General Information About Yazd

Yazd is famous for ‘Badgir’, ‘Qanat’ and delicious sweets. Wonderful handicrafts like ‘Termeh’, silk fabrics, silk woven handicrafts, and carpets are produced in this city. It is the land of philosophy and mysticism In Iran. The great philosophe, Reza Davari Ardakani (prominent comtemporary Iranian philosopher) and great master of mystical literature, Ali Asghar Dadbeh have been raised in Yazd. Yazd, the capital of Yazd province, is the 7^th largest city of Iran. It is located at the desert heart of Iran, between two main deserts Kavir desert and Lut dessert. It has an arid climate with dry and intensively hot summers. The annual rainfall rate of Yazd is only around 55mm, which is more likely to occur in winters. “Shirkooh” and “Kharanaq” mountains are located southwest and northeast of the city. For most of those who decide to visit Yazd, history is a considerable motivation. Yazd is the second most historical city in the world after Veins. Many of the historical monuments discovered in Yazd date back to 11^th century. However, some new-found monuments belonging to 8^th and 9^th centuries increase the doubts over the history of Yazd. Based on archeological findings from the Median Empire (6^th century B.C.), the city was called “Issatis” back then. It was also the capital of Muzzaffarids dynasty in 14^th century. Yazd was the major center of Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia, especially during Sassanian Empire. Although these days most of Yazd’s population are Muslims, many of Zoroastrians and Baha’is do live there, and they coexist with each other in peace. When you travel to Yazd, the unique Persian architectures will immediately grab your attention. This special style was invented to adapt to its arid climate and desert surroundings. ‘Badgir’ (wind catcher), ‘Qanat’ or ‘Kariz’ (underground water source channels), ‘Yakhchal’ (ice house); observing these wonderful inventions, make you be more familiar with the locals’ lifestyle in desert areas, and how they cope with aridity. In Yazd, there are several tourist attractions which you cannot find them anywhere else in the world. Some must-visit sites are:

• ‘Amir Chakhmaq’ Complex:

Amir Chakhmaq, who was the governor of Yazd in 14^th century, constructed the complex with the help of his wife. This prominent complex is built with outstanding Persian architecture during Timurid Empire. It contains several buildings:

1. Amir Chakhmaq Mosque
2. a caravanserai

• a Tekyeh

1. a bathhouse
2. a cold water well
3. a confectionery

• Jameh Mosque of Yazd:

An admirable mosque from 14^th century with the tallest minarets of Iran.

• Dowlat Abad Garden:

A Persian garden, built in 18^th century for the governor of Yazd, containing the tallest wind catcher of the country.

• Alexander’s Prison:

Actually it was built as a school (madrasah) in 14^th century. Other tourist attractions of Yazd (both inside and around the city) are:

1. Yazd Water Museum
2. Zoroastrian Fire Temple
3. Zoroastrian Dakhmeh
4. Lariha House
5. Marker Clock Tower
6. Davazdah Imam Memorial
7. Khan Bazaar
8. Khan Square
9. Khan Bathhouse
10. Seyed Rokn Addin Mausoleum
11. Qeisarieh Bazaar
12. Mulla Ismael Mosque
13. Old wind catchers

Yazd is well known among Iranians for its sweets. There are several of them, easily found in confectionary shops or famous souvenir shops. Most delicious Yazdi sweets, that we highly recommend tasting, are ‘Baqlava’, ‘Hajibadam’, and ‘Qottab’. ‘Cake-E Yazdi’ is another one. A useful hint: It is strongly advised to stay at least a night in Yazd, inhabiting in traditional hotels (or boutique houses). If you only experience it once, you will not even think about modern hotels anymore! Transportation Flight: Shahid Sadooghi International Airport is located to the southwest of Yazd; it offers regular domestic flights to Tehran and Mashhad and rare flights to Ahwaz and Bandar Abbas. Train: In addition to flights, you can reach Tehran, Mashhad, Bandar Abbas, and Kerman via Yazd train station. Bus: Busses are well run services in the city. The easiest way to access them is from Beheshti or Azadi square. Bus services to almost all major cities are available at the city terminal. Do not forget to use taxies. They are the most convenient [transport] system, easily found almost everywhere in the city.