Kashan
Located in an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level, Kashan is one of the main
cities of Esfahan province. The town's population amounts to 400,000, living on
an area of 2,100 hectares.
In addition to its world-famous carpets, Kashan is also well known for its
silk and the glazed earthenware tile called kashi after its place of
manufacture. Kashan is a beautiful large oasis town of the Qum-Kerman road
running along the western edge of the Great Desert Kevir.
The city has long been noted for its silk textiles, ceramics, copper ware and
rose fields of Qamsar, as well.
Kashan is one of the most important archaeological sites in central Iran; it
has a historical background of over 7,000 years.
Sights to See
-
Agha Bozorg Mosque
The Agha Bozorg Mosque and School Complex in Fazel-e Naraghi Street, belong
to the second half of the last century (Qajar period), when the country's
architects produced a number of unforgettable masterpieces. The Complex
considered as on the most beautiful and magnificent Islamic monuments of
Iran.
Ancient Bazaar - Kashan
-
Borujerdis Old House
Was built nearly 130 years ago by a famous merchant named Haj Seyed Ja`far
Borujerdi from Natanz, who imported goods from Borujerd in Lurestan
province.
The construction date (1293 A.H.) can still be seen on the covered
inscription of the building, completion of which required 18 years of work
by tens of labors, master printers, and architects.
-
Fin Historic Garden
Bagh-e Shah, the king's garden (also known as the Bagh-e Tarikhi-e Fin or
Bagh-e Amir Kabir) at Fin 6 km to the southwest, and perhaps the finest
surviving example in Iran, creates the contrast between the Kevir region and
the greenery of the well-tended oasis below the adjoining Karakas Mountain.
-
Masjid-e Jam`e
Being Kashan`s oldest building from Seljuk period, the mosque (also known as
the Friday Mosque) has a brick dome and a high ivan. It is said that the
original building was a fire-temple before the conversion of people to
Islam. The older minaret of the mosque is from the eleventh or twelfth
century and the third oldest minaret in Iran according to its inscription;
rest of the building is later.
-
Sultan Amir Ahmad Shrine
Sultan Amir Ahmad was the son of Imam musa `bn-e Ja`far, whose shrine along
with a sanctuary, wide porticos and a conic dome are of the most interesting
sights to see. The Shrine dates back to the Seljuk and Safavid periods.
-
Tappeh Sialk
On Amir Kabir Street which leads to the Bagh-e Shah (Fin) from Kashan is the
mound of Tappeh Sialk the site of a prehistoric culture which was dated by
Ghrishman who excavated the Tappeh in the `30s and later, to the second half
of the 15th millennium BC. Later discoveries showed that the Site is more
than 7,000 years old. It is probably the richest archaeological site so far
uncovered in finds have been moved to various institutes and museums,
including National Museum of Iran in Tehran and Louver in Paris.
Excursions around Kashan
-
Abyaneh
Abyaneh is a beautiful historic village at the foot of Karkas Mountain 70 km
to the southeast of Kashan and 40 km to Natanz.
This is a village of living traditions, architectural styles (all in red
clay), and probably the most interesting example of human adaptation to
nature, wherein one can transcend the boundaries of time and space and
experience the ancient civilization and culture of Iran.
Other Places
Tabatabaei Old House
Ameri Old House
Abbasian Old House
Sultan
Mir Ahmad Bathhouse
Sultan Mir Ahmad Bathhouse, roof view
