Razavi Khorasan Province

10 RAZAVI KHORASAN MOST POPULAR CITIES

Rank	City	Population
1	Mashhad	3,001,184
2	Nishapur	264,375
3	Sabzevar	243,700
4	Torbat-e Heydarieh	140,019
5	Kashmar	102,282
6	Quchan	101,604
7	Torbat-e Jam	100,449
8	Taybad	56,562
9	Chenaran	53,879
10	Sarakhs	42,179

A Brief History

Razavi Khorasan Province is in the northeastern part of Iran. Mashhad is the province's core and capital. Quchan, Chenaran, Sarakhs, Fariman, Torbat-e Jam, Taybad, Roshtkhar, Kashmar, Bardaskan, Nishapur, Gonabad, and Kalat are some of the other cities. Razavi Khorasan is one of the three provinces formed after Khorasan Province was divided in 2004.

Throughout history, various dynasties and administrations have risen and fallen in Greater Khorasan's borders. Various Arab tribes, Turks, Kurds, Turkmens, Turkmens, and Mongols brought constant change to the region.

Iran was split into eight divisions by ancient Iranian geographers, with Greater Khorasan being the most prosperous and largest. Esfarayen, along with other cities in the province, was one of the main centers for Aryan tribes once they arrived in Iran.

For many years, the Parthian Empire was based around Merv in Khorasan. The province was administered by a Spahbod (Lieutenant General) named "Padgoban" and four margraves, each commanding one of the four portions of the province during the Sassanid dynasty.

During the Muslim invasion of Persia, Khorasan was divided into four sections, each called after one of the four biggest cities: Nishapur, Merv, Herat, and Balkh.

The Rashidun Caliphate's army captured Khorasan in the year 651. The province was ruled by the Abbasid Caliphate until 820, then by the Iranian Tahirid dynasty until 873, and then by the Samanid dynasty until 900. In 994, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Khorasan, and in 1037, Turul.

Khorasan was conquered by Uzbek tribes in 1507. It was occupied by the Afghan Durrani Empire, centered in Qandahar, after Nader Shah's death in 1747.

When the Afghan Empire was split between the Durranis and the Barakzai's in 1824, Herat became autonomous for a few years. In 1837, the Persians besieged the city, but the British helped the Afghans defeat them. The Persians mounted another attack in 1856 and briefly recaptured the city, triggering the Anglo-Persian War. The Treaty of Paris concluded the war between the Persians and the British in 1857, and the Persian troops withdrew from Herat. In 1863, two weeks before Dost Muhammad Khan's death, Afghanistan recaptured Herat.

Khorasan was Iran's largest province until September 29, 2004, when it was partitioned into three provinces. Khorasan-e Razavi, North Khorasan, and South Khorasan were the provinces recognized by Iran's parliament (on 18 May 2004) and the Council of Guardians (on 29 May 2004).

Climate and weather

Razavi's January weather

The temperature is around 5°C during the day and -2°C at night. Razavi receives 41.20mm of rain in January, with around 9 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 55%.

February

The temperature is around 7°C during the day and 0°C at night. Razavi receives 77.86mm of rain in February, with an average of 11 wet days. The humidity level is around 56%.

March

The temperature is around 14°C during the day and 6°C at night. Razavi receives 87.93mm of rain in March, with around 15 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 48%.

April

The temperature is around 19°C during the day and 11°C at night. Razavi receives 85.35mm of rain in April, with around 15 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 41%.

May

The temperature is around 25°C during the day and 17°C at night. Razavi receives 85.88mm of rain in May, with an average of 13 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 32%.

June

The temperature is around 30°C during the day and 21°C at night. Razavi receives 11.02mm of rain in June, with typically 4 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 20%.

July

The temperature is around 31°C during the day and 22°C at night. Razavi receives 1.27mm of rain in July, with approximately 1 rainy day. The humidity level is at 18 percent.

August

The temperature is around 30°C during the day and 20°C at night. In August, Razavi receives 1.01mm of rain and has a total of 0 wet days. The humidity level is around 19 percent.

September

The temperature is around 27°C during the day and 16°C at night. Razavi receives 0.86mm of rain in September, with around 1 rainy day. The humidity level is close to 21%.

October

The temperature is around 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. Razavi receives 20.64mm of rain in October, with typically 4 wet days. The humidity level is close to 30%.

November

The temperature is around 11°C during the day and 4°C at night. Razavi receives 29.37mm of rain in November, with an average of 8 wet days. The humidity level is nearing 45 percent.

December

The temperature is around 7°C during the day and 0°C at night. Razavi receives 22.18mm of rain in December, with typically 6 rainy days. The humidity level is close to 49%.

When to Go to Razavi Khorasan?

Iranian people have a special new year ceremony which is called Norouz. Norouz is the beginning of every year spring. At this time everybody in Iran tries to travel. So, hotel room prices get higher, and every landscape and holy shrine is overcrowded.

Winters in Iran are off-season. So, you can find hotel rooms cheap. But the weather in these times is cold and polluted. It is your call, cheap hotels and polluted air or crowded city and great weather.

Fall is a great time to visit Khorasan Razavi. The weather is great. The city atmosphere is awesome and you can find the best hotels easily. Summers are extremely hot. The city is normal and the air is clean but you should tolerate hot air.

Where to Go in Razavi Khorasan Province?

Mashhad is one of the tourist cities of Iran that host more than thousands of people annually. The presence of the shrine of Hazrat Ali ibn Musa al-Reza and many spectacular, historical and recreational attractions have made this city one of the most touristic cities in Iran, which is visited by many people from Iran and even outside Iran. This city, which was the capital of Iran during the Afshari period, is the second-largest city after Tehran. It has always been considered in different historical periods due to the suitable geographical and natural location of Mashhad.

Mashhad is called the spiritual capital of Iran and the most important religious place in Iran; the shrine of the eighth Imam of the Shiites is located in this city. In addition to the religious and pilgrimage aspects, this city has also made significant progress in the aspects of tourism and has various historical, recreational, and cultural complexes, and it can be an interesting city for tourists.

Imam Reza holy shrine

The shrine of Imam Reza in the center of Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, is revered by Shiite and Sunni Muslims and is sacred. This place includes mosques, tombs, porches, courtyards, libraries, and museums. The structures of this holy shrine date back to pre-Safavid times, Timurids, and various historical periods, but during the reign of Shah Tahmasb Safavid, a lot of work was done to expand the shrine, so this holy place is a large museum of Iranian architecture.

Sheikh Bahai shrine

The tomb of Sheikh Baha'i, a prominent scientist of the tenth and eleventh centuries AH, is located inside the holy shrine of Razavi after the porch of Imam Khomeini with a stone tomb and a glass cover. The tomb of this scientist before his death was also his teaching place and has an area of about 102 meters, which is decorated with many mirrors and calligraphic inscriptions. The date of his birth and death is engraved on the wall inscriptions of this tomb.

Abbas Gholi Khan Shamllo school

Abbas Gholi-Khan Theological School, including Abbas Gholi-Khan Biglerbegi, was built by the order of Shah Suleiman the Safavid in 1045 AH. This school, which is registered in the list of national monuments of Iran, is located at the beginning of Safavid Street. It is now a seminary. The building is built on two floors and four sides with four porches in the style of Safavid architecture, which accommodates more than one hundred rooms. This school is made of bricks and has decorations such as tiling and masonry at the entrance of porches, rooms, and porches. This school is one of the architectural works of Mashhad, which is under the supervision of the Khorasan Cultural Heritage Organization.

Gonbad Sabz (green dome)

The green dome is the tomb of Sheikh Momen Astarabadi, which dates back to the Safavid era. The plan of the green dome is octagonal and has four porches. In addition to the porch and arches, its beautiful tiling has given a special effect to the tomb. This historical monument is located in Akhund Khorasani Street and the middle of the square of the same name. The Green Dome, which was built by order of Shah Abbas, has been registered in the list of national monuments of Iran.

Tomb of Pirpalandoz

The tomb of PirPalanduz belongs to Mohammad Aref Abbasi, one of the great mystics of the tenth century AH. This nationally registered tomb was built during the Safavid period. This is a quadrangular monument with an onion-shaped dome and a beautiful brick porch. Inside the tomb, there are remnants of paintings from the Safavid era on the ceilings. It is decorated with simple colored turquoise tiles. The original building was built during the reign of Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh and has been rebuilt by Astan Quds in recent years.

Chalidreh

Chalidreh is one of the tourist attractions around the city of Mashhad. Chalidreh Dam Lake was built to irrigate the gardens around Torqabeh and has recreational facilities such as boating, fishing, and a restaurant. This earthen dam is filled by the Jagharq River.

Ferdowsi shrine

The tomb of the Hakim Abolghasem Ferdowsi Tousi is located in the middle of Musafa Garden, 20 km north of Mashhad. The current building of the Ferdowsi Tomb and Toos Museum, which was inspired by Achaemenid architecture, especially the tomb of Cyrus, was started by the order of the National Monuments Association in 1343 and was completed in 1347 under the supervision of Engineer Houshang Seyhoun. The exterior of the building includes Achaemenid decorative elements, especially the columns and capitals, and the poems written on the four sides of the building by Hakim Ferdowsi represent his thought and personality. The upper part is built as a hollow and its interior space, in addition to being inspired by Parthian architecture, includes 20 marble columns at the bottom and eight columns at the top. In some parts of the tomb, murals by Fereydoun Sedighi have been installed, which show scenes from the narrations of Shahnameh.

Haftadotan masque

The 72-tan mosque or Shah Mosque is located on Khosravi Street, at the beginning of the Grand Bazaar. This historical building was originally a tomb built by Amir Ghiasat al-Din, which was later converted into the current building of the mosque. The building consists of a four-arched dome with two domes, two broken minarets, and a porch and has been registered in the list of national monuments of Iran.

Gohar Shad Mosque

Goharshad Mosque is located in the south of the Razavi shrine. This mosque was built by the order of Goharshad Begum, Shahrokh's wife, near the shrine of the Eighth Imam and is one of the most visited and crowded mosques in Iran. The architecture and tiles of this mosque are famous and attract many tourists.

Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar (Naderi Garden)

The tomb of Nader Shah Afshar is a monument built-in memory of Nader Shah in Mashhad. Ghavam al-Saltanah built a new tomb for him at the site of one of Naderi's ruined tombs in the late Qajar period (1296 AH) and transferred his bones from Tehran to the tomb. This small tomb was built of clay and mud in 1145 AH, near Chaharbagh Shahi and in front of the shrine of Imam Reza. This new building, which was located at the current location of his tomb, was erected for some time until the National Monuments Association of Iran in 1335 tried to build a suitable tomb for him in the same place as the tomb of Qawamat al-Saltanah. This work started in 1336 and ended in 1342.

Mehdi Gholi Beyk Bath

Mehdi Gholi Beyk Bath was built in 1027 by one of the Timurid rulers and is located near the Grand Bazaar of Mashhad and 72 Tan Square. The bath has now been converted into a museum and displays old tools for history buffs.

Mesrop Qods church

Mesrop Quds Church, the only church in Mashhad, was built by Armenians living in Mashhad on the 10th of Dey Square. The building dates back to the first Pahlavi period and the plan of the church building is almost trapezoidal. This building has two conical domes with a cross at the top of both of these cones and is one of the prominent and unique features of this building. The larger dome is located in the middle of the building and the cross installed on top of it is made of iron; At the bottom of the dome is a row of white tiles patterned with green mud.

Mashhad Botanical Garden

Mashhad Botanical Garden includes various sections such as rose garden, educational and theatrical plot, vegetation complex of Iran, arbratum and systematic plant complex, the native orchard of Iran, coniferous plant complex, rock garden and nursery complex, and reproductive greenhouses.

Melli Garden

The Melli garden is now one of the largest and clean parks with a fountain and tall trees, which has become a beautiful and special place in the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Bread museum

The Bread Museum is the first bread museum in the country, displaying all the processes and tools related to bread, from planting and harvesting to baking different types of bread, all of which are derived from Iranian culture.

Vakil Abad Garden

Vakilabad Park is one of the old and beautiful promenades of Mashhad, which is located southwest of Mashhad and at the end of Vakilabad Boulevard. This forest park, formerly known as Mirtaraz or Vakilabad Garden, was officially dedicated to public use by its owner, Hossein Mr. Malek, in 1969 and handed over to the Mashhad Municipality. Vakilabad Zoo is the only zoo in Mashhad, which is located next to Vakilabad Forest Park.

Haft Houz Park

Haft Houz is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Mashhad, which is located in the heart of the Khalaj Mountains. Some of these pools are the size of a small pool. After passing through these seven basins, the water flows into a larger basin and the river continues its course. This area is about seven kilometers away from Mashhad and includes seven natural ponds.

Kuhsangi

Kuhsangi Park is the second-largest park (after Mellat Park) in Mashhad. This park is located southwest of Mashhad and at the end of Kuhsangi Street. Kuhsangi Park is located on the edge of high mountains and is one of the oldest villages in Mashhad. Kuh-e-Sangi is one of the oldest and most famous parks in Mashhad and is one of the most beautiful parks built in Iran. This park is a combination of water, stone, greenery, and light. In 1340, with the expansion of the city of Mashhad, Kuhsangi was connected to the main body of the city of Mashhad through a wide, wide, and wooded street, called Kuh-e Sangi Street. With the development plans of Mashhad, Kuh-e-Sangi Park became a tourist entertainment complex.

Reza great Bazar

Reza Bazaar, which is located a short distance from the holy shrine, has been named one of the busiest and most visited traditional bazaars in the country. In addition to its beautiful and traditional architecture, this bazaar is one of the oldest centers for offering souvenirs and handicrafts in Mashhad.

Malek Historical House

The house belongs to the late Qajar period and is located in Mashhad, on the eastern side of Imam Street, in front of the Finance Department. This work was registered on September 9, 1998, with registration number 2115 as one of the national monuments of Iran. This building is one of the beautiful houses left from the period of architectural transfer in the late Qajar era. Today, Anne Malek is the center of traditional arts, cultural heritage, and tourism of Khorasan Razavi.

Food may represent a country's rich cultures and traditions, and tourists can create a lovely memory by eating a good local meal. As a result, most individuals want to eat traditional cuisine when they visit a new location. Mashhad is the most important religious destination for Muslims in Iran because it is home to the Imam Reza Holy Shrine. As a result, millions of Iranian pilgrims and approximately one million pilgrims from other countries visit Mashhad each year. So, for this large group of tourists, the most significant queries are "what to eat in Mashhad?" and "what is the most popular Mashhad food?"

Along with the various types of Persian food produced at Mashhad restaurants, there are a variety of local foods to sample while in Mashhad. As a result, we, as residents, will expose you to the various types of traditional Mashhad cuisine, as well as their ingredients.

Shole

Shole is a type of Aash (soup) and the most well-known Mashhad dish, dating back to the Qajar era. This traditional dish is prepared for donations at mourning rites, particularly during Muharram. Shole preparation necessitates skill and takes a long time. They begin by simmering the beef, onions, and beans for at least three hours. They remove the meat from the saucepan after it has been cooked, compress it, and combine it with additional ingredients. Finally, they serve it with greens and Sangak bread. They also use Khoresht-e Gheymeh as a garnish. Shole has been registered as the first local Iranian meal in national heritages, which is interesting to know.

Shishlik

Shishlik is a type of kebab popular not just in Iran, but also in Russia and Poland. Mashhad Shishlik stands out among them because it is made using high-quality lamb meat. In the sense that some travelers will not return home without trying this traditional Mashahd dish. However, because qualified lamb meat is used, this cuisine is pricey. To make this dish, they marinate the lamb ribs for at least 12 hours in a mixture of chopped onion, yogurt, saffron, lemon juice, oil, and pepper. The ribs are then grilled over an open fire. Finally, it's served with rice, tomatoes from the grill, fresh lemon, and greens.

Khoresht-Rivas

Sour foods are popular in Iranian cuisines. Rivas stew, which is also served in other parts of Iran, including Kurdistan, is one of the best meals in Mashhad. "Rives" refers to rhubarb, and Khoresht-e Rivas is sour as a result of its use of this product. This typical Mashhad dish is made with lamb or beef, rhubarb, and herbs, and it's eaten with rice, just like the other Persian stews.

Polo Makhloot

This Mashhad-style dish is similar to "Red Rice" or "Spanish Rice." To cook this delectable delicacy, they begin by making and frying little meatballs. The meatballs are then combined with green beans, carrots, onions, tomato paste, and rice, and the concoction is brewed.

Digche

Digche is a popular Mashhad dessert served during religious events such as Ramadan's Iftar. Digche is also served for breakfast by the locals. Milk, rice, sugar, saffron, cardamom, butter, and rosewater are all included in this traditional Mashhad dish. To make Digche, the locals first boil the rice before adding the milk and allowing it to cook. They then add the other ingredients and leave it for half an hour.

Ash-e Lakhshak

Ash-e Lakhshak is a variation of the classic Persian curd and noodle soup Ash-e Reshteh. As a result, the wide noodles known as Lakhshak are the essential ingredients of this Mashhad delicacy. The lentil is first cooked by the natives before making this delectable dish. The chopped greens are then added to the stew and cooked thoroughly. Finally, they add Lakhshaks and pour the curd into the saucepan after a few minutes. This traditional Mashhad meal is frequently garnished with fried onions and dried mint.

Mashhadi Yatimcheh

Yatimcheh is a popular Mashhad dish that can also be found in other Iranian cities with varied components. First and first, let us clarify the unusual name of this renowned Persian dish. As a result, "Yatimcheh" means "small orphan," and because most Persian dishes feature meat and Yatimcheh does not, it is thought to be poor cuisine. It is, nevertheless, a wonderful and cost-effective vegetarian dish. The natives start by cooking beans, chickpeas, and lentils before making Yatimcheh. Meanwhile, the onions, eggplant, and tomatoes are frying. The vegetables and legumes are then combined and cooked for a time. Finally, they add Kashk (curd), fried mint, and fried garlic to the dish.

Reshteh polo

Reshteh Polo is a traditional Mashhad dish consisting of mixed noodles and rice. This Iranian cuisine, however, is popular in a number of locations across Iran, including Mashhad, Ardebil, and Kermanshah, each with a somewhat distinct cooking manner. As a result, the Mashhadi version includes chicken or tiny meatballs. The natives start with cooking the chicken or little meatballs for Reshteh polo. Meanwhile, the rice and a unique noodle are being cooked. The chicken chunks or meatballs are then placed in the layers of rice and brewed together. Finally, they add saffron, fried onions, and sometimes fried raisins to the meal. Mashhad residents usually prepare this delectable dish during the Nowruz festival.

Traveling to Mashhad creates a unique atmosphere for pilgrims who have visited the shrine. Mashhad is the provincial capital, and there is a wide range of products, goods, and industries available in all of the shopping malls. Fortunately, all of Mashhad's businesses carry a wide range of materials, allowing everyone to find something to suit their taste and age.

Saffron

Mashhad's most precious memento is saffron. This is one of Iran's most valued agricultural products, with the majority being produced in Khorasan. This product is grown in Khorasan's central and southern regions. Mashhad is a supplier of saffron in various models and prices, as it is a center for packing and shipping these products.

"Saffron" is a purple flower with a scarlet stigma, of which the dried stigma is employed. Saffron's beautiful color, enchanting scents, and extraordinary flavor make it suitable for use in food, as well as in the paint, textile, and leather industries.

Barberry

Barberry is available from most saffron shops. Pilgrims buy both of these items at the same time. Barberry is a South Khorasan agricultural crop, and the best can be found in Mashhad, the holy city. Pomegranate and puff models are two prominent forms of barberry (for events).

Turquoise

When we hear the word Turquoise, we think of showcases filled with beautiful stone rings and jewelry that appeal to everyone. Khorasan Province is home to the world's most famous turquoise mines. Mashhad, the holy city, is one of the world's turquoise-cutting centers, with plenty of turquoise being shipped to Mashhad for cutting from all over the world. Many cultural traditions strongly advise men to wear a turquoise ring.

Turquoise was given as a gift to the other kings during the reign of kings by Cyrus and Darius. It has been regarded as an amazing gift by Europeans.

Nuts

There are appealing stores to be seen among the variety of shops; they hold containers full of various delicacies, such as plums, dried fruit, chickpeas and raisins, walnuts, pistachio, and others. Nuts and dried fruits hold a unique position in the Iranian populace, particularly in Mashhad, and are recommended for people of all ages due to the nutrients and protein they provide.

Peas, raisins, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios, as well as a variety of seeds, Cashew and peanuts, dried fig, peach, apricot tab, jujube, fruit, plum, and dried fruits, are all found in these items.

Noghl

Noghl, a type of hard candy (softer than Nabat) consisting of sugar, rose water, and fragrant components such as coconut, saffron, cardamom, chocolate, ginger, walnut, or almond, is another Mashhad traditional delicacy. Noghl is traditionally served with Persian tea in Iran. In addition, Noghl is used as a traditional treat in wedding rituals. Finally, Noghl is a well-known Mashhad memento.

Nabat

Nabat is a classic Iranian dessert that originated in Mashhad. This Persian confection is a rock candy used to sweeten Persian tea. As a result, a popular Persian drink is Chai Nabat, which combines Nabat and tea. Nabat is a crystallized sugar and water mixture flavored with saffron, cumin, lemon, cinnamon, thyme, mint, or other aromatic herbs. Nabat is also a well-known Mashhad souvenir.

MASHHAD CITY