Yazd

Places of Interest - Iran

introduction

The city of Yazd seems to be one of the oldest cities in the world, although it is difficult to obtain evidence for this. What’s sure is, is that Marco Polo traveled through the city and left a very good report about the city. Yazd is situated between the two major deserts and had to adapt on an architectural level drastically because of it over the years. The result is that it has a unique collection of different building styles; especially the wind turbines (badgirs), that will keep the heat out ask for attention.

The city's main attraction is the old centre, which is completely built from mudbrick. Here you can get lost in long windy lanes and many corners and streets, alleys and streets. Sometimes you're lucky and you see a beautiful courtyard. Other well-known things of the city are the fact that it is a conservative city, that Zoroastrian faith is still celebrating here and the quality of homemade things, such as silk and textiles, is still high in this respect.

highlights

The old city:

If you ever want to experience the old times (and I mean Yazd seems to be one of the oldest cities in the world) take some extra time and let yourself get lost in this labyrinth what we call Yazd's old city. High mudbrick walls, small streets, alleys, corners and holes in the walls.

But also mosques, courtyards, occasional trees and crazy motorcycle riders that drive like crazy through the narrow alleys. Domes, beautiful doors, unique gate and high arches can be found but also small workshops, shops, children playing, gossiping women and old males gather on the street. The ancient Yazd is a romantic place which is the highlight of a visit to the city.

One of the things you should not miss is a visit to a roof terrace. Here you can see the forests of badgirs, windmills and minarets of impressive mosques and the mountains and hills around the city in the distance. Do not walk in the middle of the day but wait for the shadows to grow long and old womens soul is only looking for the right path to your final destination.

Other sites:

Jameh mosque, Amir Chakhmaq complex, Ateshkadeh and the silence tower.

history

Yadz claims to be the oldest citie in the world even though we can not prove nor deny this out of evidence we have. It is clear that around 7000 years ago the place where the city is located was already inhabited. Yadz started under the name Ysatis or Issatis.

It’s position as a commercial trading center, its professional diplomacy and the never-ending political affiliation has probably been the rescue of the city. After the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century, many "Zoroastrians" flew to Yazd from neighboring regions. After paying bribes, these ancient believers could keep their religion even though Islam became the dominant belief in the city afterwards.

Because of his remote position between two deserts and the high difficulty of approaching the city, Yadz remained immune for great battles or destruction of war or other matters. When Genghis Khan destroyed the land, many refugees arrived in Yazd and found a safe home here. When Marco Polo stayed in the city in the 13th century, he described the city as a nice and great city and a commercial center; especially the trade in silk was remarkable, he said. Tammerlane also would save the city.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the city flourished with trade in silk, textile and carpets. When the "Safavids" were defeated, it went downhill with Yazd. Only when the train rails were extended to the city would the city have a kind or (small) revival. Nowadays, money is mainly spent on tourism.

Yazd-Iran-Fountain-Square-Badgir-Roof-Terrace-Minaret

tips & advice (2014)

The big bus station is situated kilometers outside the center and you can not get there easily (too far). You can reach it by taxi (shared or private) but there are also buses. A taxi from the city center costs about 70,000 Rials.

Yazd - Mashhad: With the bus company Aria Safar you can travel with a VIP or a regular night bus to Mashhad. The most comfortable way is the train, but it's almost always full. The bus left at 16:00 but had an hour delay.

The ride lasted for a total of 16 hours and was quite “tough” - the chairs were hanging constantly backwards, seats were hanging loose, the bus was full, sometimes we did not drive faster than 30km an hour and I had a seat (while I made a reservation three days in advance) in the rear. The price is 260,000 Rial.

Name: Bagh-e Dolat Abad

Address: Western part of the old town

Price: 100,000 Rial

Time: 07:30 - 17:00

Content:

Recognized by Iran's highest badgir (wind tower), this was a residence of the Persian reign Kamir Khan Zand, a former country leader. The complex was built in 1750 and has a garden and two larger buildings, one of which has been the real palace or house. The latter has been completely renovated (including the wind tower which is 33 meters high and replaced in 1960) and has a selection of stained glass windows, tiles and mosaics.

Here you can also see the wind turbines from below to give you an idea. The garden is a rectangular area with a channel of water (qanat) in the middle; hiking trails on either side with tall trees and a nice garden on both sides. Personally I found the price (given the other sights I've seen in Iran) too high.

If you want to eat something different than "chelo kebab" then walk into the Silk Road hotel in the old town near the Jameh mosque. An English menu, a neat perfect English speaking waiter and delicious food. My chicken curry was really great and I had to pay 150.000 Rial with drinks and rice. Also the Khoresht-e Bademjan was fine (60,000).

Name: Kohan hotel

Address: Kohan Kashaneh (side street of Imam Khomeini street)

Price: 300,000 (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 621 2485

Website: www.kohanhotel.com

Content:

Located in the centre of the old town is this perfect traditional Persian hotel. It's hard to find, so pay close attention to the many signs on walls in the old city. You can also follow the coin museum signs which is located nearby the hotel. There is a pretty large courtyard with a spacious pond and tall trees that provide shade to the Persian daybeds. On a platform there are tables and chairs where the free breakfast (buffet) is served in the morning.

Tea is available all day (free of charge). You are welcomed with a free drink and there are several types of rooms around the courtyard. It is a family hotel and son Iman and a female colleague speak fluent English and are very helpful. Tours are provided, you can leave your laundry and there is WIFI. It's a lot quieter than the nearby "Silk Road" hotel so it's up to what you want.

I only slept in the big dormitory with 9 beds; There is a small balcony where you can sit, a refrigerator and a fan; Also there is AC present. The room has a toilet and a shower. If you have stayed for more than three days, you will get the taxi to the terminal (60,000) for free.