According to the administrative division rules, the Yazd province is divided into 10 districts, each includes at least one town and a number of villages. These districts are: Abarkuh, Ardakan, Bafq, Khatam, Maybod, Mehriz, Tabas, Sadough, Taft and Yazd.

Here is Marco Polo writing about Yazd:

Yasdi also is properly in Persia; it is a good and noble city, and has a great amount of trade. They weave there quantities of a certain silk tissue known as Yasdi, which merchants carry into many quarters to dispose of. The people are worshippers of Mahommet. When you leave this city to travel further, you ride for seven days over great plains, finding harbour to receive you at three places only. There are many fine woods [producing dates] upon the way, such as one can easily ride through; and in them there is great sport to be had in hunting and hawking, there being partridges and quails and abundance of other game, so that the merchants who pass that way have plenty of diversion. There are also wild asses, handsome creatures. At the end of those seven marches over the plain you come to a fine kingdom which is called Kerman.

The Travels of Marco Polo, by Marco Polo, translated by Henry Yule

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yazd

Historical sites in Yazd City

Yazd

Dowlatabad - Yazd

cloud jungle

Some 410 kilometers to the east of Tehran, half-way between the capital and Mashhad, and at the junction with the Gorgan road, this halting-place (with more than 202,000 inhabitants) has, in modern times, replaced the historic town of Bastam situated in the hills a few kilometers to the north.

From the north, it is surrounded by the Alborz Mountain Chain, and from the south by the Salty Desert. The river of Tash, after crossing this town, reaches the Salty Desert. The weather on the mountainous areas is cold and it is to somewhat temperate in other parts of the city.
The town of Shahrood has a really short history. It was just a village before Fath-Ali Shah Qajar with two old castles and a small farm named "Shabdary". But all surrounding areas, such as Biarjomand, Miami and Bastam have longer history.
The old town of Bastam is located 6 kilometers north to the town of Shahrood. Its pre-Islamic history is not clear, but to some historians, it was built during Shapour II period (310-379 AC). During the Abbasid period, it was the second, following Damghan, greener and larger area in the Qomis state. It was visited by Nasser Khosrow Qubadiani, the great Iranian poet in 438 AH, and mentioned by him as the center of the Qomis state. But Bastam declined by the Mongols’ attack, and Shahrood developed instead. The town of Shahrood is located on the main road between Tehran and the east of Iran toward the state of Khurasan and its regional capital Mashhad.
The most interesting historical places and buildings of the district of Shahrood are as followings:
The Saljuki Mosque which is located in Bastam, and only a part of its wall as well as one minaret remained to this day. Its construction belongs to the year 514 AH.
The Monastery of Bayazeed Bastami which includes an interesting building with a dome is made of brick in the 8th century, then reconstructed in the 13th century AH.
hThe Village of Kharaqan which is located 12 kilometers far from Bastam. It was a famous village during the 7th and the 8th centuries AH. The tomb of Abul-Hassan Ali Kharaqani, who is one of the most famous Arefs of the Sufi group of the 5th century AH, is located in this village. The brick building with its dome belongs to the 5th century AH.
The Byar Castle which is located on the south-eastern area of Bastam, and is near to the desert edge of Byarjomand. This castle has an old mosque and an old wall with three gates.

Masjid-e Farumad

Located in a village by the same name 165 km to the north east of Shahrud, the original construction of this magnificent historic monument belongs to the 13th century AD.
Today nothing but the ruins and demolished columns and prayer hall of that impressive structure may catch the visitor's eyes. The reason for the building of such a mosque in this village was that Farumad and the surrounding villages had developed into a major center of political

activities of Sarbedaran Movement during the later Ilkhanid period.

Shahrud Museum

Dating from the later Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, originally belonging to the Shahrud Municipality and already located in the center of the town, this two- storied structure with brick facing was transformed into the present museum in 1988 after a series of major repair and renovation works. It is a remarkable structure in terms of architectural style and exterior tile works. It houses both archaeological and ethnological sections.

Alisadr Cave

History and Cultural-Historical Attractions of Hamadan Province

Hamadan’s nature and climate are appropriate for farming and grazing activities and that is why this region has been home to different ancient civilizations. Discovery of over 660 ancient hills which hold remnants of human activity throughout different times, confirms the above. Excavations in Gian Hill have shown that the relatively advanced civilizations which existed in this region go as far back as 4000 B.C. . Moreover, ancient Assyrian stone carvings mention Hamadan under the name of City of Casians and this shows existence of a city here at about 4000 B.C. . Medians’ immigration to west of Iran and the vicinity of current Hamadan, started about 3500 B.C. and their cultural mixing with inhabitants of the city gradually lead to the first central government in Iranian flat, whose capital was Hegmataneh (Ecbatana - Hamadan). The peak of this empire, the Median empire, was at about 650 B.C. when it conquered the Assyrian empire and extended its kingdom to Turkey (today) in the west and to eastern parts of Iran (today) in the east. According to Herodotus, the famous Greek historian, the first Median king Dia-Eko had very big castles built around the city. Today most researchers and historians believe that Hegmataneh Hill in the heart of Hamadan is a remnant of this castles.

This hill has undergone various researches in the recent years and the findings have been made available to public; Also, the excavations in Godin hills near Kangavar and Nooshijan in Malayer have revealed some parts of Median civilization and culture to us, including primal forms of writing, ancient coins and architecture. From Achamenian era, stone carvings in arrowhead writing, lots of gold and silver tools and remains of stone castles have been found and are available through National Museum and Hegmataneh Museum. Also from the Seleucid and Ashkani eras there is the statue of Stone Lion and the Partian cemetery and remains of a temple in Nahavand. One the main mints in the Sassanid era was located in Hamadan and various coins of this era have been found. Nahavand, too, was a very important city for the Sassanids and contained a very strong fortress and one of the seven Sassanid generals resided in this city. Arabs, during their attack on Iran, named conquering Nahavand “the victory of victories” and considered the fall of Hamadan in 645 A.D. . their second most difficult victory. The Qal’e Jooq cave in Famenin and ruins of a castle in the same area, now remain.

Islamic thoughts and beliefs resulted profound changes in arts and architecture. Various buildings and monuments remain from this era, some of which are: the beautiful and valuable Alavian Dome from the Saljooqi era - Qorban Tower - Astar and Mardkhai Mausoleums - Khezr Mausoleum from between the 7th and 9th century in Hamadan - Imamzadeh Eznav in Famenin from the Saljooqi era - Imamzadeh Hood and Imamzadeh Az’Har in Razan and the Mausoleum of prophet Hebqooq in Tooserkan from the 8th century - Imamzadeh Iah’Ia, Imamzadeh Hossein and Imamzadeh Ismaeel in Hamadan and Farasfaj Carevanserai and Sheikh Alikhan-e-Zangeneh school of religion in Tooserkan - A cistern and a stone carving known as the Aqajan Belaqi epigraph which about the construction of a dam in Asadabad - Mirfattah Ice-house in Malayer and Haj Aqa Torab in Nahavand and several bridges in Asadabad, including the broken (Khosroabad) bridge - Koorijan and Abshineh bridges in Hamadan - Jahanabad bridge in Famenin - Farasfaj bridge and the Bazaar in Tooserkan and Zaramin bridge in Nahavand all of them from the Safavi era - Bazaar, Jame’ Mosque and Imam square in Hamadan and bazaar of Malayer built after the Safavi era.

Moreover, Hamadan has always been a stronghold of great men of science, art, gnosis, religion and politics, some of the most prominent ones are: the great philosopher and physician Abu’ Ali Sina - the famous poet and gnostic Baba Taher - the great judge and gnostic Ein-ol-Qozat-e-Hamadani and political figures like Khajeh Rashid-ed-Din Fazl-el-Lah-e-Hamadani the well known vizier in Ilkhani era and poets and scholars like Mirzadeh Eshqi, Maftoon-e-Hamadani and religious and political figures like Seiied Jamal-ed-Din-e-Asadabadi. Islamic art lovers can both visit the monuments made in remembrance of some of these great figures (e.g. shrines of Abu Ali Sina and Baba Taher) and other historical and cultural heritage.

Add to all of the historical and cultural attractions, the natural and touristic features of Hamadan, including the beautiful and unique cave of Alisadr in Kaboodarahang, Ganjnameh and Abbad Abad resorts in Hamadan - Malayer park - Sar-Ab-e-Gian in Nahavand and summer parks of Asadabad. The unique and magnificent collection of cultural, historical and natural attractions in this area along with easy transportation and communication with Tehran and its cool weather in summer and spring makes Hamadan a perfect touristic province. Last year Hamadan rated the forth province in tourist attraction and the city of Hamadan has been chosen as touristic model for other parts of the province and if the program goals are achieved, the city and the province will become a well known international tourism center.

http://www.hamedanmiras.ir/en_site/index.htm

Water Sprot - Kish Island- Persian Gulf

Kish

Kish Island is located on the north east of the Persian Gulf (Khalij-e Fars) about 17 km (10.2 miles) from the southern offshore of the mainland Iran.

Kish Island with an area of 90 square km (36 sq. miles) is one of the most beautiful places in the Persian Gulf. Oval in shape (15Km X 8Km), Kish has beautiful white silvery sand beaches for relaxing walks. Other activities include jogging, swimming, boating, diving, fishing, concerts and plays frequently held on the Kish Summer Cinema.

It has an ancient history of 3,000 years with other names such as Kamtina, Arakia, Arakata, and Ghiss.

In 12th century, it was an Arab Port and famous for its pearls. When Marco Polo visited the Imperial court in China, he commented on the Emperor's wife pearls, he was told that they were from Kish.

After the 14th century, it regressed until the 1960's when last Shah turned it into a luxury resort . After the Islamic Revolution, it has become a duty-free shopping center with good prices on electronics. Check with customs or the KFZO (Kish Free Zone Org) about current customs regulations.

Kish Island is hot and humid in the summer but pleasant November thru March. The local minibuses are an excellent way to see the island. Bicycle rental is available and there is a Special Bike Route clearly marked. Swimming is encouraged and there are seperate beaches for men and women. Maps available at the Kish Tourism Org. office. Scuba diving off the coral reefs is another highlight (home of the rare emporor fish).

The accommodations and restaurants on the island are expensive comparing to the mainland. It has nice villas, hotels, and guesthouses - for more information see hotels. The island with its own distinctive flag, and own vehicle registration plates is intended to make it into a high-class resort for foreign visitors. Almost everything is marked in English.

There are flights from Shiraz and Tehran and boats from Bandar-e Abbas and Bushehr. Be sure to purchase tickets in well in advance.

In Kish Island, attractions are Kish Aquarium with beautiful and colorful fish. Also, of interest is the Pearl Culturing and Developing Center. Helicopter shuttle service is also available for flying over the green waters of the Persian Gulf.

Esfahan - Meydan_e_Emam

Masjid-e Emam (Emam Mosque)
Esfahan is one of the oldest cities of Iran with the 1,001,000 population located 414 km south of Tehran and 481 km north of Shiraz. This 2500 years old city served as Persia's capital from 1598 to 1722.

Esfahan was a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy, and therefore was a kaleidoscope of resident languages, religions, and customs. The city is known for its silver filigree and metal work.

Esfahan - ZayandehRoud

This city is renowned not only for the abundance of great historical monuments, but also for its Life-Giving River, The Zayandeh-Rood, which has given the city an original beauty and a fertile land. Esfahan is filled with old gardens and some of the best sights in Iran.

In the Arsacides (Parthians) era, Esfahan was the center and capital city of a wide province, which was administered by Arsacide governors.

In Sassanids time, Esfahan was governed by "Espoohrans" or the members of seven noble Iranian families who had important royal positions, it played a residencial role for these noble families as well. Moreover, in this period Esfahan was a military center with strong fortifications. This city was occupied by Arabs after final defeat of Iranians.

A view of Esfahan, Khajou Bridge (Pol-e Khajou)
After Islam, Esfahan was under domination of Arabs, like other cities of Iran, till the early 10th century A.D., and it was paid attention only by Caliph Mansour. In the reign of Malekshah Saljooghi, Esfahan was again selected as capital and began another golden age. In this period, Esfahan was one of the most thriving and important cities of the world.

This city was conquered by Mongols in 13th century A.D. and they massacred the people. After the invasions of Mongols and Taymour, as the result of its suitable geographic situation, Esfahan flourished again especially in Safavid time, which developed considerably.

After selection of Esfahan as capital by Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) who unified Persia it reached to its pinnacle of briskness. Esfahan had parks, libraries and mosques that amazed Europeans, who had not seen anything like this at home. The Persians called it Nisf-e-Jahan, half the world; meaning that to see it was to see half the world.

Esfahan became one of the world's most elegant cities. In its heyday it was also one of the largest with a population of one million; 163 mosques, 48 religious schools, 1801 shops and 263 public baths.

Decline of Safavid dynasty by Mahmood Afghan and conquest of Esfahan a 6 month siege, caused a degeneration period for this city. In Afsharieh and Zandieh times it flourished again but during Qajars reign, due to choosing Tehran as capital, Esfahan began to decline once more.

Masjid-e Jome (Friday Mosque)
Esfahan, regarding its historical and geographic conditions, was paid attention during Pahlavi time and some endeavors were made for repair and restoration of historical monuments. Moreover, Esfahan and the province redeveloped and industrialized rapidly. During last two decades, Esfahan developed with a very high rate of acceleration from urban development point of view, highly observing restoration of historical monuments.

Today, Esfahan is a major industrial center and also is one of the important tourism centers of Iran and the world.

Kashan

Kashan is very near to Qom and located in an altitude of 1,600 m above the sea level. It is 260 km to the south of Tehran and can be reached via Qom (105 km) on a first-class highway, national road, or railway. Apart from its world-famous carpets, and well known for its silk and the glazed earthenware tile called Kashi after its place of manufacture, Kashan is a beautiful large oasis town on the Qom-Kerman road running along the edge of the Great Desert, Kevir. One of the most important archaeological sites in central Iran, it is on the edge of the town. Kashan is also of interest for its connections with Shah Abbas I - it was a famous town of his, and he beautified it and asked to be buried here in the mausoleum of a 13th century ancestor.

Kashan flourished during the Sassanid dynasty; but, it was demolished during the Arab invasion with the exception of a few ancient buildings remaining. Kashan became prosperous again during Seljuq times and is known for its ceramics since then. Kashan once again was destroyed during Mongols invasion but it became an important town in the Safavid periods, and was the capital during the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid II. Some Safavid rulers preferred to live in Kashan rather than in the capital, Esfahan. A local historian wrote that Kashan's name is derived from "Key Ashian" which means place of rulers.

Kashan is internationally famous for manufacturing carpets, silk and other textiles.

Agha Bozorg Mosque
This mosque and theological school (Madreseh Agha Bozorg) is located in the

center of Kashan. The mosque consisted of two large "eivan", one in front of the "mehrab" and the other by the entrance. The courtyard has a second court in the middle which comprised of a garden with trees and a fountain. Surrounding the courtyard are arcades. The eivan in front of mehrab has two minarets with a brick dome. The colors of arcades and eivan are restricted to blue, red, or yellow against a brick ground.

Boroujerdi Residence
This is used to be a private home but now is open to public as a museum. This house was built in the early 19th century and consisted of a beautiful courtyard, delightful wall paintings and very unusual wind towers which helps cool the house.

Bagh-e Fin
Bagh-e Fin is located a few kilometers southwest of Kashan, in the small village of Fin. This is one of the most famous gardens of Iran. This beautiful garden with its pool and orchards was designed for Shah Abbas I as a classical Persian vision of paradise. The original Safavid buildings have been substantially replaced and rebuilt by Qajar dynasty although the layout of trees and marble basins is close to the original.

This gorgeous garden with remains of its two story palace is a pleasant spot to relax in the shade. This palace is also notorious as the sight of the murder of Mirza Taghi Khan known as Amir kabir chancelor of Naser o-Din Shah of Qajar in 1852.

Friday Mosque
Friday Mosque or Masjed-e Jomeh with its 11th century "mehrab" was built during Seljuq period and has been restored several times since then. This mosque also dates back to Timurid Dynasty (15th century) and has a minaret with some ancient inscriptions.

Tabatabaie Residence
This house was built in the 19th century and consisted of a beautiful courtyard, beautiful windows with the painted glases. This is used to be a private home but now is open to public as a museum.

Tappeh-ye Sialk
The richest archaeological site in central Iran is the mound of the Tappeh-ye Sialk. This site was excavated by Ghirshman in the 1930s. The excavations revealed that the site is more than 7000 years old.

Sialk was occupied from the fourth millennium BCE until the 8th century BCE. Probably, one of the most interesting findings are inscribed clay tablets dating back to the late 3rd and early 2nd millennium BCE. There are also some records showing immigrants and conquerors passing through this region and settling near Bagh-e Fin.

The artifacts uncovered reside in the Louvre Museum in Paris and the archaeological museum in Tehran. There is not much to do or see there today unless you are an archaeologist.