By: Lily Abolfathipour

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Yazd Province

1. Geography

Yazd Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It covers an area of 131,575 km2. It has eleven counties: Maybod, Mehreez, Taft, Ardakan, Behabad, Khatam, Sadogh, Bafq, Abarkuh, Tabas, and the capital Yazd.

Population of Yazd Province (2006 census): 958,323

Area: 131,575 km²

Language: Persian and Behdini

Climate: Very dry, one of the driest regions in Iran,

annual precipitation only 60 millimeters per year

2. History

Yazd is said to be the “oldest living city on Earth”. This might be a difficult claim to verify, but it is widely believed the site has been continually inhabited for about 7,000 years. Yazd was on an important trade route which helped Yazd grow. In present times, Yazd is the center of Zoroastrian culture. Marco Polo traveled through Yazd in the 13th century. He said it is a highly noble city and has great amount of trade. But why did Yazd remain Zoroastrian even after the Arab Islamic conquest of Persia? By paying a levy, Yazd remained Zoroastrian even after the conquest and became Muslim only gradually. Now I will introduce some places you would like to visit when you come to Yazd.

Amir Chakhmaq

The stunning three-storey façade of the takieh in the Amir Chakhmaq Complex is one of the largest Hosseniehs in Iran. The alcoves are perfectly proportioned. Recent work added the sides, hopefully not for shops!!! During the Norooz holidays it is possible to climb up and see the spectacular view of Yazd, but other times, it’s mostly closed.

Jame Mosque

The magnificent Jame’ Mosque dominates the old city. This 12th century mosque is still used today. It was first built under Ala’oddoleh Garshasb of the Al-e Bouyeh dynasty. The mosque was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365, and is one of the outstanding 14th century buildings of Iran. Its minarets are the highest in Iran.

Ateshkadeh (Zoroastrian Fire Temple)

Fravahar Symbol

Zoroastrians come from all around the world to see this Ateshkadeh, often referred to as the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. It is said to have been burning since AD 470. The flame was transferred to Ardakan in 1174, then to Yazd in 1474 and to its present site in 1940. Above the entrance you can see the Fravahar Symbol.

Chak Chak

Chak Chak (Persian: چک‌چک "Drip-Drip") is located near the city of Ardakan in Yazd. This place serves as a pilgrimage point for pious Zoroastrians. In Zoroastrian belief, Chak Chak is where Nikbanou evacuated to protect herself from invaders.

Tower of Silence and the Windcatcher (Badgir)

Tower of Silence The Windcatcher (Badgir) In the Iranian Zoroastrian religion, The windcatcher caught wind and

the towers were built atop hills or cooled it; just like an air conditioner.

low mountains distant from This one above is one of the tallest

population centers. They put the dead windcatchers existing. They used

over here so the birds would eat them. the wind to cool the house.

Cypress of Abarkuh

4,000 years old Cypress of Abarkuh is the

oldest tree in Iran and the second oldest

tree in the world. It is located in Abarkuh,

Yazd Province. It is also called the

Zoroastrian Sarv.

3. Climate

Yazd has one of the driest climates in Iran due to its location east of the Zagros Mountains, making much of Yazd subject to the rain shadow effect. Low precipitation and high rate of evaporation in summer months due to high summer temperatures are among the factors making much of this province one of the driest regions in Iran. The only moderate climatic factor is Yazd’s high terrain elevation. Shir Kuh, located in Yazd, rises to 4,000 meters.

4. Architecture and Heritage

Yazd is of foremost importance as a center of Persian Architecture. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest network of qanats in the world, and Yazdi qanat makers are considered the most skilled in Iran. To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent windcatchers, and large underground areas. The city is also home to prime examples of yakhchals, which were used to store retrieved ice from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely of adobe.

5. Yazd Industry

Yazd is always known for the quality of its silk and carpets. Today, Yazd is widely known for its textile industrialization. There are also considerable ceramics and construction material industry. Now I will show you some unique confectionary that you might want to know.

Other Employments: Agriculture, dairy, metal works, and machine manufacturing

Ghotab Baghlava Pashmak

REVIEW OF EVERYTHING Population: 958,323

Area: 131,575 km

Language: Persian and Behdini

Climate: Very dry, one of the driest regions in Iran, annual precipitation only 60 millimeters per year

Center of Zoroastrian CultureVery hot Persian Architectural buildingsTasty Pastry named Ghotab, Baghlava, PashmakPlaces to Visit: Amir Chakhmaq, Jame Mosque, Tower of Silence, Badgirs, Cypress of Abarkuh and more.

Questions

1. Why did Yazd stay Zoroastrian even after the Islamic conquest?

2. Which is Yazd Province’s estimated population?

A. 960,000 B. 9,000,000 C. 900,000 D. 600,000

3. What is the biggest county in Yazd?

4. Where does the name “Yazd” come from?

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