Kerman

Location: Kerman Province, 385 kms south-east of Yazd

Located far from the most important industrial areas and the rich farmlands of the north and west , the province of Kerman is sparsely populated. Somewhat surprisingly, however, the province boasts a remarkably cosmopolitan capital dotted with ancient monuments attesting to its importance in early Iranian history. Abandoned caravanserais and crumbling fortifications in parts of the province indicate that for centuries it was an important junction on the caravan routes, connecting Iran and the subcontinent.

Kerman has suffered many invasions and destructions by invaders, lastly at the hands of the founder of the Qajar Dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan in his attempt to overthrow the zand prince lotf-Ali Khan. He captured Kerman and treated its inhabitants with barbaric cruelty in revenge for their support of the brave zand prince.

In the early nineteenth century, Ebrahim Khan, Governor of Kerman, constructed an attractive ensemble of three buildings inside the Kerman Bazaar, including a lovely madrasseh built around a garden courtyard . Of the several mosques in Kerman such as the Haji-Agha, the Khawjeh Atabeg and the Malek mosques, the most noteworthy is the Seljug Jame Mosque. But Kerman is probably best Known for the Ganj-Ali Khan complex, including the bazaar, hamam (bathhouse), converted into a museum, caravanserai, and traditional teahouse, all with the finest tile and stucco work.

Kerman’s bazaar offers, in addition to the region’s renowned carpets, some of Iran’s finest textiles, and the province’s delicious dates. Kerman is also famous for its production of cumin or zireh. So well-Known is the province’s cumin, in fact, that the proverb “to carry zireh to Kerman”, has become as well Known in Iran as the saying “coals to New Castle”,is in the West. 

Bam An oasis medieval town dotted with date palms and citrus orchards. The remains of a towering fortified settlement near the modern town planning of 17^th century Iran. The ruins of the ancient citadel of Bam is located one mile north of the present day town whose economy is based on the export of its excellent dates. The Arg-e-Bam (Bam Citadel) remains with crenelated fortification walls is mostly dated from the safavid period. Deserted city streets, mosques and shops stand like skeletons of the past. Great effom has been taken to preserve these unique historical ruins without over-restoring.

A desert town, Kerman is home to the colourful Vakil (Regent's) Bazaar which houses a picturesque subterranean teahouse and 17th century bath house museum. The town also has a fine mosque, the 14th century Masjed-é Jame', or Friday Mosque. Just outside the town, near to the Martyrs Cemetery, lies a mysterious octagonal building known as the Gonbad-é Jabalieh. Its origin is unknown but may be connected to the Zoroastrian religion.

35 kms from Kerman towards Bam lies Mahan with its mausoleum of Shah Ne'matollah Vali, a 15th century Sufi dervish. Mahan also boasts the pleasant Shahzadeh historical garden, or Bagh-é Tarikhi, from the Qajar period.