Introduction
The second-most-populous city in Iran and the capital of Khorasan-e Razavi Province, Mashhad is located in the northeast of the country. With a 3,001,184 population (2016 census), it was once a major oasis along the ancient Silk Road connecting Merv to the east.In addition to Ferdowsi, who composed the Shahnameh, this city is the hometown of some of the most significant Iranian literary figures and artists, such as the poet Mehdi Akhavan-Sales, and Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, the traditional Iranian singer and composer. Ferdowsi and Akhavan-Sales are both buried in Tus.
Geography
Between the two mountain ranges of Binalood and Hezar Masjed, the city is located in the valley of Kashafrud River near Turkmenistan. Benefiting from the proximity of the mountains, Mashhad has cool winters, pleasant springs, and mild summers.The city is the administrative center of Mashhad County, which is divided into 13 smaller administrative units, with a total population of over 3 million.
Climate
Featuring a steppe climate with hot summers and cold winters, the city only sees about 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) of precipitation per year; some of which, occasionally falls in the form of snow. Summers are typically hot and dry, with high temperatures that sometimes exceeds 33 °C (91 °F). Winters are typically cool or rather cold and somehow damp, with overnight cutting downs. Mashhad enjoys an average of above 2900 hours of sunshine, yearly.
Economy
Except shouldering the second largest automobile production hub of the country, the city’s economy is based mainly on leather products, precious stones like agates, turquoise, intricately-designed silver jewelry studded with rubies and emeralds, eighteen-carat gold and jewelry, perfumes, terme, carpets, rugs, and dry fruits, salted nuts, saffron, and Iranian sweets like sohaan. With more than 55% of all the hotels in Iran and a great potential, Mashhad is also the hub of tourism in the country, as religious shrines are the most powerful attractions for foreign travelers; each year, Mashhad welcomes 20 to 30 million pilgrims from Iran and more than 2 million pilgrims and tourists from all around the world.
Attractions
Apart from Imam Reza shrine, there are a large number of other precious sites, each worth vising and exploring:
Imam Reza shrine: a complex containing the mausoleum of Imam Reza, it is one the largest ones in the world by area. Also contained within the complex are the Gohar Shad Mosque, a museum, a library, four seminaries, the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, a dining hall for pilgrims, vast prayer halls, and other buildings.Managed by Astan Quds Razavi Foundation, the shrine covers an area of 267,079m2 while the seven courtyards which surround it cover an area of 331,578m2 – totaling 598,657 m2 (6,443,890 sq. ft).
Torqabeh: a city and capital of Torqabeh and Shandiz County, in Razavi Khorasan Province. By the 2006 census, its population was 13,158, in 3,668 families. This town, located about 18 miles (29 km) east of Mashhad, is a common destination for all tourist people and even the people of Khorasan.
Chali Darreh Dam: when you are in Torqabeh, the Chali Darreh Dam is a must-to-visit spot; in which You can do fishing or rowing inside the water; while it provides you with the best views too.
Tus: an ancient city in Razavi Khorasan Province (20 kilometers north of Mashhad); in which, the tomb of Ferdowsi (the most famous Iranian poet and the writer of the well-known Shahnameh) is located in a beautiful garden. Inspired from the Achaemenid times architecture, Tus includes a museum and a library near the Tomb which have been built to provide the visitors with Ferdowsi works and his biography.
Shandiz: a serene recreational village, it is one of the special places to visit in Mashhad. Riding 38 kilometers west of Mashhad, you will come across an area of rivers and valleys, filled with cottonwood, and Eastern Redbud trees; amid the branches of which, the chirping of birds are heard ceaselessly which sooth all the listeners. The bed of all sorts of fruits, especially cherry, this spot owes its fame and popularity to its kebabs that are quite well-known all over the world. Once coming here, the hospitality complex of Bagh’salar, the beautiful Aabshaar/ Waterfall Street, fabulous Abr Deh Ski Resort, Variani Bike-Riding Ground, pretty Zoshk Village deep drowned in gardens and beautiful nature, rich jungle park of Shandiz and the precious astronomical planetarium of Razavi are what you’d be provided with. While visiting here, don’t forget the best souvenir of this spot: sheepskin or fur clothing.
Millat Park: the biggest and oldest park of Mashhad; in which, forgetting the time is very easy, just due to its numerous facilities including: an amusement park, sporting squares, library, and of course the swimming pool.In the eastern section of the park you can also find a big lake, and in the western part a swimming pool, a volleyball and football field, a tennis court, and a skating rink. Just don’t forget that the amusement park contains the largest Ferris wheel of the middle east and the 18th largest of the world.
Vakil Abad Park: a must-be-visited aged park due to multiple reasons: Vakil Abad has the only zoo in Mashhad, where you can find a variety of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Moreover, if you like picnicking outdoors and in the shade of tall trees, pack your stuff and head for the beautiful Vakil Abad Park.
Kooh Sangi Park: a wide natural Park with beautiful sceneries and a small stony mountain in the middle, it contains different types of flowers and trees, making it green for all the seasons. This park is suitable to spend some times to rest and relax.
Bazehur Fire Temple: in the small village of Robat Sefid, around 70 kilometers southwest of Mashhad, lay the ruins of the ancient Bazehur Fire Temple. Probably built in the Sassanian era, this Zoroastrian religious site is well preserved; though the modest, stone-brick remnants show a clear contrast to the splendor of the Islamic Architecture throughout the rest of the region, it is a must-see for anyone interested in Iran’s ancient religions.