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Kashan

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Kashan is a major city in the northern part of Isfahan province, Iran.

Old entrance of Kashan
Old entrance of Kashan

It serves as the capital for both Kashan County and the Central District. This city is one of the oldest in Iran. It is also recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Kashan is positioned north of the Karkas Mountains. It sits to the west of the Dasht-e Kavir desert. This desert region has very little vegetation. You will mostly find small bushes and shrubs there.

The geography of the region is divided into two distinct parts. One part is mountainous, and the other is desert.

Kashan 2017 (34089590781)
Kashan 2017 (34089590781)

The city experiences a hot desert climate. This is known as the BWh designation in the Köppen climate classification. It is also classified as BW in the Trewartha system. Summers are very hot and dry. Winters are cold, though they are warmer than other Iranian cities. This warmth exists because Kashan sits at a lower elevation.

Jardín de Fin, Kashan, Irán, 2016-09-19, DD 22
Jardín de Fin, Kashan, Irán, 2016-09-19, DD 22

High mountain peaks surround the area and influence the landscape. Mount Gargash is the second highest peak in the Karkas mountain range.

Tabatabaei2
Tabatabaei2

It reaches a height of 3,600 meters. The highest point in the vicinity is Ardahal peak. This peak is 3,505 meters tall and sits 35 kilometers west of Kashan. Mount Gargash was selected as a site for the Iranian National Observatory. Experts assessed 40 summits in Iran for light pollution before choosing it. The facility was inaugurated in 2021 after eighteen years of work.

The history of Kashan stretches back to the Paleolithic period.

Old entrance of Kashan
Old entrance of Kashan

Evidence of early humans was found at Neyasar, Kaftar Khoun, and Sefid-Ab. Tepe Sialk is a significant site linked to the Zayandeh River Culture. It dates back to around the 6th millennium BC. Many stories and legends are tied to the city's past. Some accounts claim Kashan was the origin of the three wise men from the Bible. A Safavid era legend tells of Abu Lu'lu'a, a craftsman who fled to Kashan. A shrine was built over his supposed tomb, which remains a local landmark.

Kashan has been ruled by many different powers throughout history. During the Timurid Empire, the city was patronized by Ulugh Beg. Later, the city came under the rule of the Qara Qoyunlu and the Aq Qoyunlu. Safavid kings also used Kashan as a leisure vacation spot. The city faced a major disaster in 1778. An earthquake leveled the city and all the buildings of Shah Abbas Safavi. This event caused 8,000 casualties. Despite this, the city was rebuilt and started afresh.

The city is famous for its traditional Persian architecture and historical sites.

Tabatabaei2
Tabatabaei2

The Fin Garden is a notable example. It was successfully nominated by Iran for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012. Other important structures include the Abbāsi House and the Agha Bozorg Mosque.

Inside The Bathhouse
Inside The Bathhouse

You can also visit the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse. The Timcheh-e Amin o Dowleh is a historic bazaar structure.

Persian architects designed these structures to regulate sunlight and ventilation. They also used them to naturally decrease temperatures during the day.

Today, Kashan is a center for education and industry. The city is known for manufacturing silk, carpets, and other textiles.

University of Kashan
University of Kashan

More than 10,000 students study at local institutions. These include the University of Kashan and the Kashan University of Medical Sciences. The city is well-connected to the rest of Iran. Road 71 Freeway links Kashan to Isfahan and Natanz to the south. It also connects to Qom to the north. The city is also served by a railway station and an airport.

Old entrance of Kashan
Old entrance of Kashan
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Teemcheh.jpg
Teemcheh.jpg
File:Napoleon-Kashan.jpg
Napoleon-Kashan.jpg
File:Jardín de Fin, Kashan, Irán, 2016-09-19, DD 22.jpg
Jardín de Fin, Kashan, Irán, 2016-09-19, DD 22.jpg
File:Tabatabaei2.jpg
Tabatabaei2.jpg
File:Kashan_-_Timche-ye_Amin_od-Dowleh_-_20140512_-_JB.jpg
Kashan_-_Timche-ye_Amin_od-Dowleh_-_201405...
File:Kashan 2017 (34089590781).jpg
Kashan 2017 (34089590781).jpg
File:Inside The Bathhouse.jpg
Inside The Bathhouse.jpg
File:University of Kashan.jpg
University of Kashan.jpg
File:Old entrance of Kashan.jpg
Old entrance of Kashan.jpg
File:Sohrab Sepehri (1975).jpg
Sohrab Sepehri (1975).jpg
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