Razavi Khorasan is one of the largest provinces in our country, with Mashhad, its center, being the capital of religious tourism in Iran. Hosting the shrine of Imam Reza has led millions of domestic and foreign tourists to travel to this province every year.
History
Khorasan has been an important part of Iranian territory in various historical periods. However, the story of the city of Mashhad is a bit different. After the martyrdom and burial of Imam Reza in a suburb of Tus, the core of the city of Mashhad was formed. The name of city, meaning the place of martyrdom, also indicates its formation background.
Since around the ninth century AH, Tus gradually moved away from the center of attention, while Mashhad developed and expanded. Mashhad was also the capital of Iran for a while during the reign of Nader Shah Afshar.
Geography
Razavi Khorasan is a small part of the historical Khorasan. In 2004, The Greater Khorasan 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, North Khorasan and Semnan provinces to the west and northwest. It borders South Khorasan to the south.
Mount Binalood, with an altitude of over three thousand meters, is the highest point in Razavi Khorasan Province.
Climate
Razavi Khorasan is generally considered some part of the country's semi-arid regions. Climatically, Razavi Khorasan has hot summers and relatively cold winters.
Counties of Khorasan Razavi Province
Mashhad
Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran. According to the 2016 census, with a population of over three million, Mashhad is the second most populous city in Iran.
Due to the very large number of travelers to 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, plays an important part in the economy of Mashhad.
Undoubtedly, the most important attraction of Mashhad for travelers and residents of this city is the shrine of Imam Reza. A large complex which has extremely expanded in recent years. The Gowharshad Mosque and the Museum of the Holy Shrine of Razavi, which are among other tourist attractions of Mashhad, are also located within the shrine. The Museum of the Holy Shrine of Razavi houses valuable treasures.
Naghareh Khaneh (woodworking workshop) is an important and historical place of the shrine where the shrine's servants engage in Naghareh Playing. According to historical texts, the history of Naghareh Playing in the shrine dates back to 860 AH. Except for the months of Muharram and Safar, Naghareh Playing is done twice a day, before sunrise and sunset.
The tomb of Ferdowsi is another important tourist attraction located in the Tous region near Mashhad. Tous Museum is also placed in front of the tomb of Ferdowsi, which houses artifacts related to Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh. The tomb of Mahdi Akhavan Sales, a renowned contemporary poet, is also located in the Ferdowsi tomb complex.
The tomb of Nader Shah Afshar is also located in Mashhad, which is now known as the Nader Shah Afshar Cultural and Historical Complex and is one of the sights of Mashhad. The Naderi Museum and Naderi Gallery are other parts of the complex.
Bazeh Hoor Chahartaqi is one of the oldest bazaars in Iran. It is a brick structure dating back to the Sassanian period, located near the old road from Mashhad to Torbat-e Heydarieh.
Mellat Park, Koohsangi Cultural and Recreational Complex, Shandiz area, Torghabe countryside, and Chalidareh Dam are recreational attractions of Mashhad County.
Nishapur
Nishapur is one of the historical cities of Razavi Khorasan Province, located about 130 kilometers away from Mashhad. This city is located near Mount Binalood, the highest peak in Razavi Khorasan Province. Nishapur is famous for its turquoise stone, and turquoise mines are active in the county.
The tomb of Khayyam, the tomb of Attar, the tomb of Kamal al-Mulk, the Amin al-Islam Garden and Mansion, and the Jameh Mosque are tourist attractions of the city of Nishapur.
The brick domes of Shadmehr, located near Nishapur, are other attractions of the city, the initial structure of which dates back to the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods.
The Qadamgah-e Razavi is a historical and religious complex located near Nishapur, constructed as a memorial of Imam Reza's departure to Tus.
Torbat-e Jam
The city of Torbat-e Jam is located about 160 kilometers away from Mashhad and is one of the ancient cities of Razavi Khorasan Province. The main reason for the reputation of Torbat-e Jam is the tomb of Sheikh Ahmad-e Jami and local music of the region. A large number of reputed Dotar players live and work here. Local dances, such as wood dancing, are also prevalent in the region.
The tomb of Shah Qasem Anvar, the underground mosque, and the Firuz Shahi Dome are historical monuments of the city. Other historical artifacts such as the Jameh Mosque, the Rabat-e Jami, the Rabat-e Samangan, and the Kermani Mosque are also located in the Torbat-e Jam region.
Gonabad
Gonabad is located in the south of Razavi Khorasan Province hosting several historical sites.
The Qanat of Gonabad is an important historical site that, along with several other qanats in our country, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Jameh Mosque of Gonabad, the Kakhk Watermill, and Daughter Castle in Shorab, which is placed about 15 kilometers away from the city, are among other attractions of the region.
Accommodations
There is a wide variety of accommodations in Mashhad. From luxurious and modern hotels to budget hotels with limited facilities. The prices of hotels in Mashhad also vary according to supply and demand and the season. Several eco-lodges also operate in various parts of Razavi Khorasan Province, such as Gonabad, Sabzevar, Nishapur, Torghabe, Shandiz, Khaf, and Bardaskan.
Restaurants
Cedrus Restaurant has four branches in Mashhad and is a good one. The three branches of Pasaran-e Karim Restaurant are also active in Mashhad. Nasim-e Lebanon Restaurant in Mashhad offers a variety of Lebanese dishes on its menu.
Moein Darbari Restaurant in Mashhad is also famous for its various kebabs. Baba Ghodrat Restaurant also serves its customers in an old building. Those interested in vegetarian food can visit the vegetarian restaurant Khaneye Mashhad.
Local Foods
Reshte Polo with meat or Khosh Teli Polo are local dishes of Razavi Khorasan Province. Various local stews are also prepared in cities of Razavi Khorasan Province, among which Balghoor Shir, Kashk-e Sefid or Gharoot, and egg can be mentioned.
Sholeh Mashhadi is one of the most famous local dishes of Razavi Khorasan Province, which is prepared as a vow on various occasions.
Souvenirs
Saffron and barberry are among the important souvenirs of Razavi Khorasan Province. Turquoise rings and jewelry are also produced in Razavi Khorasan Province. Dates, sweets, perfumes, and various nuts are other souvenirs of Razavi Khorasan Province.
Handicrafts
Gelim, felt products, and carpets are handicrafts of Razavi Khorasan Province. Leather embroidery is also done in Razavi Khorasan Province and is an important handicraft of the tribes in the province. Turquoise cutting and, in general, cutting of precious and semi-precious stones are also ancient occupations in Razavi Khorasan Province.
Customs and Traditions
Music and traditional dances are part of the traditions of Khorasan, which also have a great diversity. The people of Mashhad hold various religious mourning ceremonies with special acts. On the 28th and the last day of Safar (the Prophet's demise and the martyrdom of Imam Reza), mourning processions in Mashhad city hold mourning ceremonies on the streets around the shrine and ultimately go to visit the shrine of Imam Reza. Many people come from various cities of Razavi Khorasan Province and even other provinces to Mashhad to participate in these ceremonies.
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