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Birjand

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Birjand is a significant city located in the South Khorasan province of Iran. It serves as the capital for both the Central District and Birjand County.

Aerial view of Birjand City
Aerial view of Birjand City

The city is widely recognized for its specific agricultural and artisanal exports. These include saffron, barberry, and jujube, along with high-quality handmade carpets. The city acts as a regional hub for trade and education in eastern Iran.

The climate in Birjand is classified as cool arid, or Köppen BWk. This type of climate borders on a cool semi-arid classification known as BSk. Residents experience hot to sweltering summers and cool winters. There is also a significant difference between day and night temperatures. Most precipitation occurs during the winter and spring seasons. This dry environment influences the local lifestyle and the types of crops grown.

History in the region stretches back many centuries. The 13th-century writer Yaqut Homavi mentioned Birjand in his book, Mojem Alboldan. He described it as the most beautiful town in the Qohestan region. Before becoming a major municipality, Birjand likely existed as a rural community. The historical importance of the area is also recorded in the Ehya-ol-Molook literature.

Arly Tourists in Birjand
Arly Tourists in Birjand

Archaeological evidence provides a physical link to the ancient past. In the village of Kooch, located southeast of the city, lies the Lakh-Mazar inscription. This site features carvings on an igneous rock surface. The inscriptions include various scripts, such as Arsacid Pahlavi and Sasanian Pahlavi. They also feature Arabic, Persian, and various pictograms. These carvings represent some of the oldest evidence of the region's history.

Modern governance and infrastructure developed steadily throughout the 20th century. In 1931, the Birjand Municipality was established near the tomb of Hakim Nazari. It began its work with only 12 employees under its first mayor, Mr. Afshar.

Birjand-airport-3
Birjand-airport-3

In 1933, Birjand airport was established on 150 hectares of land in the north. This was done due to the military and political situation in the east. Later, in 1938, the Birjand Customs Office opened to facilitate trade with Afghanistan and India. This office operated through two units called Dareh and Gezik.

Education has been a cornerstone of Birjand's identity for a long time. In the mid-19th century, the Shokatiyeh School opened as a modern public school for higher education. This made it one of the first of its kind in Iran. The city has since become a major center for research and development. In 1975, the Birjand Institute of Higher Education was founded by Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ganji. It initially admitted 120 students in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Today, it is known as Birjand University.

Birjand-airport-3
Birjand-airport-3

The city hosts several other institutions, such as the Birjand University of Technology and the Birjand University of Medical Sciences.

Demographic data shows that the city has grown significantly over recent decades. According to the 2006 National Census, the population was 157,848 people across 41,341 households. By 2011, the population rose to 178,020 people in 48,130 households. The 2016 census recorded 203,636 people living in 57,745 households. The majority of the population follows the Shia Islam religion. This growing population supports the city's many services, including the Imam Reza Hospital, which opened in 1948.

Birjand remains a vital part of the South Khorasan landscape. Its combination of ancient history and modern academic institutions makes it unique.

Band Darreh Birjand Sizdah Be-dar
Band Darreh Birjand Sizdah Be-dar

From the ancient Lakh-Mazar inscriptions to the busy customs offices, the city connects the past to the present. It continues to be an important center for the export of goods and the pursuit of higher learning.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Arly Tourists in Birjand.jpg
Arly Tourists in Birjand.jpg
File:Birjand-airport-3.jpg
Birjand-airport-3.jpg
File:Aerial view of Birjand City.jpg
Aerial view of Birjand City.jpg
File:Band Darreh Birjand Sizdah Be-dar.JPG
Band Darreh Birjand Sizdah Be-dar.JPG
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