Kashan A Green Oasis
Kashan, Iran Tehran, June 19, 2009: Kashan is the first of the large oases along Qom-Kerman Road that passes near the edge of a desert. Its attractiveness is mainly due to the contrast between the greenery of the oasis and the parched desert. The city flourished during the Sassanid dynasty, but was demolished during the Arab invasion with the exception of a few ancient buildings. It prospered again during the Seljuk rule and is known for its ceramics since then. Though it was destroyed again during the invasion of Mongols, it became an important town in the Safavid rule and Shah Abbas II made the city its capital. Some Safavid rulers, however, preferred to live in Kashan rather than in the capital. A local historian wrote that Kashan’s name is derived from “Key Ashian“ which means place of rulers, Iranchamber.com reported. Location Bound by Isfahan, Qom and Markazi provinces, Kashan is located near Ardestan and Natanz. Kashan has been overshadowed by Isfahan, but is considered one of the ancient cities of Iran. Archeological discoveries on the Siyalk Hillocks, which lie 4 km west of Kashan, have revealed that it was one of the primary centers of civilization in prehistoric times.
Kashan has long been known as a flourishing center of arts and a cradle of Iranian artists. The cultivated, talented and dynamic people of this historical city have been famous as manufacturers of excellent glazed vessels and tiles, weavers of fine brocades, velvets and silk fabrics and creators of superb carpets and rugs. As producers of various handicrafts, Kashan has consistently ranked as outstanding exponents of numerous other arts and crafts. It also boasts of various historical buildings and sites, which attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Agha Bozorg Mosque This mosque as well as the theological school, Madraseh Agha Bozorg, is located in central Kashan. The mosque consists of two large corridors, one in front of the prayer niche and another by the entrance. It also has a courtyard with a garden and a fountain in the middle. The courtyard is surrounded by arcades. The corridor in front of the prayer niche has two minarets and a brick dome. The colors of arcades and corridor are mainly blue, red and yellow against a brick ground. Boroujerdi Residence This used to be a private home but now is open to public as a museum. The house was built in early 19th century and consisted of a vast courtyard, beautiful wall paintings and very unusual wind towers that help cool the house. Bagh-e Fin Bagh-e Fin is located a few kilometers southwest of Kashan, in the small village of Fin. It is one of the most famous gardens of Iran. This beautiful garden, with a large pool and orchards, was designed for Shah Abbas I as a classical Persian vision of paradise. The original Safavid buildings were rebuilt by Qajar dynasty, although the layout of trees and marble basins is close to the original. It is a pleasant spot to relax in. The garden is also notorious for being the site of the murder of Mirza Taqi Khan known as Amir Kabir, the minister of Nassereddin Shah of Qajar in 1852. Friday Mosque Friday Mosque or Masjed-e Jomeh, with its 11th-century prayer niche, was built during the Seljuk era and has been restored several times. One such renovation dates back to Timurid Dynasty and has a minaret with ancient inscriptions. Tabatabaie Residence The house was built in the 19th century and consists of a charming courtyard and beautiful windows with color glass panes. This used to be a private home but now is open to public as a museum. Tappe-ye Sialk The most significant archeological site in central Iran is the Sialk Mound. It was excavated by Gershman in the 1930s, which revealed that the site is more than 7,000 years old. Sialk was occupied from 4th millennium BC until 8th century BC. Probably, one of the most interesting findings are inscribed clay tablets dating back to the late 3rd and early 2nd millennium BC. There are also records showing immigrants and conquerors passing through this region and settling near Bagh-e Fin. The artifacts uncovered are displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris and the archeological museum in Tehran. Officials are making efforts to publicize Kashan as an attractive tourism spot and the increasing number of visitors shows that they have been successful.
An Oasis of Calm - the Carshi Mosque | Arts of Islam
