Kashan is a city in the northern part of Isfahan province, Iran, and serves as both capital of the county and of the district. It lies in a desert at the eastern foot of the Central Iranian Range, on a once important caravan route and also on the southeastern branch of the Trans-Iranian Railway1. Kashan has a rich and ancient history, dating back to the Paleolithic period. It is also home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Persian architecture, art, and culture.
Fin Garden is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Persian gardens in Iran, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fin Garden dates back to the Safavid era, and was expanded and renovated by later dynasties. Fin Garden has a symmetrical layout, with fountains, pools, pavilions, and cypress trees. Fin Garden is also the site of the murder of Amir Kabir, a prominent Qajar reformer and prime minister, who was assassinated by the order of Naser al-Din Shah in 1852.
Kashan is famous for its historical houses, which are examples of the elegant and sophisticated Qajar style of architecture. These houses feature intricate decorations, such as stucco, mirror work, stained glass, and paintings. They also have ingenious systems of ventilation, cooling, and heating, such as windcatchers, cellars, and water reservoirs. Some of the most notable houses in Kashan are the Tabatabai House, the Borujerdi House, the Ameri House, and the Abbasi House.
Agha Bozorg mosque is a historical mosque in Kashan, built in the late 18th century by master-mi’mar Ustad Haj Sa’ban-ali. The mosque is famous for its symmetrical design, its two-story courtyard, its domed chambers, and its sunken pool. The mosque also serves as a theological school, and has a library with a collection of ancient manuscripts.
The Bazaar of Kashan is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in Iran, and a lively center of trade and commerce. The bazaar has several sections, each dedicated to a specific product or craft, such as pottery, carpets, copperware, spices, and textiles. The bazaar also has several caravanserais, mosques, bathhouses, and water reservoirs, which add to its architectural and historical value.
Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, also known as Qasemi Bathhouse, is a stunning example of the traditional Iranian bathhouse, or hammam. The bathhouse was built in the 16th century, and renovated in the 19th century. The bathhouse has several rooms, each with a different function and temperature, such as the dressing room, the hot room, the steam room, and the massage room. The bathhouse is decorated with colorful tiles, paintings, and plasterwork. The roof of the bathhouse is also a sight to behold, with its domes, skylights, and windcatchers.
Maranjab Desert is a vast and spectacular desert near Kashan, which offers a unique and adventurous experience for travelers. Maranjab Desert has many natural and historical attractions, such as sand dunes, salt lakes, oases, and caravanserais. One of the most famous landmarks in Maranjab Desert is the Maranjab Caravanserai, which was built in the 16th century by Shah Abbas I, and served as a resting place for travelers and merchants. The caravanserai has a fortress-like structure, with a courtyard, a mosque, a pond, and several rooms.
Abyaneh Village is a charming and ancient village near Kashan, which is known for its red clay houses, its mountainous scenery, and its traditional culture. Abyaneh Village is one of the oldest settlements in Iran, and has preserved its customs and dialect for centuries. The villagers wear colorful and distinctive costumes, and practice ancient rituals and ceremonies. Abyaneh Village also has several historical and religious sites, such as mosques, shrines, and castles.
Kashan is a city that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who visits it. It is a city that preserves and showcases the best of Iranian history, culture, and art, while also embracing modernity and development. Kashan is a city that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by the world.