kerman, it is recommended that you set aside a few hours to explore this magnificent garden. It would be a pity if you went to Kerman and didn't see this one!
The Shahzadeh Garden, also known as Shazdeh Garden, was built during the Qajar dynasty. It's a large rectangular garden with a total area of almost 3 hectares. And with its spectacular and one-of-a-kind entryway, it greets you right away. This garden is unlike any other in Iran. The garden's tall and lush trees, ponds, fountains, and rocky streams provide a sense of vitality and freshness. Of course, the area's mountainous environment contributes to the colorful atmosphere.
Like typical Iranian gardens, Shazdeh Garden also has a middle residence. The rest of the building, except for a tiny section, is available to the public.
This garden is around 2 kilometers from Mahan city, at the foot of a mountain. It'll only take you 30 minutes to get there from Kerman, and it'll be open every day from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. In any case, always double-check with the people in charge the time and day you intend to visit the sights before you go.
Jabaliyeh Dome
The Jabaliyeh dome is Kerman's solitary stone structure, which afterward became the city's stone museum. One of the things that draw people to this site of interest in Kerman is its relatively obscure past. Some believe this structure dates back to Iran's pre-Islamic era. It was once a fire temple or tomb of a Zoroastrian leader named "Gabri," but its name was altered to "Jabaliya" over time. Another hypothesis claims it dates back to the Seljuk period; however, this is a weak theory.
Another noticeable feature is that the dome of Jabaliyeh's architecture differs from that of the classic fire temple constructions. Furthermore, some historical evidence suggests that camel milk rather than water was employed in its creation. In the east of Kerman city, at the confluence of Shohada Street and Ghaem Boulevard, this medieval dome stands out.
Historical Bazaar of Kerman
After Tabriz Bazaar, Kerman Grand Bazaar, also known as Kerman National Bazaar or Vakil Bazaar, is Iran's second-oldest bazaar. It runs for about 1.5 kilometers, starting with Arg Square and ending at Mushtaqieh Square. A one-of-a-kind historical journey around Kerman in the eighth century AH, allowing you to learn more about the people and souvenirs of Kerman, particularly cumin. The scent of cumin will accompany you around the bazaar wherever you go.
The gold tunnel in the large bazaar and the copper passage in the Ganjali Khan complex is not to be missed. If you have more time, visit the Vakil Bath, which has been converted into a teahouse, for a breath of fresh air. You can also go to the anthropological museum Ganjali Khan Bath.
Ganjali Khan Masque
The Ganjali Khan Complex lies in the heart of Kerman, near the Grand Bazaar. The square is surrounded on three sides by Ganjali Khan Bazaar, Ganjali Khan Bath (Anthropology Museum) on the south side, Ganjali Khan Coin Museum on the north side, Ganjali Khan Caravanserai and School on the east side, Ab Anbar on the west side, and Ganjali Khan Caravanserai and School on the east side.
The Ganjali Khan compound is built in the Isfahani style. During the reign of Shah Abbas, Ganjali Khan, one of Kerman's rulers, ordered the construction of this structure. From Shariati Street to Tohid Square, and eventually, on Khorram St., you may locate Kerman Grand Bazaar and Ganjali Khan Complex at this place.
Yakhdan-e-Moayedi
Yakhdan was a storage area where people kept their food. In reality, they utilized it as a refrigerator or a freezer. The largest adobe fridge in the world, the Moayedi traditional fridge in Kerman, was erected during the Safavid period. It is currently located between Basij Square and Shahid Rajaei Street on Kamyab Street. Because the water from the Moayedi qanat travels through this traditional fridge, it is also known as the Moayedi qanat.
This building's roof is shaped like a cone to reduce the quantity of sunlight it absorbs. In addition, 20-meter-high walls have been created around this huge cone to provide shade and keep the refrigerator's temperature low.
Ghal-e Ganj
Ghal-e Ganj is one of the historical cities of Kerman province, which in addition to historical monuments has waterfalls, rivers, and valleys. This city with a favorable climate in the spring is a good place to travel. The only hotel is the traditional Kopri Hotel with four golden stars, 400 km southeast of Kerman - in front of Payame Noor University.
Malek Masque
On Imam Khomeini Street, Kerman Malek Mosque, commonly known as Imam Mosque, is located. It is Kerman's largest and oldest mosque. This mosque dates back to the Seljuk dynasty and is almost a thousand years old. There are four Iwans in this mosque, as well as several other Seljuk-designed monuments. Unique characteristics of this beautiful site include a Seljuk brick tower, three plastered altars, and a covered qanat through which water travels through the mosque.
the fire temple of Kerman
In Kerman's Shohada Street, Borzoo Amighi Street, the Zoroastrian fire temple stands out. During Reza Khan's rule, they built this fire temple, which was the province's final Zoroastrian shrine. This location and its surroundings were once private property belonging to "Jahangir Ashidari." The surrounding area has now been transformed into a lovely garden that surrounds the fire temple.
Harandy Garden Museum
Harandy Museum, also known as Kerman Harandy Garden, has a fascinating history. It's a beautiful garden with a magnificent mansion inside. They first constructed this edifice in 1873. It once belonged to "Mohammad Reza Khan Adl Sultan," one of Kerman's most famous troops. Outside of the city, he used it as a recreational garden. He sold it to Abolghasem Harandy, a well-known trader, a few years later.
Harandy presented the garden to the Ministry of Culture and Arts about 40 years later. And it was no longer private property. This lush and beautiful garden has undergone several changes throughout the years. For a while, it was a museum, for example. And then there came a moment when it was the Kerman Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization's office.
Harandy Garden Museum is currently sparkling on Kerman's Ferdowsi Street. The mansion's ground level houses a Museum of Traditional Instruments. The Archaeological Museum is on the first floor.
Kerman Jameh mosque
Kerman Jameh Mosque, also known as the Mozaffari Mosque, is located on Shariati Street, between the Ghadmagah and Mozaffari Bazaars, near Shohada Square. It was built during the Muzaffarid period and has four Iwans. The tall and majestic eastern entrance, as well as the tiled mosaic Mihrab, are two of Kerman's most distinctive and well-known features.
Qal-e-Dokhtar
Kerman Dokhtar Castle (Qal'eh) is also known by the name Gavashir Castle. It is one of Iran's oldest castles, standing tall in the heart of historic Kerman. It is now located on a high mountain in the city's east, near Ardeshir Castle. It's interesting to note that this ancient castle is one of the few mystery structures that have yet to be archaeologically investigated.
Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine
The Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine is located in Mahan, which is close to Kerman. This structure has grown over time to encompass more than 3,000 square meters of surrounding space.
Meymand rock village
Meymand rock village in Kerman is one of Iran's most picturesque villages. Kandovan is another well-known rocky settlement in Iran. However, this Meymand Rocky settlement is 30 kilometers northeast of Babak, near Sirjan and Rafsanjan. The fact that local people still live in these rocky buildings distinguishes Meymand from other, even international counterparts such as Cappadocia in Turkey. These are the people whose forefathers picked this region to reside during the Parthian period (247 BC-224 AD), then dug and erected their homes in the heart of the mountain with their own hands.
This village, which dates back several thousand years (8 to 12 thousand years), is rich in history and cultural richness. It's fascinating to note that the residents of this village retain their traditional accent and customs. For the same reason, Kerman's Meymand hamlet was able to earn the world's seventh Mercury prize.
Rayen Citadel
Rayen Citadel is located in Rayen, Kerman's southernmost city. This Persian citadel, which dates back to the Sassanid period and follows the architecture of the same era, is the world's third adobe building after Bam castle and Morche Khort citadel.
Mahan city
Mahan is a very beautiful and famous city. Mahan owes its fame to its beautiful gardens, cool weather, snow-capped peaks, and old-fashioned architecture. This city is located 42 km southeast of Kerman.
Sirjan city
The city of Sirjan, located in the west of Kerman, is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Kerman, where you can see all kinds of architectural, natural, and historical attractions such as mosques, tombs, castles, gardens, windbreaks, etc.
Babak city
Babak city is a city in the middle of the desert that has many spectacular attractions in addition to the rocky village of Meymand. This city is located in the west of Kerman province, at 240 km. Babak city is known as the city of science and culture and has hotels such as Meymand eco-lodge within 36 km of Babak city and Mangol eco-lodge.
Rafsanjan city
Rafsanjan is a city with many tourist attractions so even the residents of Rafsanjan are unaware of some of them. Among these attractions, we can mention Anahita Temple, Kabutarkhan's Caravan, Qaisaria, Rageh Valley, Mirza Cave, and Abbas Abad Haji Ice House, and among its good hotels, we can mention Rafsanjan Tourism Hotel.
Shahdad city (Kalut Shahdad)
The city of Shahdad is located 70 km northeast of Kerman and on the west side of the Lut plain. The name of this city has been "evil" in the past. Shahdad Kaviri is the most populated part of Kerman province. The only hotel in this city is the Kashkilo Shahdad eco-lodge.
Top Dishes in Kerman
Food may represent a country's rich cultures and traditions, and tourists can create a memorable memory by eating a good local meal. As a result, most individuals want to eat traditional cuisine when they visit a new location. Kerman is one of the must-see cities in Iran, and Kerman Province is home to several UNESCO world heritage monuments. As a result, sampling traditional Kerman cuisine can add to the enjoyment of a visit to this historic city. Let’s have a look at some of the cuisines available in the province.
Boz Ghormeh
Boz Ghormeh, commonly known as Kerman broth, is the most well-known Kerman dish. The word "Boz" means "goat," and goat meat is a fantastic major element in this regional meal. They do, however, occasionally substitute lamb meat for goat meat. To make this delectable dish, they first combine the meat, chopped onion, garlic, and peas in a pan. Then they add the curd, salt, and pepper, and cook everything together for a few minutes. Finally, they add ground walnuts, fried powdered mint, and fried onions to the dish.
AbGoosht-e-Bademjan va Kashk
A popular traditional Kerman dish is Abgoosht-e Bademjan va Kashk. In general, preparing this dish takes a long time. To begin, the meat is cooked with onions and lentils that have been soaked the night before. The spices and potatoes are then added. They also prepare fried eggplant with broth and curd in different pots. Finally, they combine everything and serve it with bread and beet slices.
AbGoosht-e Zireh
Kerman is known for its high-quality cumin (Zireh in Persian), which occupies a unique place on Kermani tables. As a result, Abgoosht-e Zireh is a distinct Kerman dish with a rich history that is unlike any other soup you've ever tasted. There are no beans or potatoes in this soup; it solely contains beef, onion, and garlic. Finally, if you enjoy experiencing new flavors, we recommend that you visit Kerman and eat Abgoosht-e Zireh.
Khoresht-e Aloocheh
Meat, beans, tomato paste, dried vegetables (parsley and coriander), onions, drupelets, lemon juice, and spices make up Khoresht-e Aloocheh, a Kerman specialty. This stew is not only tasty, but it is also quite easy to make. They begin by simmering the meat, beans, and seasonings over low heat. The dried veggies, drupelets, lemon juice, and tomato paste are then added. Finally, after half an hour, this sour stew is ready to be served with rice.
Zireh-e Polo
Cumin (Zira in Persian) occupies a special position on Kermani tables, and the best of this spice can be found in this region. As a result, a popular Kerman food containing cumin is Zireh Polo, which has a delicious taste and aroma. Locals cook the rice with oil and salt before brewing it with black cumin to make this Kerman traditional dish. Zireh Polo is traditionally served with chicken or pork. So, they stack cooked chicken or mutton between the layers of rice and pour broth over it, allowing it to brew.
Top Souvenirs of Kerman
Kerman boasts a wide range of souvenirs that appeal to a wide range of travelers. Kerman's wide range of souvenirs caters to every taste and budget, ensuring that no one returns home empty-handed. Those who have visited this city know how difficult it is to part with Kerman mementos.
Kerman souvenirs, like those from other Iranian provinces, are divided into two categories: the first is for artists, which refers to Kerman crafts, and the second is for foodies, which refers to Kerman's delicious and fantastic cuisine. Kerman Kolompeh, Kerman Cumin, Kerman Qaout, Kerman Distillates, Sahn Komach, and Date of Bam are some of the most popular Kerman souvenirs that date back many years. To prepare the greatest souvenirs for a trip to Kerman's traditional market.
Kolompeh
Kolompeh is a distinctive Kerman sweet that, once tasted, you will remember for the rest of your life. Kolompeh manufacture dates back several years, and the old manner of procuring the product was as follows:
This delicacy is made from animal fats and palm oil produced in Kerman, and it is cooked over firewood. However, they are now manufactured in industrial workshops. Kolompeh resembles a pancake in appearance, with the exception that it is packed with dates and dry products on the interior.
Kolompeh is made with herbs, walnuts, dates, and other nuts in addition to flour and oil. The nut-flavored Kolompeh is the most delectable. Kolompeh is safer than other Kerman goods since it contains low-sugar and delicious dates nectar. Those Kolompeh that have become the most roasted are the most coveted.
Cumin
The comparatively dry weather in Kerman has offered good ground for cumin cultivation. You may detect the scent of cumin while surfing around Kerman and its deserts. In the past, Kerman province was a major source of cumin in Iran, and when you hear the word cumin, you will almost always hear the word, Kerman. Kerman was also known for manufacturing cumin in the past, according to proverbs and stories. Cumin can be poured over rice or brewed, and it can also be baked into foods. Cumin is also used in the production of herbal medicines.
Qaout
Qaout, also known as Qovatu in Kerman, is a traditional Kerman sweet that has been manufactured by Kermans since ancient times. It is a mixture of numerous plants that has its name depending on the type of combination. Forty-plant Qovatu, for example, is made up of seeds from plants like black seeds, purslane, coffee, flax, hemp, and case. Chickpeas, coconut, and sugar are one type of Qaute; in other types of Qaute, peas and other ingredients such as pistachio take their place, and new combinations with new qualities emerge. Finally, a dark powder mixture is obtained, which, as its name suggests, is extremely nutritious to the body.
Some kinds of Qaout are as follows:
- Poppy
- Pistachio
- Coconut
- Peas
Distillates
Kermanis have strong confidence in herbal remedies and distillates, and they create a wide range of distillates and rose water in large quantities. Laleh Zar hamlet is a lovely village nestled among Kerman's thousands of hills. Laleh Zar is well-known in the floral world. The flowers are grown without chemicals and are harvested naturally. Kashan Qamsar Rosewater competes against Laleh Zar Rosewater. Tulips oil is also a product that is exported. Rosewater, peppermint, caraway sweat, hips tincture, and Musk willow sweat are also available from Kerman.
Date
The date is one of the first goods that humans have used since the beginning of time. Palm trees may be found in several parts of Iran's south. Iran's Kerman province is a well-known date grower. Bam is one of the cities in Kerman province that produces some of Iran's best dates. Dates are high in vitamins A and B, as well as phosphorus, calcium, manganese, fiber, iron, and minerals. Palm sugar is also non-toxic and beneficial to the human body. Dates will be available fresh or dried. Mazafati and Bozmani dates are two popular Bam palms. Mazafati dates have fair skin and a brown tint, and they are the tastiest and most popular of all dates.
Sahn Komach
The Sahn Komach sweet is another classic Kerman sweet. This deliciousness is energizing and nourishing. Wheat flour and Sahn Flour are the major ingredients in Sahn Komach (wheat germ flour). Dates, walnuts, and specific spices were sandwiched between two layers of dough, resulting in delectable pastries. Because dates are the product's inherent sweetness, it is very reaffirming.
Pistachio
One of the most nutrient and best nuts in the world is pistachio and it must be noted that the best one is growing in Iran, Kerman province was the first place that produces the Happy Nuts. and it's highly recommended to buy and test it at least once.