Mashhad, Religious pilgrimage center in northeastern Iran
Mashhad is a city in the Central District of northeastern Iran, situated in the Kashaf River valley at 995 meters (3,265 feet) elevation. The urban area spreads near the borders with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, forming a major religious and economic hub of the region.
The settlement was originally called Sanabad and received its current name after the burial of Imam Reza in 818. This grave site attracted more and more visitors over the centuries, transforming the place into a major pilgrimage destination.
The name means "place of martyrdom" and refers to the historic burial site that now stands at the center of religious life. Pilgrims from around the world come here to pray, while the city itself is shaped by carpet weaving, saffron trade, and traditional craftsmanship.
The international airport connects the city with numerous destinations across Asia, while the metro network operates several lines linking the main districts. Many visitors use public transport to move around the sprawling urban area and reach different neighborhoods.
The grave of poet Ferdowsi lies in the nearby ancient settlement of Tus, where he composed the Persian national epic Shahnameh with around 50,000 verses. Literature enthusiasts from across the country visit this site to encounter the legacy of the work that significantly shaped Persian language and identity.
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