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Kerman

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Kerman is a major city located in the south-central part of Iran. It serves as the capital of Kerman province, Kerman County, and the Kerman district. The city is one of the most important urban centers in southeastern Iran. It sits on a large, flat plain near the high margin of the Lut Desert. Kerman is also one of the largest cities in Iran by total land area.

Official seal of Kermān
Official seal of Kermān

The geography of Kerman is defined by its high elevation and surrounding landforms. The city sits at 1,755 meters above sea level. This makes it the third highest provincial capital in the country. Mountains surround the city, including the Saheb al-Zaman mountain range. These mountains stay snow-capped throughout the entire year. The city is bordered by several other municipalities. These include Anar to the northwest and Bam to the east. Other nearby cities are Ravar, Shahdad, Rafsanjan, Jiroft, Sirjan, and Mahan.

Rayen Castle 01
Rayen Castle 01

Kerman experiences a cold desert climate, classified as BWk by the Köppen system. This means the weather features hot summers and cool to cold winters. Precipitation is scarce, with an average annual rainfall of only 148 mm. The city's climate varies depending on the specific district. The northern districts are located in an arid desert region. In contrast, the southern highlands enjoy a more moderate climate. Winter nights in the city can become very cold.

Adineh Kariman Bus Terminus
Adineh Kariman Bus Terminus

The history of Kerman spans nearly two millennia. Ardashir I, the founder of the Sasanian Empire, established the city in the 3rd century AD. At that time, it functioned as a defensive outpost named Veh-Ardashir. After the Battle of Nahāvand in 642, the city came under Muslim rule. During the 10th century, the name Kerman was adopted. The city was a major trade emporium by 1271, according to the explorer Marco Polo. He noted its role in linking the Persian Gulf with Khorasan and Central Asia.

Abbasid al-Mahdi dirham Kirman 166AH
Abbasid al-Mahdi dirham Kirman 166AH

Kerman's economy is built on both traditional crafts and modern industry. Carpet weaving is a primary industry with a very old tradition. The oldest carpet found in the city dates back about 500 years. These carpets are renowned internationally. The city also manufactures cotton textiles and shawls made from goatwool. Modern establishments include brickworks and textile mills. The province is also rich in minerals like coal and copper.

Kirmanrug
Kirmanrug

The culture of Kerman is rich with religious and scientific history. The population is mostly Muslim, with a small Zoroastrian minority. The Kerman Fire Temple houses the only Iranian anthropology museum dedicated to Zoroastrianism. This museum was officially opened in 2005. The city is also a site of great interest for paleontologists. They consider the area a fossil paradise. In 2005, researchers discovered new dinosaur footprints in the region.

Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine 02
Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine 02

Modern Kerman is a highly connected hub for transport and education. The Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Airport provides daily and weekly flights to many Iranian cities. The city is also a stop on the Trans-Iranian Railway. In 2016, an agreement was signed to develop the Chabahar–Zahedan railway. For sports, the city supports the Mes Kerman football team. Their home, the Shahid Bahonar Stadium, has a capacity of 15,000 seats.

Mes Kerman stadium
Mes Kerman stadium
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Official seal of Kermān.png
Official seal of Kermān.png
File:Abbasid al-Mahdi dirham Kirman 166AH.jpg
Abbasid al-Mahdi dirham Kirman 166AH.jpg
File:Rayen Castle 01.jpg
Rayen Castle 01.jpg
File:Kirmanrug.jpg
Kirmanrug.jpg
File:Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine 02.jpg
Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine 02.jpg
File:Mes Kerman stadium.jpg
Mes Kerman stadium.jpg
File:Adineh Kariman Bus Terminus.jpg
Adineh Kariman Bus Terminus.jpg
File:Dubai Airport 16.08.2009 05-12-24.jpg
Dubai Airport 16.08.2009 05-12-24.jpg
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