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Yazd (; ) is a city in the Central District of Yazd County, Yazd province province, Iran, serving as capital of the province, the county, and the district. At the 2016 census, its population was 529,673. Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd is known for its Persian architecture. It is nicknamed the "City of " (شهر بادگیرها Shahr-e Badgirha) from its many examples. It is also very well known for its Zoroastrian , (cisterns), (underground channels), (coolers), Persian handicrafts, Termeh ( Persian termeh), silk weaving, Pashmak, and its time-honored confectioneries. Yazd is also known as City of Bicycles, because of its early adoption of cycling, and its boasting the highest number of bicycles per capita in Iran. It is reported that bicycle culture in Iran originated in Yazd as a result of contact with European visitors and tourists in the nineteenth century.
The area encompassing Yazd first started to gain prominence in the Late antiquity, namely under the Sasanian Empire (224–651). Under Yazdegerd I (), a mint was established in Yazd (under the mint abbreviation of "YZ"), which demonstrates its increasing importance. According to the New Persian chronicle Tarikh-i Yazd ("History of Yazd") of 1441, Yazd was re-founded by "Yazdegerd, son of Bahram", i.e. Yazdegerd II (). The word yazd means God.Steingass, Francis Joseph. A Comprehensive Persian-English dictionary, including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in Persian literature. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1892. After the Muslim conquest, many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd from neighboring provinces. By paying a levy, Yazd was allowed to remain Zoroastrian even after its conquest, and Islam only gradually became the dominant religion in the city.
Due to its secluded desert setting and challenging access, Yazd was mostly spared from major conflicts and the devastation and havoc of warfare. For instance, it was a haven for those fleeing from destruction in other parts of the Khwarazmian Empire during the Mongol invasion. In 1272 it was visited by Marco Polo, who remarked on the city's fine Silk weaving industry. In the book The Travels of Marco Polo, he described Yazd in the following way:
Yazd briefly served as the capital of the Muzaffarid Dynasty in the fourteenth century, and was unsuccessfully besieged in 1350–1351 by the Injuids under Abu Ishaq Inju. The Friday mosque, arguably the city's greatest architectural landmark, as well as other important buildings, date to this period. During the Qajar Iran (18th century AD) it was ruled by the Bakhtiari people Khans.
Under the rule of the Safavid Iran (16th century), some people migrated from Yazd and settled in an area that is today on the Iran-Afghanistan border. The settlement, which was named Yazdi, was located in what is now Farah City in the Farah Province of the same name in Afghanistan. Even today, people from this area speak with an accent very similar to that of the people of Yazd.
One of the notable things about Yazd is its family-centered culture. According to official statistics from Iran's National Organization for Civil Registration, Yazd is among the three cities with the lowest divorce rates in Iran.
During the Pahlavi era, a large group of Kurds from the Gulbaghi tribe were moved from the north of Kurdistan province to the city of Yazd and the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Nayin. Today, the Gulbaghi tribe are mostly assimilated elements in the population of these cities.
There is also a sizable population of Zoroastrians in the city. In 2013, Sepanta Niknam was elected to the city council of Yazd and became the first Zoroastrian councillor in Iran. The Pir-e-Naraki sanctuary is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Zoroastrians, where an annual congregation is held and frequent visits are made during the year; it is now also a famous tourist spot. The story of the last Persian prince to come to Yazd before the arrival of Islam adds to its importance. Such a transformation has occurred several times.
There was once a relatively large Jewish-Yazdi community, however, after the creation of Israel, many have moved there for varying reasons. Former president of Israel Moshe Katsav is an example.
Dust events are not uncommon in Yazd, as they happen 52 days per year. Haze is much more common (135.8 days annually) and is more frequent in winter.
To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent windcatcher and large underground areas.
The city is also home to prime examples of , which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of adobe.
Yazd's heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. There is a Tower of Silence on the outskirts, and the city has an Fire temple which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since 470 AD. Zoroastrians make up a small minority of the population of Yazd, around 1,000 out of 600,000.
The 11th-century brick mausoleum and shrine Davāzdah Imām is the oldest dated building in the city.
Built in 12th century and still in use, Jame Mosque of Yazd is an example of the finest Persian and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din is nearby the mosque.
Yazd's confectioneries have a tremendous following throughout Iran and have been a source of tourism for the city. Confectioners workshops ( khalifehs, or experts) keep their recipes a guarded secret, and there are many that have remained a private family business for many generations. Baklava, ghotab and pashmak are the most popular sweets made in the city.
In 2000 the Yazd Water Museum opened; it features exhibits of water storage vessels and historical technologies related to water.
Yazd has expanded its industrial fields since the 1980s. With at least three main industrial areas each containing over 70 different factories, Yazd has become one of the most technologically advanced cities of Iran.
Historical sites
Yazd is an important centre of Iranian architecture. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of (underground water supply systems) in the world, and Yazdi qanat makers are considered the most skilled in Iran.
Economy
Always known for the quality of its silk and carpets, Yazd today is one of Iran's industrial centers for textiles. There is also a considerable ceramics and construction materials industry and unique confectionery and jewellery industries. A significant portion of the population is also employed in other industries including agriculture, dairy, metal works, and machine manufacturing. There are a number of companies involved in the growing information technology industry, mainly manufacturing primary materials such as cables and connectors. Currently Yazd is the home of the largest manufacturer of fibre optics in Iran.
Tourism
Yazd also offers a range of notable hotels that blend traditional Persian architecture with modern hospitality. Prominent examples include the *Dad Hotel*, a restored historic building with authentic Yazdi features; the *Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel*, located within a Qajar-era garden complex; and the *Parsian Safaiye Hotel*, known for its combination of modern comfort and local design. These hotels serve as ideal bases for exploring the city’s historic sites and desert surroundings.
Transportation
In addition to its connection with major Iranian cities via Iranian Railways, Yazd is served by the Shahid Sadooghi Airport.
Politics
Famous residents
Education
The University of Yazd was established in 1988. It has a college of architecture specializing in traditional Persian art and architecture. Yazd and its nearby towns contain the following institutes of higher education:
Twin towns – sister cities
Yazd is Sister city with:
Gallery
See also
Notes
Citations
Bibliography
External links
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