Razavi Khorasan province is one of the largest provinces of our country, and Mashhad, its center, is the capital of religious tourism in Iran. Mashhad's hosting of Imam Reza's shrine has caused millions of domestic and foreign tourists to travel to this province every year.
History
Khorasan has been an important part of Iran in different historical periods. But the story of the city of Mashhad is a little different. After the martyrdom and burial of Imam Reza (a.s.) in a place of Tus, the core of Mashhad city was formed. The name of this city, which means place of martyrdom, also shows the history of its formation.
From around the 9th century of Hijri, the ancient Tous slowly left the center of attention and Mashhad developed and expanded. Mashhad was also the capital of Iran for a while during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar.
Geography
Razavi Khorasan province is a small part of historical Khorasan. In 2003, Greater Khorasan province was divided into three provinces: North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan and South Khorasan.
Razavi Khorasan is bordered by Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, and North Khorasan and Semnan provinces to the west and northwest. This province reaches South Khorasan from the south.
Binaloud peak with a height of more than three thousand meters is the highest point of Razavi Khorasan province.
weather
Razavi Khorasan province is generally considered as one of the semi-arid regions of the country. In terms of temperature, Razavi Khorasan province has hot summers and relatively cold winters.
The cities of Razavi Khorasan province
Mashhad
Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran. According to the 2015 census, Mashhad is the second most populous city in Iran with more than three million people.
Due to the large number of passengers in this city, Mashhad is one of the busiest cities in Iran and has direct flights to many cities in the country.
The tourism industry, especially religious tourism, drives an important part of Mashhad's economic wheels.
Undoubtedly, the most important attraction of Mashhad for travelers and residents of this city is Imam Reza's shrine. A large collection that has expanded in recent years. Goharshad Mosque and Astan Quds Razavi Museum, which are other tourist attractions of Mashhad, are also located inside the shrine. The Astan Quds Museum houses valuable treasures.
The musical instrument is one of the important and historical places of the shrine, where the servants of the shrine play musical instruments. According to historical texts, the history of music playing in the shrine goes back to the year 860 AH. Except for the months of Muharram and Safar, the singing is done twice a day, before sunrise and sunset.
Ferdowsi Mausoleum is another important tourist attraction located in the Tos area near Mashhad. In front of Ferdowsi's mausoleum, Tos Museum is located, where works related to Ferdowsi and Shahnameh are kept. The tomb of Mahdi Akhwan Al-Talih, a famous contemporary poet, is also located in the area of Ferdowsi's tomb.
Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar is also located in Mashhad, which now, as the historical cultural complex of Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar, is one of the sightseeing areas of Mashhad. Naderi Museum and Naderi Gallery are other parts of this collection.
Baze Hor square is one of the oldest square in Iran. The building belongs to the Sassanid period, which is located near the old road from Mashhad to Torbat-e-Jam-Haidaryeh.
Mellat Park, Kuhsangi cultural and recreational complex, Shandiz area, Torqabe summer and Chalidare dam are among the recreational attractions of Mashhad city.
Neyshabur
Neyshabur is one of the historical cities of Razavi Khorasan province, which is about 130 km away from Mashhad. This city is located near Binalud mountain, the highest peak of Razavi Khorasan province. Neyshabur is famous for its turquoise stone and turquoise mines operate in this city.
Khayyam's tomb, Atar's tomb, Kamal al-Molk's tomb, Amin al-Islami's garden and mansion and Jame Mosque are among the tourist attractions of Neyshabur city.
The brick domes of Shadmehr near Neyshabur are other attractions of this city, whose original construction dates back to the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods.
Qadamgah Razavi is a historical and religious complex located near Neyshabur and it is a monument that was created after the departure of Imam Reza to Tus.
Torbat-e-Jam
The city of Torbat-e-Jam Jam is located at a distance of about 160 km from Mashhad and is one of the old cities of Razavi Khorasan Province. Most of the fame of Torbat-e-Jam Jam is due to the tomb of Sheikh Ahmad Jami and the local music of this area. Very prominent duo players have been active in this city. Local dances, such as stick play, are also popular in this area.
Tomb of Shah Qasim Anwar, underground mosque and Firouzshahi Dome are historical monuments of this city. Other historical monuments such as Rabat Jam, Rabat Samangan, Kermani Mosque and Gonbadkhane are also located in this area of Torbat-e-Jam Jam city.
Gonabad
Gonabad is located in the south of Razavi Khorasan province and hosts several historical monuments.
Kasbah aqueduct is one of the important historical monuments of Gonabad, which along with several other aqueducts of our country has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gonabad Jame Mosque, Khakhk Water Mill and Dokhtar Shorab Castle, which is about 15 km away from Gonabad city, are other attractions of the region.
Residences
The variety of residences in the city of Mashhad is very large. From luxury and modern hotels to cheap hotels with limited facilities. The price of hotels in Mashhad also changes according to supply and demand and the season. Several eco-tourist lodges also operate in different parts of Razavi Khorasan province, such as Gonabad, Sabzevar, Neishabur, TOrghabeh, Shandiz, Khaf, Bardskan.
restaurants
Sedros restaurant has four branches in Mashhad and is a good restaurant. Three branches of Pesran Karim restaurant are also working in Mashhad. Nasim Lebanon restaurant in Mashhad also includes a variety of Lebanese dishes in its menu.
Moin Darbari restaurant in Mashhad is famous for its various Chelow kabab. Baba Gudrat restaurant also serves its customers in the old building. Those interested in vegetarian food can also go to Khaneh Mashhad vegetarian restaurant.
local foods
Nashed pilaf with meat or khoshtali pilaf is one of the local dishes of Razavi Khorasan province. Various local ashkenehs are also prepared in the cities of Razavi Khorasan province, among which we can mention ashkenehs of milk bulgur, kashf sefid or qorut and eggs.
Sholeh Mashhadi is one of the most famous local dishes of Razavi Khorasan province, which is prepared as an offering on various occasions.
souvenirs
Saffron and barberry are important souvenirs of Razavi Khorasan province. Turquoise and agate rings and ornaments are also produced in Razavi Khorasan province. Other souvenirs of Razavi Khorasan province are Noghl, plants, perfumes and dried fruits.
Handicrafts
Rugs, felt products and carpets are handicrafts of Razavi Khorasan province. Leather embroidery is also done in Razavi Khorasan province and is one of the important handicrafts of the nomads of the province. Turquoise carving and in general the cutting of precious and semi-precious stones is one of the old professions in Razavi Khorasan Province.
Customs
Traditional music and dances are part of Khorasan rituals, which have many variations. The people of Mashhad hold different religious ceremonies with special ceremonies. On the 28th and last days of Safar (the departure of the Prophet and the martyrdom of Imam Reza), the mourning delegations of Mashhad mourn in the streets around the shrine and finally go to visit Imam Reza. In this ceremony, many people from different cities of Razavi Khorasan province and even other provinces come to Mashhad
