Ancient City of Tabran

The Ancient City of Tabran is an archaeological site north of Mashhad with the remains of an early settlement enclosed by defensive walls. A six-kilometer clay wall with more than 100 towers and nine gates surrounds the area, showing how the original inhabitants fortified their community.

During the 5th century, this settlement functioned as one of four main districts of the ancient city of Tus. The construction of its massive defensive walls reveals how communities built protection against outside threats during that period.

The dome structure from the 9th century draws people seeking to understand early Islamic architecture in this region. Local tradition connects the site to important philosophers and spiritual figures whose work shaped the area.

The site stretches across open terrain between mountain ranges, so wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the scattered ruins. Allow plenty of time to move through different areas, as the expanse requires patience and steady pace.

Among the ruins stands the remains of a large early Islamic structure that reveals much about religious architecture from that era. This building is counted among the earliest examples of its kind found anywhere in the region.