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Travel to Yazd
Yazd, this desert city is as beautiful as other cities of Middle East. The magnificent windsurfing and magnificent historical places of Yazd has made this city one of the most interesting cities of Iran. The historic city Yazd, as the first historical city of Iran and the twenty-second national monument of Iran, is registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Yazd had been in Global Temporary Heritage List for 9 years, and finally was registered in the forty-first meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as one of the first clay cities of the world on Sunday (July 18th).
Yazd is the first clay city of the world and the second most historic city in the world after Venice in Italy.
Yazd is located in a wide dry area surrounded by Shirkouh and Kharandag mountains. Yazd is known as “Dar Al-Abadeh”, “Windcatcher Town” and “City of Bicycles”. The famous slogan to describe Yazd is:
“Yazd the city of Aqueduct, Qunut (is a supplication type of prayer made while standing in Islam) and contentment”.
Yazd is in the Central Plateau of Iran and is the center of Yazd province. This city is located between the Shirkouh and Kharanagh mountains in the vast plains called Yazd, Ardakan. Atabegs of Yazd have played a very important role in developing the city in recent years, they ruled Yazd for 140 years. The city is bounded to the cities of Meybod and Ardakan, from the north, to the cities of Ardakan and Ba from the east and to Isfahan province from west and to Taft, Abarkuh and Mehriz from south.
Yazd is considered as an ancient historical cities of Iran. It is one of the driest regions of Iran because of being located in plateau, low humidity and extreme evaporation. Yazd is among cities of Iran with lowest rainfall. In 2011, the population of Yazd was over 5 thousand. Temporary immigrants from northern Kerman cities such as Anar also live in this city.
The most prominent features of Yazd are old and traditional neighborhoods with clay old alleys, traditional bazars, mosques, old and traditional baths and houses. In recent years, Yazd has also been called “Hussainiya of Iran”. It has a lot of mosques and historic Hussainiya.
Some historians attribute the history of Yazd to Yazdegerd I, who was the twelfth king of the Sasanian Empire. They also believe that the name Yazd is given from the name of the king Yazdegerd which means appreciation and prayer in Persian language. So many governments have ruled the city throughout. Yazd has been considered as one of the important roads in different historical periods.
Most people in Yazd are Muslims and Imamiyyah Shia. Also, a large group of Zoroastrians in Iran live in Yazd. A minority of Jews also reside in this city.
People from yazd speak Persian in Yazdi dialect. Zoroastrian Dari is a Northwestern Iranian ethnolect spoken as a first language by Zoroastrians in Yazd. Yazidi’s dialect is part of the Persian Dari. The traditional women’s clothing is a long pants and shirt that covers up to the ankle, which is still seen in some villages in Yazd. Women also wear Chador. Men also wear casual clothes. Until the first Pahlavi dynasty, Zoroastrians had to dress in different way to be distinguished from others. Zoroastrians was prohibited from Wearing socks for a long time.
Nakhl Gardani is a Shia religious ritual which is carried out in first 10 days of Muharram and in 10 last days of Safar. Sine Zani (chest- beating) is religious ritual which done in an organized way among people from Yazd. In another religious ritual in Yazd, a horse is worn a special make up and is moved in front of the religious groups. Some of touristy attractions of Yazd are:
• Jameh Mosque of Yazd
• Khan bazar and square
• Lord Asiab (Lord Mill)
• Bazar Zargari
• Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Yazd
• Amir Chakhmaq Complex
• 6 Windcatcher Cistern
• Mountain park
• Khan bath
• Mirror and light museum of yazd
• Lariha House
• Qive cistern
• Seyed Rokn Addin Mausoleum
• Alexander’s Prison (Ziayi School)
• Tower of Silence
Yazd souvenirs are cottons and sweets. Termeh, Shamad, Zilu, pottery and ceramic, Haj Badumi bakery, Qottab and rosette are among Yazd souvenirs.
Foods such as Shouli soup, Halim, mush soup, turnip soup, cabbage soup, lentil soup, pumpkin soup, chickpea stew are most popular traditional foods of Yazd.
Yazd is located in the center of Iran and is surrounded by the provinces of Isfahan, South Khorasan, Kerman and Fars. Yazd comprise an area of 74,493km2 and it occupies for four and a half percent of the total area of Iran. In the spring and summer, the weather in most parts of the city is warm and dry, in winter and fall is almost cold and humid.
Yazd means holly and sacred. Yazd as a name of city means the city of God and holly land.
Farming
Since dry weather and low rainfall, lack of water resources is a common problem in Yazd. The majority of agricultural products of this province are produced in Khatam. This city is the heart of an agricultural products in Yazd because it has abundant water resources and products such as wheat, corn, apricot, pomegranate, almond, pistachio, grapes, etc. are produced in this city. And they often exchange their agricultural products with the northern Persian cities products. Other agricultural products of Yazd province is dates that are produced in Bafq. Saffron is also produced in some particular parts of Yazd. Obviously, due to lack of water in Yazd, rice is not grown well. In fact, yazd is considered an industrial city because of lacking water and dry weather.
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Yazd Industries and Sources of Energy:
• Cooling towers of Yazd Combined Cycle Power Plant; Yazd is actually known as “mineral paradise” for its various mineral resources.
• Knitting Industry of Yazd is also so popular
• Sweets such as Qottab, cotton candy and Baklava are also very important products of Yazd and they are even known by those beyond the borders.Most of the city’s industrial units are textiles, ceramic tiles and carvings and machine woven carpet. Industrial units of Yazd province are mainly located in industrial towns Yazd, Meybod and Ardakan. Also, Yazd has a lot of mines. The rich uranium mines were discovered in the late 80’s in the Saghand Ardakan region. The population of Yazd province in 2014 was estimated over 1,100,000.Yazd is one of the oldest provinces of Iran and was among ancient states such as Pars, Isfahan, Kerman and Khorasan. Habitat in Yazd has a long history. This land was considered to be an important road in historical periods. Hard passing roads and lack of water resources have been a major obstacle for those who wanted attack and take control of this city.
• Knitting Industry of Yazd is also so popular
• Sweets such as Qottab, cotton candy and Baklava are also very important products of Yazd and they are even known by those beyond the borders.Most of the city’s industrial units are textiles, ceramic tiles and carvings and machine woven carpet. Industrial units of Yazd province are mainly located in industrial towns Yazd, Meybod and Ardakan. Also, Yazd has a lot of mines. The rich uranium mines were discovered in the late 80’s in the Saghand Ardakan region. The population of Yazd province in 2014 was estimated over 1,100,000.Yazd is one of the oldest provinces of Iran and was among ancient states such as Pars, Isfahan, Kerman and Khorasan. Habitat in Yazd has a long history. This land was considered to be an important road in historical periods. Hard passing roads and lack of water resources have been a major obstacle for those who wanted attack and take control of this city.
Yazd attractions
Amir Chakhmaq Complex
The symbol of Yazd architecture, Amir Chakhmaq Square, is located in the heart of the city. This tree-floors building around the square with its magnificent view and brightness of its beautiful porch after the sun sets Is one the most beautiful attractions of Yazd.
The history of this building, which is one of the largest Hussainiya of the country and the landmarks in Yazd, dates back to the 15th century, although it has been restored several times over the years. There are several ice cream stores around the square.
This complex includes Amir Chakhmagh tekye, the Amir Chakhmagh Mosque and a large cistern. Amir Chakhmagh Mosque, which is also known as Now Jameh Mosque was built in Yazd in, in Timurid Empire by Jalaluddin Chakmaq Shami, the ruler of Yazd. The mosque was completed 841. And it is considered one of the most beautiful, extensive and important mosque after Jameh Mosque. There is a stone on the threshold of the northern part of the mosque, which is opened to the Amir Chakhmaq square on which the mosque devotion is lithographed. On both sides of the north corridor, which enters to the mosque courtyard, the windows are covered with mosaic tiles. The word “al-Sultan Allah” has been repeatedly written in Kofi on the dome. The altar of the main part is covered with mosaic tiles and the porches are beautifully decorated by Mogharnas. Right in the middle of this Mogharnas, there is a very nice marble. There is an inscription in the eastern side of the mosque made up of mosaic tile with Thuluth handwriting of Mohammad Alhakim. The dome of the mosque is curved and covered with green tiles and there is inscription in Kofi on it.
The history of this building, which is one of the largest Hussainiya of the country and the landmarks in Yazd, dates back to the 15th century, although it has been restored several times over the years. There are several ice cream stores around the square.
This complex includes Amir Chakhmagh tekye, the Amir Chakhmagh Mosque and a large cistern. Amir Chakhmagh Mosque, which is also known as Now Jameh Mosque was built in Yazd in, in Timurid Empire by Jalaluddin Chakmaq Shami, the ruler of Yazd. The mosque was completed 841. And it is considered one of the most beautiful, extensive and important mosque after Jameh Mosque. There is a stone on the threshold of the northern part of the mosque, which is opened to the Amir Chakhmaq square on which the mosque devotion is lithographed. On both sides of the north corridor, which enters to the mosque courtyard, the windows are covered with mosaic tiles. The word “al-Sultan Allah” has been repeatedly written in Kofi on the dome. The altar of the main part is covered with mosaic tiles and the porches are beautifully decorated by Mogharnas. Right in the middle of this Mogharnas, there is a very nice marble. There is an inscription in the eastern side of the mosque made up of mosaic tile with Thuluth handwriting of Mohammad Alhakim. The dome of the mosque is curved and covered with green tiles and there is inscription in Kofi on it.
Amir Chakhmaq Square
“Amir Chakhmaq Square is a square in Yazd. The Amir Chakhmaq complex in Yazd includes bazar, tekye and cistern, dating back to the Timurid era (9th century AH). In that period, Amir Jalaloddin Chakhmaq Shami was the commander of Shahrokh Timurid and the ruler of Yazd, who, in cooperation with his wife, Sati Fatima Khatun, built baths, caravansaries, khanqahs, confectionary, cold water wells and Amir Chakhmaq mosque in Yazd.
Zurkhaneh Sahabzaman
This popular monument is located in the north of the Amir Chakhmaq Square. In this zoorkhaneh you can watch athletes, visit the 15th-century underground temple, and see the impact of windcatchers of Yazd in cooling the environment.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Yazd is the center of Zoroastrian religion and there are several Zoroastrian sites and historic sites in Yazd. The fire temple is the most important of these attractions and landmarks of Yazd. It is said that the fire of the temple has been lightening since fifth century BC.
Dakhma or Tower of Silence
Zoroastrian cemetery is one of the other great monuments of Zoroastrians in Yazd, which is known as Dakhma and it is located in a short distance from the city. Being descended from the desert, you can see the dome of the building with two towers on its side, aligned with desert hills. Until 60 years ago, according to the tradition of Zoroastrianism, the corpse of the dead were buried in this place to feed the vultures and by doing so, it returns back to nature again! This deserted monument in the midst of hills, which creates an eerie mood, reminds some foreign tourists of the houses in Star-Wars film.
Chak Chak in Yazd
In the distance of 70 km from Yazd, inside the desert you can see the most important Zoroastrian temple. According to the narrations, Nikbanue, daughter of Yazdegerd III, while was escaping from the Arab soldiers, asked God to help her in this place, then a boulder was opened to hide her! Since then, drops of water drip from the boulder. Therefore, this place is called Chak Chak (means dripping in Persian language). It is said that these drops are the mountains tears for Nikbanue.
Jameh Mosque of yazd
This spectacular mosque can be seen from all parts of the ancient city Yazd. It belongs to 14th century AD and it has the tallest minarets of Iran. Exquisite blue tiles of the building are the symbol of Iranian Islamic architecture. Some parts of the mosque are older than other parts and dates back to 12th century. Do not overlook the calligraphy and mosaics of the mosque balcony.
Dowlat Abad Garden
Dowlat Abad Garden with its numerous fountains, cedar and pomegranate trees, brings you the tranquility and silence. This 18th-century residence, is one of Yazd’s most famous places. You can enjoy the sunshade and light of the place and see beautiful buildings all around the palace. The central windcatcher of the garden with a height of 33 meters and the rows of shiny windows reminds you of aesthetic cylinders create a unique artistic views that you will not find like that anywhere.
Amir Chakhmaq Mosque
The Amir Chakhmaq mosque, known as Dahouk mosque is one of the historical mosque which was built in Timurid era. It was built under Jalal ed-Din Amir Chakhmaq Shami command, who was the governor of Yazd. it is one of the most outstanding buildings in Yazd.
The mosque is located in south of Amir Chakhmaq Complex. You can see inscriptions made of mosaic in Thuluth script by Mohammad al-Hakim on the eastern entrance of the mosque.
During the era of Fath Ali Shah, Hossein Attar added a part to its shabistan and also repaired some parts of the mosque.
Yazd Water Museum
Yazd Water Museum was stablished in 1379 AH by Yazd Regional Water Company. this museum is located in northern of Amir Chakhmaq square. It is a five-story building and hundred-year-old Kariz strata from this historic house. this building is 720m2 and it was built in 1266 by the order of Haj Ali Akbar Kolahdooz. Visiting the water museum of Yazd is a good source of getting information about historical tools for digging cistern, tools and instruments for measuring the water volume of wells. of to know the works of the Abbey’s historical buildings and the various tools of digging up and etc.
Alexander’s Prison (Ziayeh School)
The Ziayeh School, which is also known as Alexander’s Prison was built in 631 AH by Ziad al-Din Hussein Razi and was completed in 705 AH by his sons, Majd al-Din Hassan and Sharaf al-Din Ali. Ziayeh School was a place for teaching more than seven hundred years ago, experts and scholars were discussing in this place. The dome of this building is made entirely of raw clay, with decorations and make-up of gilded paintings with golden and azure colors. There are different narratives about this building, which dates back the building of this school to the time of Macedonian invasion to Iran. The reasons for which this school is known as Alexander’s prison is that, there were a number of people who had been exiled to this school under Alexander’s command.
Coppersmiths bazar
This bazar is among the old and traditional bazars of Yazd. Different kinds of Copper and metal products are made and sold in this bazar. Decorative handicrafts, kitchen utensils and agricultural tools are some other products that are sold in this market
Zargari Bazar of Yazd
This historic and traditional bazar is one of the tourist attractions of Yazd. It is still, one of the most thriving market of Yazd due to the supply of gold special products
Narin Qal’eh
The Narin Qal’eh or Narin Castle, is located in the town of Meybod, Iran.
It is somehow similar to design of Ali Qapu palace of Isfahan. Although all outer gates have been destroyed, the inner parts of the castle still exist. You can still see some of the outer walls.
The House of the Tehranians
One other attraction of Yazd is The House of the Tehranians. It belongs to one Iranian businessman. A family of Tehranians lived in this house about 250 years ago. The owner of this house was carpet merchants in Yazd. This house is so gracious and beautiful, so it has been used as Economic Consultation of some European countries. The building has a main courtyard, Narenjestan and Kolah Farangi palace, three beautiful windsurfing, a large hall, and a large roof with a very nice view.
This house is considered as the first museum hotel in Yazd today as one of the attractions of the city of Yazd.
Address: Yazd Province, Yazd City, Imam Khomeini Street, Fahadan Street, in front of Alexander’s Prison
Sabats of Yazd
One of the beauty of Yazd is the alleyway behind the alleyways, which is called the Sabats (old and traditional sidewalks or corridors). in summer when the weather is so hot in desert city of Yazd, mellow breeze touches your face and make you feel relax in Sabats.
Address: Yazd Sabats are located in Yazd Imamzadeh Jafar Blvd. Mosalli Street