Iran Mashhad History: A Brief Overview



Mashhad, the second largest city in Iran and the capital of Razavi Khorasan Province, has a long and rich history that dates back to the pre-Islamic era. It has been an important city for centuries, with a strategic location on the Silk Road and a strong cultural heritage. The city was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Khorasan, and it has been a major center of Islamic learning since the 8th century.

Mashhad is believed to have been founded in the late 8th century by the Arab general, Abu Muslim. He built a small fortress in the city and it quickly became an important stop on the Silk Road. It was a major trading hub and a center of Islamic learning, with many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time studying and teaching in the city.

In the 10th century, Mashhad was captured by the Seljuk Turks, who made it their capital. During this period, the city flourished and became a major center of Islamic learning and culture. It was also home to many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time, such as al-Ghazali and al-Tusi.

In the 12th century, the city was conquered by the Mongols and it became part of the Ilkhanate. During this period, the city was a major center of Islamic learning and culture, and it was home to many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time, such as al-Shirazi and al-Ghazali.

In the 15th century, Mashhad was conquered by the Safavids, who made it their capital. During this period, the city was once again a major center of Islamic learning and culture, and it was home to many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time, such as al-Mazandarani and al-Tusi.

In the 18th century, Mashhad was conquered by the Qajar dynasty, who made it their capital. During this period, the city was once again a major center of Islamic learning and culture, and it was home to many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time, such as al-Bukhari and al-Tusi.

Today, Mashhad is a major center of Islamic learning and culture, and it is home to some of the most important Islamic monuments and sites in the world. It is also home to many of the great Islamic scholars and mystics of the time, such as al-Shirazi and al-Tusi. The city is also home to the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shi’a Islam.