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in the name of god Nama RAILWAY GUIDE OF IRAN List of Content

Preamble ...... 6

History ...... 7

Tehran Station ...... 8

Tehran - Route ...... 12 IRAN

NRAILWAYama TOURISM GUIDE OF IRAN Tehran - Jolfa Route ...... 32 Collection and Edition: Public Relations (RAI) Tourism Content Collection: Abdollah Abbaszadeh Design and Graphics: Reza Hozzar Moghaddam Photos: Siamak Iman Pour, Benyamin Tehran - Bandarabbas Route 48 Khodadadi, Hatef Homaei, Saeed Mahmoodi Aznaveh, javad Najaf ...... Alizadeh, Caspian Makak, Ocean Zakarian, Davood Vakilzadeh, Arash Simaei, Abbas Jafari, Mohammadreza Baharnaz, Homayoun Amir yeganeh, Kianush Jafari Producer: Public Relations (RAI) Tehran - Goragn Route 64 Translation: Seyed Ebrahim Fazli Zenooz - ...... International Affairs Bureau (RAI) Address: Public Relations, Central Building of Railways, Africa Blvd., Argentina Sq., Tehran- Iran. www.rai.ir Tehran - Route...... 80 First Edition January 2016 All rights reserved.

Tehran - Route ...... 96

Tehran - Route ...... 114 Islamic Republic of Iran The Railways of the Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) Preamble History

Travelling is the gate of discovering the secrets of life, unknown parts of the Men have faced several difficulties and shortages since long times ago, nature and creatures of God. Travelling broadens our attitude toward the each of which have resulted in inventing a new possibility and tool for a surrounding world and gets us familiar with the history, old civilization and better life. History of railway is also tied with the issue of ore extraction and culture, unique natural attractions of our dear Iran. But travelling by train, its transportation from the mines which finally caused the emergence of the watching Iran on railway, stopping at each station and thinking about the first railway in the world. Since then, it gained gradually much importance world and getting familiar with its attractions, all create a non- repeating and significance as the most influential transport way that influenced the pleasure. Therefore, we decided to look again at Iran from train windows. political, social and economic life of the countries. In Iran the emergence Stay with us to experience another view of our land through introducing its railway, historical and natural attractions. and operation of the first railway goes back to 1886 when Mahmood Abad- railway road (in southern shore of ) was built. Though, the project was predicted to continue toward Tehran but it failed for some reasons. The railway was removed and instead used for telegram line. In 1888, construction of a tram line with length of 8700 meters began in Tehran- Ray route. Then, the trans-Iranian Railway called «North- South Railway» was operated in 1938. It connected Khomeini port in region to Torkaman port in Caspian Sea region. After the victory of the glorious Islamic Revolution, railway network extended more rapidly and RAILWAY TOURISM RAILWAY TOURISM GUIDE OF IRAN presently most Iranian provinces are connected to the railway network. GUIDE OF IRAN 8 9 Tehran Station

Tehran Railway Station is one of the oldest building. Inspired by the magnificence and outer view is covered by white travertine stones extracted from RAILWAY TOURISM railway structures in Iran. Its construction greatness of ancient , the stone mines of Pole Sefid with a big entrance. Approximately, GUIDE OF IRAN began in 1927 in south Tehran lands in a station’s building is made of iron and cement 30000 sqm of the total area is allocated to Passengers Station 10 land with approximate area of 174 hectare, from foundation to the ceiling. that includes Waiting Hall, 5 passenger platforms and 1 simultaneously with trans-Iranian railway Windows are totally made of bronze and iron; international platform. Tourism Attractions Tehran Cultural and natural attractions include the followings in short:Sa’dabad historical complex, historical complex, As the capital of Iran, Tehran has unique historical attractions. is distinct from other Saleh (peace be upon him), , Imamzadeh Aliakbar (Chizar), Jamshidieh park, Kolak Chal provinces because the political capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran is deployed in it. Tehran (capital heights, Noorolshaohada hill in north Tehran; complex, National Jewels Museum, Tehran , tomb of Lotf of the Islamic Republic of Iran) has historical buildings, entertainment centers, museums and tourism Khan Zand, Imamzadeh Seyed , Imamzadeh Zeid, Bagh-e Melli portal, Abgineh museum, Post museum, Iranian places because it has been the capital of Iran for more than 200 years. Anciant museum, in center and south of Tehran.

Bagh-e MelliPortal (National Garden Gates): Azadi square In a period when Reza Khan was the Minister of War (1340 A.H) a tall Azadi square’s structure (former Shahyad structure) is one the famous and magnificent gate was built in the entry of former Masghq square structures in Tehran dating back to Pahlavi ages, operated on Oct.16, which was a place for military practice of the army in , 1970. It was designed and supervised by Hossein Amanat, within the kingdom of Fathali Shah. Said portal replaced another building Eng. The structure is built very elegantly and carefully and which was located in same place and resembled the present structure. it’s the best sample of the combination of Iranian& .

Sa’dabad Palace Museum: North Tehran encompasses an enchanting region within foothills Milad and Darband green valley. S’adabad complex with an area of 1,100,000 Sqm locates in this region. Limited to Mountains on north, Tower is a Golabdareh on east, on west and region on south, concrete structure S’adabad had been the summer palace of Qajar kings. built in a land with approximate area of 14 hectare. Its height is 315 meter and it’s regarded as the fourth tallest Niavaran Palace Museum Golestan Palace: telecommunications Niavaran cultural- historical Golestan complex is a heritage remained from Tehran historical citadel, tower in the world. complex locates in northeast Tehran which was the residence of kings of Qajar kings. It’s one of the most Considering the (Shemiranat). It dates back to the first beautiful and old buildings of Iran’s 200-years- old capital. In the old application area, it’s years of the Qajar dynasty. Niavaran times, the palace used to shine like a gem in this citadel. the 1st tower among palace, Sahebqaranieh palace, the world’s tallest Ahmadshahi pavilion, Jahan Nama towers. museum, exclusive library and other cultural spaces such as the Blue Hall, exclusive cinema, Jahan Nama gallery and Niavaran garden all show the historical, cultural and natural attractions.

RAILWAY TOURISM RAILWAY TOURISM GUIDE OF IRAN GUIDE OF IRAN 12 13 Caspian sea north khorasan

Sabzevar Mashhad MAZANDARAN Neishabour Shahroud TEHRAN Ab Garm

Ray Deh Namak Semnan

Varamin khorasan razavi

ISFAHAN

Tehran Distance between Stations Tehran 10 Ray Tehran 44 Mashhad Tehran 114 Garmsar Route Tehran 153 Deh Namak Tehran 228 Semnan Tehran - Mashhad railway route receives annually a huge number of Tehran 262 Ab Garm passengers due to location of the holy Shrine of Shiite 8th Imam, Imam Reza Damghan (peace be upon him). Tehran 364 Tehran- Mashhad railway route with length of 926 Km was inaugurated in Tehran 429 Shahroud 1957. Mashhad railway station is 2 Km far from Imam Reza Holy Shrine. Its Tehran 450 Bastam building was designed by the Iranian architect Heidar Ghiaei. Most important stations of this route are: Ray, Varamin, Garmsar, Semnan, Tehran 718 Damghan, Shahroud, Bastam, Sabzevar, Neishabour, and Fariman. Tehran 742 Ferdows Tehran- Mashhad railway route is a double-line route and its electrical train RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran 788 Neishabour project is under execution as well. GUIDE OF IRAN Tehran 888 Fariman This route connects station which is the largest rail border of Iran. 14 Iran railway connects Middle Asian and European countries via Sarakhs. Tehran 926 Mashhad Ray Ray is a district with an area of 2293Km, limited to Tehran on north, to Qom county on south, to Varamin and on east, to , and Zarandieh counties on west. The region has Varamin County Varamin is 40 km far from southeast Tehran. It’s located in the northwest part of beautiful cultural and natural attractions such as Mil hill (Sassani ), Tughrul tower, Bibi Shahr Banu central desert, limited to Alborz Mountains on north, Salt marsh on south, Garmsar shrine, Rashkan , Cheel Ghar (tower of silence), Shah-Abdol- Azim holy shrine, Ibn Babawayh shrine on east and Ray on west. (Shaykh Saduq) and tomb of Jahan Pahlevan Takhti (the world champion).

Ray Shah-Abdol- Azim Holy Shrine Varamin Station The first building of the holy shrine was basically repaired in 2nd half of 3rd lunar century. Main entry of the building which is on northern Station Ray is the 2nd part was repaired for the first time during the and then Alao- Doleh Tower Along the station in this by the help of Majedolmolk Ghomi in Qajar dynasty. In following years Alao-Doleh tomb is seen as a single tower in north of chief , remained route, the train route with total some parts added to the building so that it changed into the present from the . The of the tower is conic built on a circular enters Varamin 11508.05 meter large complex. Presently, the complex includes several shrines, (the covered part of the mosque). It has 32 projections on outer station after of railway lines. porticos, , Veranda (rectangular spaces with three walls with view. passing Shahid The station one open end) and courtyards. Souri station. is located Its total rail line in a plain is 62615 meter. geographical It’s located location with a Tughrul Tower in a plain height of 1052 Tughrul tower is located at east of Ibn Babawayh shrine in Ray- Tehran Chief Mosque of Varamin geographical meter from the province. It is one of the buildings remained from the Seljuk dynasty. It Chief mosque or Friday’s Prayers mosque of Varamin is an old location with sea. The station was registered as a national heritage under No. 147 in 1931. With an mosque dating back to dynasty which is also one of the height of 929 is 10 Km far area of 48 Sqm and approximate height of 20 meter, the tower is seen as oldest buildings of Varamin. The building operation started in period of meter from from Tehran s high cylinder with an adobe-brick structure. It resembles clock hands Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh and ended during his son’s period. the sea. It’s and it’s located and time can be read by sun radiation on its notches. The stuccos of the building are amongst the most beautiful Iranian 44 Km far within the town. stuccos. from Tehran. Nearest village is Kheir Abad village, 1km far from the station. Varamin station Imamzadeh Jafar Holy Shrine is within the (peace be upon him) town. It’s 6 km far away southeast Varamin in city. The tall and magnificent building of this shrine is Cheshmeh- Ali a heritage from the . Is has a turquoise dome and a vide courtyard located on a hill The spring dates back to about 8000 years ago. First signs of toward the city. Imamzadeh Jafar was one of the sons of Imam Moosa Kazem (peace be upon him). civilization in Cheshmeh-Ali include the ancient hill, old and , underground springs, red ceramic items belonging to 4th century B.C.

IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 16 17 Deh Namak town Garmsar County Deh Namak is one of the historical- cultural tourism attractions of Deh Gramsar city with an area of 9233 Km2 is limited to Firoozkooh and Damavand on Namak. Lasjerd caravanserai, Shah Nazar holy shrine in Aradan and Aradan bazaar, north, to Semnan on east and to salt marsh on south and to Varamin on west. It’s 119 a few kilometers away from Deh Namak, are other historical- religious and tourism Km far faway the capital of province and 100 Km far from Tehran. attractions of the area.

Garmsar Deh Namak Station station

Passing Pishva, Passing Shahid Dartooti Gramsar, (Abardezh) and train enters Shahid Rajabi northeast (Kavir) stations, railway station the train enters which includes Garmsar three districts: station. It has Semnan, 5431 meter of Damghan and railway line. It’s Shahrood. 114 Km far from Stoned Road (Jadeh Sangfarsh) Deh Namak Tehran, located Aligned with - Sari highway and after passing Bahram castle station is the in a plain Caravanserai, the travelers faced the swamps and salt lands in south 2nd station geographical of Gramsar. After construction of stoned road with a length of 35 Km of northeast location with a and width of 5 m the travelers could reach next destinations more district after height of 846 rapidly and easily. The road still remains in the salt marsh hoping for Deh Namak Caravanserai Yateri station. meter from sea. meeting the tourists again. There are two old buildings in Deh Namak village: a caravanserai It has totally and a castle built of adobe and stratum called as the Gabri castle 3120 meter by local people. The caravanserai is in the old historical stoned road of railway line reaching and Khorasan. It has four verandas with a hall in located in a This caravanserai is one of the remained southern part which was the place for rest of important travelers plain area with from Safavid dynasty which was on the old historical or guests (Shah Neshin). Shah Neshin part was rectangular built height of 826 road connecting Isfahan, Kashan, Khar (Garmsar) and Bahram castle of Khataei brick. Caravanserai had 24 chambers with a 2×3 meter- meter from Khorasan. The outer view is rectangular having several room used by travelers in summers and winters. sea level. It’s towers with two northern and southern gates. 153 Km far Caravanserai from Tehran. Nearest village is Deh Namak village, 1Km distance.

IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 18 19 Semnan city having Semnan as its capital has many tourism attractions. Semnan has a special significance among other provincial cities. Historical, cultural and religious places Abegarm Region all are located within the city such as: Semnan museum, Tadayon house, Hakim Elahi tomb, Natural and cultural attractions of Abegarm include: Almahdi mosque in Mahdishahr, Arg gate, traditional bazaar, chief mosque, Imam mosque, Imamzadeh Yahya, Imamzadeh Imamzadeh Ghasem, Darband calcareous cave, Darband Yaylaq region (highland Ali-ebne- Jafar and entertainment and natural places such as Simorgh park, Mookan park. summer pasture) in Mahdishahr, and hot water spring.

Semnan Abegarm Station Station

After Ahuan Stone Caravanserai Abegarm Sorkhdasht, The building locates 42 Km far from eastern Semnan. It’s built of station is Lahoor and stone and black mortar. It was built in 5th century A.H. the next Biabanak station after stations, train Miandareh. enters Semnan Total railway station. Total line of length of station is railway lines is 3910 m, in a 8567 meter in a mountainous plain area with area with height of 1095 height of from sea. It’s Semnan Chief Mosque 1389 meter Chief mosque can be regarded as one the oldest Islamic buildings of 228 Km far from from sea. It Semnan city. Based on the excavations done in 1966 it was built on Tehran. is 262 Km far the ruins of Sassanid fire temple in 1st century A.H. from Tehran. It’s also 34.8 Km far from Semnan. Arg Gate Arg gate is one of the historical and valuable buildings remained from Qajar dynasty. The Darband Cave The cave locates 18 Km far away north Semnan. It’s one of the building, which had been the Governor’s office, was built in Nasereddin Shah period (Qajar most beautifull Iranian caves in which stalagmite columns are seen. king). One of the masterpieces of this historical building is its beautiful portal which shows Length of the cave is 91 meter with maximum width of 36 meter and the historical battle between Rostam and white demon (Div-e sepid). The battle is displayed maximum height of 20 meter. beautifully on 7-colors . The designer of this image is Seyed Mohammadbagher Tabatabaei Semnani, a famous artist of Qajar dynasty.

IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 20 21 Damghan city Damghan is limited to Mazandaran and Golestan provinces on the north, to Shahrood Shahrood City county on the east, to on the south and to the on the Sharood is limited to on the north, to central desert and Isfahan west. With an approximate area of 13080 Km, it’s 337 Km far from Tehran. Damghan (Sad province on the south, to Damghan on the west and to on the Darvazeh) is one the ancient and old Iranian towns which was the capital of Ghomes state east. Its area is 51419 Km2 with a height of 1360 meter from the sea. It has warm and and it is attributed to 35004000- years B.C. Some call it the capital of Kayanian dynasty. humid climate in summer with a cold and moderate winter.

Damghan Shahrood Station Cheshmeh Ali in Damghan Station About 35 Km far away Damghan, there is a spring known as Cheshmeh After Gerdab, Afater Zarrin Ali that supplies the water of Damghan, too. There are two buildings haft Khan, and Kalatkhan there: one was built by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar and the other was Larestan, stations, the built upon the order of Fathali Shah in the lake which has two upper and Benvar, train enters Amrovan and lower floors. Sharood Sorkhdeh, the station, with train reaches Total length Damghan of rail lines of station. Total 16155 meter. length of It’s located rail lines of in a plain station is 6162 geographical meter and location with Shahrood Museum height of 1310 it’s 364 Km Present museum building was in fact the old building of municipality meter from far from the (Baladieh). The museum has two parts: anthropology and archeology origin station sea. It’s 429 in two floors. In archeology part, some items taken from historical hills Km far from (Tehran). of Shahrood, Damghan and Semann are displayed. In archeology origin station It’s located part, items such as traditional clothes, decorative jewels, handcrafts, (Tehran). Also, in a plain documents and instruments are shown. geographical the nearest location with a village is Royan height of 1225 village, 4km meter from the far away the sea. Also, the station. nearest village is Ghale Agha Baba village. Cloud Forest Cloud Forest of Ali Abad is a part of the oldest and most beautiful Hyrcanian forests which is connected to the green northern forests of Iran with an area of 35,000 hectare with unique animal and plant species. Since the forest is covered with an ocean of clouds in most of the times, it’s called as the Cloud forest. Clouds are so close together in the forestand it seems that the forest is riding on the clouds. You can surf the clouds. Many tourists believe that it’s one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Iran. The forest is in Ali Abad- Shahrood road.

IRAN Nama Tehran Mosque of Damghan Mashhad The mosque is a complete sample of the mosques in the first Islamic centuries. RAILWAY TOURISM Route Its architecture is taken from the Sassanid architecture. After being repaired in GUIDE OF IRAN 22 several centuries, it is considered as one of the oldest mosques of Iran after the 23 Fahraj chief mosque in Yazd. Sabzevar Bastam County Sabzevar is located in northwest of Khorasan province. It is limited to Jajarm and Bastam is 6 km far away north of Shahrood. Bastam historical complex includes Esfarayen on the north, to Neishaboor on the east, to Kashmar and Bardeskan several historical buildings each of which has its own history. counties on the south and to Shahrood County on the west.

Bastam Sabzevar Station Bastam Chief Mosque Chief Mosque Station It dates back to 8th century A.H. The brick of Bastam historical Chief mosque of Sabzevar includes 4 verandas. Kiblah veranda with After Shahrood complex is located in eastern part of Bayazid mosque and is connected height of 20 meter and its opposite veranda with height of 14 meter Passing Shirin station, the to it. According to brick manuscript, the said minaret was built in are taller than the other two side verandas. The mosque has a big Cheshmeh, train enters 514 A.H. Shabestan (an underground space in traditional mosques) on west Gilan, Bakran, Bastam station side with a dome on brick columns. On east, there is also a double- Jahan Abad, in Mashhad floor Shabestan which was destructed and replaced with the new one. , road. It’s 21 Jajarm, Km far from Azadoor, Shahrood. Sankhast, Total length Jovin, of rail lines of Neghab, the station is Esfarayen 3381 meter Memorial building of Mola Hossein Kashefi and Beyhagh with a height Molana Kamaleddin Hossein Kashefi (deceased in 910 A.H), was one stations, the Eljativ Veranda of the famous scholars of the last era of Timurid dynasty who was of 1315 meter Here is a veranda in vicinity of Ghazan Khan dome in western side of Bastam historical complex, train enters contemporaneous with Sultan Hossein Babghara and Amir Alishir from sea. It’s with a height of 14 meter which dates back to 717 A.H in the dynasty of Sultan Mohammad Sabzevar. Navayi. He lived mostly in Harat. In 1975 a beautiful memorial was located in a Khodabandeh Eljativ. The interior corridor and the portal have several architectural decorations Total length built for him by National Heritage Association which is now regarded mountainous each of which shows one of the decorative arts of that period. of rail lines of as a cultural and tourist attraction of Sabzevar. geographical the station is location. It’s 3150 meter 450 Km far with a height away the of 1182 meter origin station from sea. (Tehran). It’s located in a plain geographical location. It’s 718 Km far Bayazid away Tehran. Bastami Tomb The tomb is on north side of Imamzadeh Mohammad shrine in Bastam. The tomb of this honorable philosopher has no decoration. Khosrogerd Minaret There is marble grave stone Khsorogerd is a booming city in Beihagh region, about with famous prayers of Imam Ali 1 Km far away Sabzevar. The city had a big chief (peace be upon him) engraved mosque in 5th and 6th centuries A.H. Some believe on it. the minaret belongs to said mosque. Khosrogerd Minaret was a brick building in Neishaboor- Ray road that is a little far away Sabzevar- Tehran asphalt road now. IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 24 25 Ferdows City Neishaboor Golshan garden in Tabas and Ferdows hot water spring are among the cultural and As an old region in , Neishaboor is located in an almost natural attractions of this town. Orange blossom is one of the important agricultural vast plain, which is limited to and Ghoochan counties on north, to Mashhad products of the city. on east, to Torbat Heidarieh and Kashmar on south and to Sabzevar on west.

Ferdows of Khayyam Neishabour Station Hakim Abolfath Omar-ebne- Ebrahim known as Khayyam Neishaboori Station is a famous Iranian mathematician, astrologist, poet and intellectual who Total length was born in Neishaboor in 439 A.H and passed away in 515 A.H. The Passing Attar of rail lines of monument of the great scientist was built in 1962 designed by Hooshang station, the the station is Seyhoon, Engineer. It was built with a mix of iron, concrete and train enters 3050 meter, decorations in form of rhombus forms inspired by the mathematical Neishaboor. located thoughts of Omar Khayyam. It’s located in a plain in a plain geographical geographical location with location with a height of a height of 1188 meter 1178 meter from sea. It’s from sea. It’s 742 Km far 788 Km far away Tehran. Wooden Village (Dehkade Choobi) away Tehran, Nearest Wooden village is located in Khayyam road, about 10 Km far away with Total village is Golshan Graden Neishaboor in a unique place built by Engineer Mojtahedi. Everything length of rail Golshan garden is one of two main elements of Tabas town. The Portal, beautiful and historical walls Betoo village, is made of wood in this village: mosque, houses, library, garbage bins, lines of 3498 of the garden the past people’s taste. They were ruined in earthquake in 1978 and only the green 5 Km far water closets, etc. There are handcrafts shops, restaurants, bakeries meter. nature of the garden is the memorial of past days. Palm, citrus, pomegranate and other plant species away the and several pavilions which are very attractive and nice. have increased the beauty of garden. station. Its distance with the nearest town, Firoozkooh, is 30 Km. Mausoleum of Attar Farideddin Attar, the Iranian poet, Sufi and writer born in 540 A.H. His works include scientific services and valuable writings such as Tazkeratol Olya and Mantegholteyr and Elahi Nameh. His first tomb was built in 7th century A.H by Yahya-ebne- Saed the judge of Neishaboor. Then another monument was built on it by Amir Alishir Navayi, the minister of last Tymurid dynasty. Presently, only a black standing gravestone has remained of the tomb. In 1962 the National Works Association repaired it and decorated it with beautiful blue tiles. Attar tomb has been always attracted by the tourists and those who love literature throughout the world. IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 26 27 IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 28 29 Fariman County Holy Mashahd as a town in which the holy shrine of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) Fariman is 75 Km far from Mashhad. With an area of 3325 Km it’s limited to Mashhad locates, has a special position among the Shi’a moslemsaround the world. Mashha on north and northwest, to Torbat Jaam on east. It has joint borders with Torbat d has many tourist, cultural, historical and natural attractions. Undoubtedly, the Holy Heidarieh on south. Its height from the sea is 1405 meter and it has two parts: central Shrine of the 8th Shi’a Imam, Imam Ali-ebne- Mossalreza (peace be upon him) can part and Ghalandar Abad. be called the main cause of attraction of visitors.

Goharshad Mosque Fariman This mosque is the largest 4-verandas Iranian mosque built in 821 Mashhad station A.H in the holy shrine complex of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) station upon the order of Goharshad Agha, the wife of Shahrokh Tymurid. Passing Its architectural design was done by Ghavameddin Shirazi. It has an Passing Neishaboor, area of 9410 Sqm, 4 verandas named Maghsooreh, Darolsiadeh, Haji Fariman Khayyam, Hassan and Aab, plus 7 Shabestan (an underground space). The and Salam Kashmar, largest veranda is Maghsooreh decorated with vaulted forms, stations, the Abu Moslem manuscripts made by Baysonghor Mirza and very beautiful tiles. One train enters and Tarbiat of other attractions of is Sahebalzaman pulpit. Mashhad. stations, the Total length train enters of rail lines of Fariman. It’s the station is located in a 27445 meter. mountainous Its luggage geographical Shahan Hot Water Spring Haroonieh Building warehouse location with The spring is in Ghalandar Abad region in Fariman County in Sefid This historical building is about 600 meter far away tomb of Hakim with an area of a height of Sang village. It’s 57 Km far away Fariman county. There are hot water Abolghasem Ferdowsi. It’s exclusively a monastery, built in 8th 1080 Sqm and 1052 meter springs which have odorless and colorless water with temperature of century on old buildings of Tabran town. There is seen a black stone capacity of from sea. 48 ˚C which contain no sulfur, ammonia and salt. in memory of Imam Mohammad Ghazali, one of the mystics of 5th 5400 m3 is the It’s 888 Km and 6thcenturies A.H. largest luggae far away the warehouse origin station among all (Tehran). The stations of nearest village Khorasan is Sangbast railways. village, 3 Tomb and the Minaret of It’s located Km far way Ferdowsi Tomb in a plain Fariman. The According to the narrations, Mansoor-ebne- Hassan, known as Abolghasem geographical nearest town Arsalan Jazeb and Ayaz Mill Ferdowsi was born in 329 A.H. He is said to be one of the nobles of Toos, The tomb belongs to Arsalan Jazeb the governor and warlord of Toos and one of the location with a is 37 Km far belonging to the farmers’ class. He passed away in 411 or 416 A.H. in Toos. two commanders of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi who built a structure in Sang Bast in height of 971 away Fariman. His present tomb with an area of 945 Sqm was built in 1966 after a series Toos plain and made his grave therein, too. He passed away in 420 A.H and was buried meter from of architectural changes. His «Shahnameh» includes about 50,000 couplets in said place. The structure has four walls, changed into 8 corners with a beautiful brick sea. It’s 926 which is regarded as one of the most famous and bold epic collections in the dome on it. Km far away world. It was written in 30 years. He revived the by writing origin station «Shahnameh». (Tehran).

IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 30 31 Geographical and Natural Location Economic Specifications With an area of 10450 Km, Mashhad is limited to Kalat on north, to Sarakhs and Torbat Jaam Economic activities of Mashhad originate from services, industry and agriculture. Main agricultural counties on east, Torbat Heidarieh on south, Neishaboor and Chenaran counties on west and to products of Mashhad are cereals, sugar beet, vegetables. Main mines of Mashhad include gypsum, County on northwest. Main mountain range of Mashhad is «Hezarsangar located in east and salt, Chromite and marble stone. Food technologies, clothing, leather, building materials, metal northeast of the town. Its main summit named «Azhdarkooh» is 30 Km far away Mashhad. Binalood industries and handcrafts are the most important industries of Mashhad. mountain range is in west and southwest of the town. Mashhad has a moderate and changing climate. Tomb of Kalat Naderi Complex Afshar Kalat Naderi is in His tomb was distance of 145 completed in Km from north 1961. The tomb Mashhad. It lies includes the between two grave room, tall mountains. museum hall, Attractions of verandas, the region date corridors, back to Nader reception hall, Shah Afshar a beautiful period, including: waterscape and the watchtower bronze sculpture. around Kalat, Naderi inscription Holy Shrine of Imam Reza engraved in Turkish Nasta’liq script in the body (peace be upon him) of mountain, Khorshid Holy shrine of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) and its historical building, Takht- artistic complex include the courtyards, verandas, rich museum, e-Dokhtar and and central library of Astane Qods. The complex includes 4 some entrance tall verandas named Abbasi, Tala, East (Naqqara Khane) and gates built in this west veranda plus 5 courtyards named Enghelab, Azadi, Imam region by order Khomeini, Jomhouri Eslami and Qods courtyards. of Nader Shah.

IRAN Nama Tehran Mashhad RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 32 33 jolfa

Marand ardebil

Tabriz Caspian sea

Azarshahr EAST azarbaijan Ajabshir Mianeh Khorasanak gilan

west gorgan azarbaijan

Zanjan

mazandaran

kordestan tehran Tehran

Distance between Stations Tehran 41 Karaj Jolfa Tehran Qazvin Tehran 178 Takestan Route Tehran 315 Zanjan Tehran- railway with a length of 736 Km is one the most spectacular Tehran 439 Mianeh railway routes of Iran that trespasses several towns. railway as the Tehran 501 Khorasanak first official Iranian railway started its work in 1912. Important stations of the Tehran 607 Maragheh route are: Karaj, , Qazvin, Takestan, Zanjan, Mianeh, Maragheh and Ajabshir. In its route, Tabriz railway connects Razi station and Tehran 645 Ajabshir Railway network. Ghotour bridge is one of the famous Iranian railway bridges Tehran near Khoy county. The bridge connect Iranian railway to Turkey and . RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran 736 Tabriz GUIDE OF IRAN Also, Tabriz-Jolfa electrical railway is the only Iranian electrical railway with a Tehran 810 34 length of 146 Km in this route. The first Iranian tramway called Ghongha was operated in Tabriz in 1901. Tehran 882 Jolfa Qazvin Town Karaj County is limited to Mazandaran province on north, to Shahriar and Markazi The town was basically built during Dynasty of Sassanid Shapoor I, known as Shad Shapoor. The town gained province on south, to Savojbolagh County and on the west, to Tehran on more credit during the Safavid dynasty when it was selected as its capital. Several buildings were built in town. Most east. Karaj derives from the word «Karaj» which means screaming and shouting. During important historical- cultural buildings include: the portal of Ali Qapu, museum of pavilion, palace, the summer a fire was made on Atashgah hill, Kelak Mountains and Ghaleh Dokhtar in castle, Sassan castle (great tomb), Barajin tower, café, Saf bathroom, several water reservoirs, old Shahrestanak and Boz castle in for sending messages and watching the area. mall of Qazvin, Kabir cheif mosque, Masjedolnabi mosque of Qazvin, and Imamzadeh Hossein (peace be upon him).

Karaj Qazvin Station Holy Tomb of Imamzadeh Taher (Peace be upon him) Station One of the holy shrines known in Karaj county is the holy tomb of Imamzadeh Hossein (peace be upon him) The building dates back to Ilkhanate dynasty, famous also as Leaving Imamzadeh Taher (Peace be upon him), one of the grandsons of In Tabriz road Imamzadeh Hossein. The entry on north resembles the town gates Tehran station Imam Zeinolabedin (peace be upon him). His holy shrin is located at after , during the Safavids and Qajar dynasties. The entry has arcades and and passing beginning of Karaj- Qazvin highway, near Mehrshahr bridge about 10 Ziaran (Shahid six , decorated with beautiful tiles. Nik Pasandi Km far away west Karaj. The beautiful, tall and newly renovated dome Mohammadi) (Shahid Jabari), can be seen easily from the road in the green space around it. and Kohandej Lashgari stations, the (Shahid train enters Bohlooli) and Qazvin Maleki (Shahid station, with Shiralizadeh) Soleimanieh Palace Total length staions, the There is an old building belonging to Qajar dynasty in the large and of rail lines of train enters beautiful area of Agriculture Faculty of Karaj. It is regarded as one of Peighambarieh Mausoleum 9929 meter. Karaj station, the magnanimous and beautiful palaces of Fathali Shah Dynasty. The It’s the tomb of four holy prophets named Salam, Saloom, sahooli It’s located with Total length building as a part of Soleimanieh palace has much significance because and Alghia. It’s located in Peighambarieh Street of Qazvin. Its holy in a plain of rail lines of of internal decorations, specially two paint& oil paintings on its eastern shrine has 4 corners. On south, there is a veranda toward the yard. geographical 14361 meter. and western walls. It was built by Sadr Esfahani the famous architect of Decorations include stucco and tiling. location with It’s located said period based on the order of Soleiman Miraza, son of Fathali Shah. a height of in a plain 1286 meter geographical from sea. location with a Nearest village height of 1307 is Choobin meter from village, 2 Km sea. It’s 41 Tulip Garden of Gachsar far away. Km far away Gachsar is name of a village in Asaray district of Name of origin station Karaj. It’s 65 Km away northeast Karaj. It hosts Chehel Sotun Palace Qazvin station (Tehran). the nature friends one month per year in The palace dates back to Safavid dynasty. It’s in is taken from the spring. the middle of a garden and has a big hall. Qazvin town, Its decorations include: marquetry established doors, paintings, tiling, between 1938 and gold and 1941. working.

IRAN Nama Tehran Jolfa RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 36 37 Takestan City Formerly the city was called “Siadahan”, known as the Tat land. It was a prosperous city with a top status in Sassanid Dynasty. The stuccos found in Khandoo hill in Zanjan Town northeast Takestan dating back to Sassanid dynasty, prove the prosperity of the as capital of zanjan town includes two central parts, Zanjanrood region in said period. district and 10 villages. As one of the oldest Iranian towns, Zanjan has a long history.

Takestan Zanjan Station Station Khanom mosque Passing Siah The mosque is in Zanjan town and it dates back to Qajar dynasty. It Passing Siah Cheshmeh was built in 1280A.H by a benefactor lady called Seyedeh Khanom. Bagh, Qorveh, (Shahid In next years, some repairs were done on it. Khoram Gomnam) Darreh, Zarin station, the Dej (Shahid train enters Norouzi), Takestan station. It’s (Shahid Pir located Sagha), in a plain Soltanieh geographical and location with stations, the a height of Rakhtshooy Khaneh Edifice train enters 1266 meter The edifice is located in the old part of Zanjan town, between Sa’di Zanjan station. from sea. and Davoodgholi streets. It dates back to 1345 A.H, built by two Tts railway It’s 178 Km brothers named Mashhadi Akbar (architect) and Mashhadi Esmaeil line is totally far away (mason). 9467 meter. origin station It’s located (Tehran). in a plain Nearest geographical village is location with a Kahak Takestan’s Grape height of 1624 village, 6 Km Regarding grape production, Takestan stands in meter from far away. sea. It’s 315 3rd place in Iran after and Khorasan province. Soltaniyeh, the largest masonry The station Km far away It’s in 2nd place regarding raisin production. Iran structure in the world after “Santa is located in origin station is the 7th producer of grapes in the world. Maria” church in Florence- Italy, is Takestan city. (Tehran). one of the unique and exclusive Nearest village historical buildings of Iran. is Sayan Soltaniyeh is the mausoleum of village, 3 Km Oljaitu. It was built in 13021312- Qez Castle far away. Qez castle is 20 Km far away Takestan, beside Abkoloo village. The A.H ordered by him in Soltanieh castle in at the top of a stone mountain and it can be seen from several which was the capital of Ilkhanid kilometers away. It’s limited to deep falls on three sides and the only dynasty. It’s one the important access way is on the south corner. Islamic and Iranian architectural buildings. It’s registered in the world’s heritage list.

IRAN Boqeh Pir in Takestan Nama It’s located in south Takestan in vicinity of old cemetery of the town Tehran and ancient hill of Khole Kooh. The building has a square shape with Jolfa dimensions of 6.10×6.50 meter. There is a dome on top of it which is RAILWAY TOURISM Routeplaced on a square plate by four corners. GUIDE OF IRAN 38 39 Khorasanak Region Miyaneh City The ruins of an old village called castle of Hashtrood can be seen when Miyaneh is one of the old and historical cities of Azerbaijan in Iran. According to Diakonoff passing east Khorasanak station in Tehran-Tabriz route. It dates back to Sassanid in History of the , the Mannae land was located in present Azerbaijan and Kurdistan dynasty. Natural attractions of the region are: Aydoghmush Chay as one the about 720 years BC. It’s capital was near lake . Uch Tappeh, which is now one of most famous of Hashtrood, Yanigh Gul, Bezojogh Gul, Ghusha Gul and Zulbin the villages of this town, was the place of camping for Nadershah army. Gul wetlands which are the habitat of migratory birds.

Miyaneh Khorasanak Station Station

Passing In Tehran- Jolfa Zanjan, route, the Khoram train enters Pay (Shahid Khorasanak Sohrabi station after Nejad), Nik passing Shahid Pay, Azar Hossein Pay (Shahid Ghareh Daghi, Moradi), Sheikh Safi and Sarcham, Babak (Shahid Rejin and Khalil) stations. Pol Dokhtar It has totally stations, the Pol Dokhtar Gharanghu Chay 2738 meter of train enters The bridge is built on Qezel Ozan river in entry of Qaflankuh heights, Gharanghu Chay is one of the main and important branches of Ghezel railway lines. 20 Km far away southeast Miyaneh. Age of bridge is not known. Miyaneh Ozan river, originating from central and eastern mountains of . It’s located in Some believe it dates back to the Sassanid and some attribute it to station. It The deep valley in which the river floats is known as Darband Zahak a mountainous 8th century A.H. has totally and it has potential entertainment capacity. Some kind of fish especially geographical 4945 meter of trout and Caspian kutum live there in large numbers. location with a railway lines. height of 1524 It’s located in meter from a mountainous sea. It’s 502 geographical Km far away location with a origin station height of 1071 (Tehran). meter from Zahhak Castel Nearest village sea. It’s 439 Imamzadeh Esmaeil is Khorasan Km far away Known as Kamaleddin mausoleum, Imamzadeh Esmaeil is at south of of Hashtrood Lu village, origin station chief mosque of Miyaneh and is connected to it. The walls are made The Castel was used actively until the Ismaili 0.5 Km away. (Tehran). of brick and it has a dome. The outer layer is covered with greenish dynasty and it had been very prosperous. Nearest town is blue tiles. The four-wall ruin is the only structure Hashtrood, 11 remained from Zahhak castle. Based on Km away from the legends, the castle was the residence the station. of Zahhak (having two snakes on shoulders) which was built on the honor of – the goddess of love, fertility and waters in ancient Jamal Abad Caravanserai Iran. The caravanserai is in Jamal Abad village, 35 Km far away Mianeh. It is one of the buildings built by order of Shah Abbas.

IRAN Nama Tehran Jolfa RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 40 41 IRAN Nama Tehran Jolfa RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 42 43 Maragheh is one of the old and historical counties of Azerbaijan which has many historical and cultural attractions. Alavian earth in northeast Maragheh locates in Ajabshir Town a highland toward Maragheh in the green valley of Alavian with high tourism potentials. Ajabshir is one of western towns of , and its capital is Ajabshir. Other natural attractions include Varjooy spring, Goshayesh spring, Hampoeil cave The green town is 35 Km far from northwest Maragheh in a height of 1330 meter from (Pigeons), Maragheh plain. the sea. is in west of Ajabshir.

Maragheh Ajabshir Station Station

Passing Mausoleum of Owhadi Maraghai Passing The mausoleum is the tomb of Rokneddin Abolhassan Maraghai Saeb, Azar Bonab known as Owhadi Maraghai, the Iranian poet and scholar, auther of Hashtrood, and Dizeh Gooye Namdar and famous Jam-e Jam ode. His tomb in amidst a tashbogh Rud (Shahid green garden in Maragheh. (Shahid Bakhtzadeh) Ghafari), stations, the Sarajoo, train enters Kharajoo, Ajabshir station. Sahand, Gol It has totally Tapeh and 2143 meter of Khajeh Nasir Zahak castle (Dash Ghaleh) railway lines. stations, the Hampoeil cave (Pigeons cave) The castle is 28 Km far away east Ajabshir and is one of the valuable It’s located train enters Pigeons cave (Hampoeil) is one of the caves of east Azerbaijan province, historical places of the town. It was studied for the first time in 1971 by in a plain Maragheh located 8 km far away southeast Maragheh near Goshayesh village. There a German archeologist team. Based on the signs remained in semi- geographical station. It is a big square at cave entry, the ceiling of which is the pigeons nest. The cylinder towers at the gate of castle, it dates back to the Sassanid location with a has totally lime sediments have been formed during millions of years and created a dynasty. The walls which are covered with rectangular stones remind height of 1317 7139 meter beautiful view. No one has been able to access the end of caves yet. The the wall covers in Sassanid dynasty. meter from of railway cave air is very humid and there is not enough air at end of it. Reaching the sea. It’s 645 lines. It’s sides of cave is not possible without enough equipment Km far away located in a origin station mountainous (Tehran). geographical Nearest village location with is Aghcheh a height of Oubeh, 2 km far 1433 meter away. Nearest from sea. town is Ajabshir, It’s 607 Km Rahmanlu port 2 Km far away. far away Red Tomb Rahmanlu port and village belongs to west origin station Among five tombs in Dizajrud rural district in central part of Ajabshir, (Tehran). Maragheh, Red Tomb in east shore of Lake Urmia. It’s one of the in Azerbaijan is the important ports in east Azerbaijan. There is a oldest tombsknown as bay in north of port for passenger and cargo “Ghermezi Gonbad”. vessels. On the south part, there is a place for It is a square building passengers who come to the port for enjoying the with a dome on sea water and minerals. Danalu, Ghobadlu and the corbels which Zinatlu ports in east shore of Lake Urmia are 35 are still intact. The Km far away Ajabshir. inscriptions and geometrical shapes made of red brick and greenish blue tile are seen at the IRAN portal. There are Nama paintings of flowers Tehran and leaves with Jolfa a blue theme on RAILWAY TOURISM Route the ash gypsum GUIDE OF IRAN 44 flooring. 45 Azarshahr County Azarshahr is one of towns of east Azerbaijan province, and its capital is Azarshahr. Azarshahr is 50 Km from southeast Tabriz and east of Lake Urmia. On the north it’s limited to Tabriz as capital of east Azerbaijan province with approximate population of 1,914,000 County, on south to Ajabshir County, on west to Lake Urmia. The city is in a plain area in people and area of 194281/ Km2 is 620 Km far from northwest Tehran and 150 km far Maragheh- Tabriz route. Its old name is Dehkhareghan. It has many fruits, grapes and wulnut from Iran- Azerbaijan border. Though it’s located in a cold region but it has a special gardens. Dehkhreghan means the location of lower village (downstream village). delicate weather.

Tabriz Azarshahr Tabriz Station In last periods, Tabriz was regarded as one of the most important Station Top Topon Spring commercial capitals of Iran because it was located in the . Passing Parviz The spring is 5 Km far away Azarshahr in Tabriz- Maragheh road. Due to its special position, Tabriz hosted trade caravans from Europe Passing Zarei Bahman Its water contains calcium bicarbonate, gas magnesium and ferrous and Far East who entered from Russia and Ottoman. It was the and Abbasi (Shahid mineral water which heals many diseases. commercial exchange capital of European countries for several stations, the Farahani) years. Therefore, it enjoyed from world fame. train enters and Shir Ayin Tabriz station. stations, the It has totally train enters 20753 meter Azarshahr of railway station. It lines. It’s has totally located 1621 meter of in a plain railway lines. Blue Mosque of Tabriz geographical It’s located Blue or turquoise mosque is regarded as one of the masterpieces location with in a plain of Islamic architecture. It was built by order of Abu Mozafar Jahanshah a height of geographical Qareqoyunlu. It attracts the artists to its turquoise tile, Persian blue 1350 meter location with a tile and excellent Thuluth, Nasta’liq and scripts, innovative from sea. It’s height of 1296 geometrical and forms. distance from meter from sea. origin station Nearest village (Tehran) is is Gheshlagh, 736 Km. 8 km far Tabriz station away. The is within nearest town is Tabriz town. Azarshahr, 10 Km far away. Maqbaratolshoara in Tabriz (Mausoleum of Poets) The tomb is in Sorkhab neighborhood in southeast corner of Seyed Hamzeh tomb. It’s the mausoleum of tens of famous Iranian poets, scientists, scholars and literary figures.

Ghadamgah Cave The cave is located at south Azarshahr El- Golu park of Tabriz in Badamyar (Ghadamgah) village. Its El-Golu park (people’s pool) which was formerly called interior space is like a circle basement Shahgolu (king’s pool) is a beautiful natural resort in Tabriz with diameter of 15 meter. The located on a hill in southeast Tabriz. cave’s altar (or mosque) with its hanging vaults dates back to the Sassanid dynasty. Presently, the cave is the place of religious IRAN ceremonies in Nama Muharram and Tehran Ramadan months. Jolfa RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 46 47 Marand County dates back to several centuries B.C. In Islamic Encyclopedia it’s said that Marand was the central residence of important tribes in Kaldeh and Assyrian period. Jolfa Region Some narrations say that Marand is the place where the grave of Noah the prophet lies. Jolfa means “weaver”. In old times, it was the place of silk worm reproduction. Its There is a castle called San Sarood, about 26 km far away north Marand on a high hill people were masters of producing silk fabrics. Main historical works of Jolfa include: between two branches of the river. It’s one of the historical buildings of this region. Saint Stepanos monastery and Asiab Kharabeh fall.

Marand Jolfa Station Station

Passing Passing Sahlan, Sofian, Harzand, Sagban, Payam Zal (Shahid and Kandelaj Sabri), Gorgor (Shahid (Hadi Shahr) Shojaei) stations, the stations, the train enters train enters Jolfa station. Marand station. It has totally It has totally 64953 meter 2000 meter of of railway railway lines. lines. It’s It’s located located in a plain in a plain geographical geographical location with Saint Stepanos location with a height of a height of 1301 meter Monastery 705 meter from sea. Its In a distance of 17 Km far from sea. It’s distance from away west Jolfa in a place distance from origin station called Ghezel (Red origin station (Tehran) is 810 Asiab Kharabeh Fall Monastery), there is a (Tehran) is 882 Asiab Kharabeh (Khara or Deyirman) fall is one of the most beautiful Km. Ordakloo monastery called Saint Km. Khoda regions in east Azerbaijan. It’s called as Kharabeh (ruined) fall because village is 3 km Stepanos which is the name Verdiloo of the ruins of a watermill. To reach the interesting place, you must far away the of first Christian martyr. village is 2 km pass Marand- Jolfa road to Mahdishahr (Alamdar- Kargar). After an station. The The monastery dates far away the earth road in borderline of Iran and Azerbaijen Republic and passing a station is in back to 1st millennium. It’s station. The sub- road you reach a pretty valley which is the place of the watermill. Marand city. made of three parts: bell station is in tower, prayers room and Jolfa city. Daniel hall (Boghos Petros prayers room) and the Fire Temple dating back to the Zoroastrian period.

IRAN Nama Tehran Jolfa RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 48 49 tehran

khorasan semnan razavi

qom

Kashan

Bardood

isfahan south Naein khorasan

Meybod Yazd

Bafgh

Tehran kerman Distance between Stations Tehran 287 Kashan Bandarabbas Tehran 342 Bardood Tehran 399 Zavareh Tehran 490 Naein RThe route with totaloute length of 1333 km is the most important railway transport Ardakan route of Iran. Its main stations are Sirjan, Golgohar, Tazraj and Shahid Tehran 569 Rajaei. Its importance has doubled due to several rich mineral mines such as Tehran 582 Golgohar Iron ore in Sirjan, Choghart mine in Bafgh, Chadormalu mine, as Tehran 656 Yazd well as convergence of significant industrial and economic poles of Iran such RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran 773 Bafgh GUIDE OF IRAN as: Isfahan steel, Oil Refinery of Bandarabbas, Hormozgan steel industry and Shahid Rajaei port. Since railway stations from Tehran to Kashan were Tehran 1323 Sirjan 50 introduced in last part, this route will be introduced from Kashan station. Tehran 2190 Bandarabbas Bandarabbas Kashan Town Kashan is one of the very old towns of Iran. According to the archeological Town explorations the Silk hills, 4 Km far away west Kashan, is known as the first capital of Certainly, Badrud is one of the oldest towns in central . It’s affiliated civilization and residence of prehistory human beings. Kashan is certainly one of the to Isfahan province, 140 Km far away from it. Its pomegranate called as “Souvenir of Iranian rich towns due to its historical and cultural attractions. Badrud” is known because of its unique taste and quality.

Kashan of Kashan Badrud Station One of the splendid and historically valuable buildings of Isfahan Station province is in garden in Kashan, 6 Km far away south Kashan in vicinity Passing of Fin village. The garden is a sample of the Safavid palaces. Some Passing Mohammad parts were added to it during the Zand and Qajar dynasty. The first Kashan and Seyed, building of the garden dates back to pre-Islam period and has old ties Gaz (Shahid Shoorab with the 7000-year civilization of Silk town. The garden is irrigated by Rohani), Sekh (Shahid Asgari), Soleimanieh spring which is attributed to the prophet Solomon. Gol (Shahid Firoozabad, Darougheh) Dehnar (Shahid and Deh Abad Zareian) and stations, the Mad Abad train enters stations, the The mosque has a splendid portal with tiling decorations, 2-floor big Badrud station. train enters courtyard, closed-off space with a great dome and tiled minarets. The It has totally Kashan station. whole building including its dome which is the largest brick dome 3250 meter of It has totally in the world is built with bricks. Decorations include the tiling, brick railway lines. 8525 meter of works, and valuable tile and plaster inscriptions, honeycomb works, Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Agha Ali It’s located railway lines. Tuluth and scripts and paintings. Abbas and Shahzadeh Mohammad in a desert It’s located (peace be upon them) geographical in a desert They are sons of Imam Musa Kazem (peace be upon location with geographical Borujerdis House him), the 7th Shia Imam. Their holy shrine is 30 Km far a height of Borujerdis house is one of the most famous houses in Kashan and is known as location with a away town and 8 Km far away Badrud town. 1014 meter the symbol of this town. It was built by the order of a famous merchant of Kashan height of 944 It’s one of the main holy shrines of Iran. from sea. It’s meter from sea. in 2nd half of 13th century. The portal and eight-entry corridor, the north veranda distance from It’s distance entry, yard and the rooms around it, cellar, north origin station from origin veranda, hall and alcove and wind shields are (Tehran) is 342 station (Tehran) among its architectural specifications. The Km. Badrud is 278 Km. paintings in the alcove are very beautiful. village and Fakhreh village, town is 7 km 18 km far away far away the the station is station. the nearest village. Karshahi castle One of the masterpieces of the Qajar architecture is the beautiful castle of Karshahi. It’s built of raw adobe brick with 5 watchtowers. It has interrelated rooms and spaces, surrounded by a large trench with a beautiful engineering method which prevented the IRAN enemies from entering the Nama castle. Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 52 53 Zavareh Town Zavareh is a small town in south outskirts of great Salt Desert, 120 Km far away Isfahan (northeast of Isfahan) in vicinity of central Iranian Desert. Several historical Nain is one of the towns of Isfahan province in central part of Iran, having Nain County buildings such as Imam Hassan Mojtaba Minaret, Moghol castle and chief mosque as its capital. The town is in Great salt Desert with a hot climate. Its old age can be are seen in the town. seen in Narin Castle or Naenj castle.

Zavareh Pirnia House Nain station Chief Mosque of Zavareh This house is one of the valuable Station The mosque dates back to the Seljuk dynasty which is the first monuments of the Safavid. The Passing mosque having 4 verandas. The mosque was completed in 551 A.H Passing plaster and Iranian paintings in Moghak sponsored by Abutaher Hossein-ebne- Ghali ben Ahmad. The plaster Robat, the alcove veranda and its upper and Sahileh and brick decorations of the mosque especially its Kufic scripts Shahrab, room are very eye-catching. stations, the are very unique. The building includes the dome, verandas, yard, Sangi, Soheil Presently, it’s used as the train enters Shabestan (underground space), the place for calling to prayers, and and Diadak anthropology museum of Nain Zavareh 40 columns. stations, the town. station. It train enters has totally Nain station. 3726 meter of It has totally railway lines. 3660 meter of It’s located railway lines. in a desert It’s located geographical Pamenar or Ben in a plain location. Its geographical distance from Kuyeh Mosque location. It’s origin station In Zavareh town there is a minaret distance from (Tehran) is with approximate height of 20 origin station 399 Km. meter with Kufic inscription. The (Tehran) is and script tells that it was engraved 490 Km. Zavareh are in 461 A.H sponsored by Nearest town respectively Mohammad Ebne Ibrahim. Chief Mosque of Nain is Nain, 38 the nearest It’s noteworthy that after One the most important historical buildings of Nain is called Km far away city and minaret, it’s the 2nd Alavian Chief Mosque. Main building of the mosque dates the station. village. Iranian minaret having back to 4th century A.H and it’s very similar to Damghan’s a manuscript. The Tarikhaneh mosque. There are beautiful and surprising plaster mosque has 5 historical decorations in which never can be overlooked. dating back to Seljuk dynasty. Unfortunately, the main shabestan which dates back to the Sassanid has been destructed.

IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 54 55 IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 56 57 Ardakan County Meybod County Ardakan County is one of the counties of in central part of Iran. Ardakan Meybod’s height from sea is 1090 meter with an approximate area of 845 Km. The consists 32% (more than 24,000 Km2) of area of Yazd province and is its biggest oldest symbol of historical identity and urban life in Yazd province, is Narin castle in county. In prosperity days, Ardakan was located in a place called Zardak of which old Meybod. The old castle like a tired old and silent old man remembers the long years walls still remain. The county has three parts: central, Kharanagh and Aghda part. of peace and pain of its people.

Meybod Ardakan Chief Mosque of Meybod Station The mosque includes several mosques with verandas (customary Station Taghdiri House of the region) in Yazd. The tile manuscript on internal wall of Mihrab Passing Taghdiri house dates back to the Qajar dynasty is in Tiran neighborhood. After Ardakan dates back to 867 A.H. The manuscript of wood portal shows the Sargol, It has an archway with length of 15 meter and two wind shields in north station, the names of Shi’a 12- and a verse from holy , dating back Nogonbad, and south parts. 5-door and 3-door rooms with colorful and tiny glasses train enters to 913 A.H. Siakooh, are mong the beauties of this 2-floor house. Meybod Sarv and station. It Bisim has totally stations, the 12399 meter of train enters railway lines. Ardakan It’s distance station. It from Tehran is has totally 596 Km and 5686 meter Ansari House The oldest wind shields of Ardakan built based on Yazd style is in this Chapar Khaneh (house of courier) in Meybod it’s located of railway The courier house dates back to Qajar dynasty that included a house in Charkhab neighborhood. It’s one of the most original buildings in a plain lines. It’s central yard surrounded by mangers. It’s mainly built of adobe brick of Qajar dynasty which has beautiful plaster decorations and window- geographical distance from and mud. like frames with meshy geometrical shapes. location. origin station Nearest town (Tehran) is is Meybod, 12 582 Km. Km far away Nearest town the station. is Ardakan, 10 Km far away the Chief Mosque station. of Ardakan The mosque, dating back to more than 400 years ago, has two north and south gates, prayers room for summer and winter.

IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 58 59 Yazd County It’s said that Yazd is the 2nd historical town of the world after Venice and the 1st Seyed Rokneddin Mausoleum adobe - built town in the world. Wind shields are a masterpiece of Iranian-desert The mausoleum dates back to 8th century A.H. It has brick, Kufic script and Nastaliq script decorations architecture which are valued around the world. on walls, water-colored ceiling. It was registered as a national Iranian building in 1935.

Yazd Dolat Abad station Garden Dolat Abad Passing garden is Shams (Shahid one of the Ahmad Abadi) famous Iranian and Nazar gardens built Abad (Shahid in Mohammad Dashti) Taghi Khan stations, the period (Zand train enters dynasty). The Yazd station. wind shield of It has totally garden with a 16919 meter of height of 33.80 railway lines. Zoroastrian Fire Temple meter is the The temple is located in Ayatollah Kashani Avenue in Yazd. It includes Chief Mosque of Yazd It’s located The sponsor of main building of this Islamic architectural treasure tallest wind in a plain a building and a garden built in present century. Here the holy fire was Seyed Rokneddin. The present mosque with 48 meter minarets shield in Iran which dates back to 1500 years ago is preserved. geographical and portal height of 24 meter dates back to 8th Century A.H. and shows the location with intelligence a height of of Yazd 1141 meter architects. from sea. It’s distance from origin station is 656 Km. Ghasem Abad village, 1 km Amir Chakhmaq complex is one of the prominent historical far away the complexes located in the capital of historical part of Yazd town. station is the It’s one of the important and logistic points of Yazd. It dates nearest village. back to 9th Century A.H. It was founded by Amir Jalaleddin Chakhmaq, one of Tymurid commanders when he took reign in Yazd. The complex includes the mall, (a place where Shi’a Moslems gather to mourn the killing of Husayn bin Ali), mosque and two water reservoirs dating back to the Tymurid dynasty (9th century A.H).

IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 60 61 Sirjan is originally “Sirgan” and it’s attributed to Bahman, the Parthian king. Sirjan Bafgh County is 75 Km far away southwest Kerman. It’s limited to (230 km) and Shahr The county having Bafgh town as its capital, is 120 far away southeast Yazd, in a Babak (70 Km) county on north, to on south, to (129 Km) height of 927 from the sea. Its area is 15298. and counties on east, to on west.

Bafgh Sirjan Station Fahraj Village Station It is a big and well-known village of Bafgh county whose name has Sang Castle, in ups and downs of Sirjan History Passing been mentioned in historical books of Yazd repeatedly. Its fame The stone pulpit of Sang castle is the only monument of Sirjan old Passing Janat Yazd, Yazd originates from two valuable buildings which are chief mosque and town. The pulpit with height of 1.5 meter and weighing more than 2 Abad, Bayaz, Gerd (Shahid martyrs cemetery ( e shohada). The first establishment of Fahraj tons, dates back to the dynasty of Sultan Ahmad Mozafari (789 A.H). , Bagheri), village dates back to the Sassanid. Khatoon Abad Rakhsh (Shahid and Churan ), Chah stations, the Khavar (Shahid train enters Fahraji), Sirjan station. Tabar Kuh It has totally (Shohadaye Imamzadeh Abdullah Mausoleum 19336 meter of Gomnam), railway lines. Mehrdad (peace be upon him): It’s distance Imamzadeh Abdullah (peace be upon him) in Bafgh is the brother of (Shahid Shiri) from origin Imam Reza (peace be upon him) and son of Imam Moosa Kazem and Bahram station is 1324 (peace be upon him). Its dome is one of the uniquely beautiful ones Gur (Shahid Km. Soltani) and it’s said to be the most circular dome in the world. Its building was stations, the completed in 5th century A.H. train enters Bafgh station. It has totally 30968 meter of railway lines. It’s located in a plain geographical location with a Shifting Sand Dunes height of 1001 One of the most interesting tourist attractions Chopoghi meter from sea. of Bafgh is the shifting sand dunes, 17 km It’s distance far away Bafgh in vicinity of Sadegh Abad Wind Shield from origin village. The locals call them the “Sand of Chopoghi wind shield is one of the station is 773 Sadegh Abad”. unique architectural works of Iran. It was Km. Fazelieh built by Haj Seyed Mohammad Shojaei. village, 2 km It was built in Pahlavi period based on far away the the form of the vessels smoke shaft. station is the It’s a combination of Architecture and nearest village. industry. With regular geometrical mesh The station is in beneath it, the wind shield is located on the city. the rectangular space on northeast side of the house. It has 4 outlets which guide the wind stream to lower spaces through its corridors. IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 62 63 Natural attractions of Abbas include: Geno mineral springs, Lashtan, Chah Ahmad, Khorgu, Badi hotwater spring, Sorkhan and Nian and Chastan hot water spring. Other interesting points are Kish, Hormoz islands, Hara (Mangrove) forest. Cultural and historical attractions include Pavilion, Name of Bandar Abbas dates back to 1622, when Shah Abbas could free the port castle, Khamir castle, ancient wharf of Laft port, old region of Soru, Latidan bridge, Dejkan mosque, from the Portuguese. The port was named Bandar Abbas in the honor of Shah Abbas. Menbar Kohneh mosque, chief mosque of Bandar Abbas, Sahrabaghi mosque, Imamzadeh Seyed Mozafar, Khajeh Nasir shrine, Imamzadeh Seyed Kamel and Hindu temple.

Bandar Geno Abbas Delgosha Chief Mosque Resort Station The building dates back to 12th and 13th century A.H. It includes a Hindu Temple Geno mountain Hindu temple is one of the historical buildings in Bandar Abbas which Passing Tiku Shabestan (underground space) in old and the new part. Old part has with height of is known as Bot Guri, too. It’s a unique sample of Indian architecture and Ensheab several columns with plaster heads similar to those of Galehdari and 2347 meter is in Iran. The building was built by skilled Indian builders in 1310 A.H stations, the Dejgan mosques. The building was registered under No. 1599 as a 29 Km far away for the Indian merchants living in Bandar Abbas. train enters national Iranian building. west Bandar Bandar Abbas Abbas between station. It Fin, Siahoo and has totally Isin villages. 7924 meter of Compared with railway lines. hot climate of It’s located Bandar Abbas, in a plain the resort has geographical a relatively location. moderate climate. It has great Old Wharf environmental The old wharf of Bandar Abbas is now one the places and visited by the passengers of Hormozgan province. It’s entertainment in southern line of Taleghani Blvd. The wharf was built significance. in 1939 with length of 185 m and width of 420 m. The greatness of the new wharf and its installations attract many new-comers to this town.

IRAN Nama Tehran Bandarabbas RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 64 65 caspian sea

north khorasan Gorgan gilan Bandar Gaz Bandar Sari Torkaman Behshahr Ghaemshahr qazvin Savadkuh tehran khorasan Firouzkouh Veresk razavi

Rey semnan Garmsar

Varamin

south khorasan Tehran yazd Distance between Stations Tehran 10 Rey Tehran 44 Varamin Tehran 114 Garmsar Gorgan Tehran 203 Firouzkouh Tehran 264 Veresk Route Tehran 270 Savadkuh The route with a length of 497 Km is one of the most beautiful and unique Tehran 334 Ghaemshahr Railway routes of Iran. Tehran- North Railway was operated at the same Tehran 338 Sari time with Trans-Iranian Railway in 1938. Zarrin Dasht, Firouzkouh, Veresk, Ghaemshahr, Sari, Neka, Behshahr and Bndar Torkaman are the most Tehran 380 Neka important stations of this route. Veresk bridge is one of the most famous Tehran 403 Behshahr engineering structures in the world. Gaduk tunnel is the longest tunnel in Iran RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran 441 Bandar Gaz RAILWAY TOURISM with length of 2887 meter. It’s one of the attractions of this route. One of the GUIDE OF IRAN GUIDE OF IRAN main economic properties of this route is the connection of North railway to Tehran 461 66 port and connection of Gorgan to Incheh Borun. Tehran 479 Gorgan 67 Firouzkouh History of Firouzkouh Firouzkouh is in the Far East point of Tehran province. It’s limited to Savadkuh Due to its special location, Firouzkouh has been always attracted by different groups of people. Therefore, several works district in Mazandaran province on the north, to Mahdishahr in Semnan province on can be seen in this region, including 35 Imamzadeh and tombs, 28 castles, one historical houses, 7 cemeteries the east, To on the west and to Semnan on the south. Its height and shrines, 18 ancient historical & cultural sites, 3 natural caves and castles, 2 historical bridges, one historical mosque, from sea is about 1980 meter. It has a very cold winter and cool moderate summer. 8 caravanserai, 18 mausoleum towers, etc. Firouzhouh is an old town which is said by some people to be interrelated with In winter it’s one of the regions in Iran with lowest temperature. incidents like Damavand, such as Fereidoun and Zahak legends.

Firouzkouh Station Passing Bonkuh, Shahid Bivareh (Kabutar Tangeh Vashi Dareh), Simin Tangeh Vashi is a place Dasht, Zarin with natural- historical Dasht and attractions, about 15 km far Mahabad away northwest Firouzkouh stations, the county. It attracts many train enters tourists to its favorable Firouzkouh climate in the summer. In station. It ddition to its nice nature, has totally Tangeh Vashi has many 4575 meter historical attractions. One of railway of three famous Qajar lines. It’s inscriptions is situated in located in a this mountain pass. It was mountainous engraved upon the order of geographical Fathali Shah Qajar, in a size location with a of 6×7 meter. The biggest height of 1924 embossed figure of these from sea. inscriptions displays the Its distance hunting ground with horse, from Tehran javeline and the hunted station is 203 animals. The inscription is Km. Nearest about 185 years old. village is Larim Cheshmeh, 5 km far away the station.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 68 69 Veresk Veresk bridge is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the region. Historically, the bridge was built in on Veresk valley in Savadkuh region. It became famous as the Victory Bridge during the 2nd world war. With an Savadkuh opening with length of 66 m and height of 110 m, the bridge is regarded as one of Savadkuh County in central Alborz region is in vicinity of Semnan province. The main the engineering masterpieces in Iran and the world. town of this region is .

Veresk Savadkuh Station Station

Veresk station Aligned with is after Gaduk Gorgan route, and Dogol the train enters (Shahid Najafi) Savadkuh stations. It station passing has totally Sorkh Abad 1566 meter of (Shahid railway lines. Molavi) It’s located in station. It a mountainous has totally geographical 1211 meter of location with railway lines. a height of It’s located in 1488 meter a mountainous from sea. Its Naghshe Shah geographical distance from Naghshe Shah is the only figure of Naseredin Shah Qajar and his location with Tehran station courtiers engraved on the stone. The engraving is next to Vana tunnel a height of is 246 Km. and ancient road in Haraz road belonging to the Sassanid dynasty. 106 meter Nearest village from sea. is Veresk, 3 km Its distance far away the from Tehran station. Nearest station is 270 town is Pol Km. Nearest Sefid, 26 Km village is Sisat, far away the 1 km far away station. the station. Nearest town Kanglu castle is Pol Sefid, 12 The castle is about 20 km far away southeast Doab (Savadkuh region) near Km far away Kanglu village on top of a rock. Most parts of the castle have been destructed the station. by the time. Outer view of castle includes a great stone . It consists of two watchtowers in middle and lateral sides. The internal space had been built in a circular 2-floor form, most of which has been ruined.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 70 71 IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 72 73 Ghaemshahr Because of diverse climate, Sari County has many beautiful forest, sea and green Telar forest is one of the tourist attractions of Ghaemshahr, about 10 km far away plain locations. Soleiman Tangeh region, about 45 km far away Sari, with its natural the town. Tar Lake and its forest heights have created a surprising beauty in the attractions and forest heights, Imamzadeh Abbas, dam lake and Reskat tower are region. Main local and agricultural products of Ghaemshahr include: handcrafts, among the attractions of this region. Tajan and Tekyeh Pahneh Kola rivers are wood products, Kilim, squash and pomegranate. among other attractions of Sari.

Ghaemshahr Sari Station Reskat Tower Station Reskat tower is 40 km far away southwest Sari. The brick tower is Passing Passing near Reskat village in Dodangeh district. Its decorations include Ghaemshahr the vaulted forms and two brick inscriptions with Kufic and Pahlavi and Guni and before Sassanid scripts. Guni Bafi Bafi stations, station, the the train train enters enters Sari Ghaemshahr station station. It (capital of has totally Mazandaran 5104 meter of province). It railway lines. has totally It’s located 1059 meter in a plain of railway geographical lines. Its location with height from a height of the sea is 33 51 meter meter and from sea. Its Tar Lake a distance distance from One of the natural attractions near Damavand and in heights about of 338 Km Tehran station 3230 meters from the sea is Tar Lake. The lake is located in a region from Tehran is 334 Km. surrounded by mountains with a height of 50- 500 meter from sea. station. The heights without any valley between them have created a hole The station which forms Tar Lake. is located in a plain geographical Sa’at Square location. Sa’at is name of a square in capital of Sari. It has a big tower with an analogue clock and a bell that announces the hours. At night, the midnight bell can be heard in far streets of Sari due to repeated bell of clock and the night’s silence. Its construction was started in 1976 by Mr. Mohammadali Heidari and completed in 1978.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 74 75 Neka Behshahr Like other north towns and the towns along Caspian Sea, Neka has natural attractions. Old name of Behshahr is . It has many historical buildings dating back to Diverse forest trees and green regions have created a nice view. Neka forest and the Safavid: dam, tower, public bathroom and mosque. Emarat spring, Abbas cave are among natural- historical attractions of this region. Wood handcrafts, different Abad Lake, Miankaleh Island and pond (wetland) are among the natural attractions pickles, jams, and traditional bread are among the important products of the region. of the region.

Neka Behshahr Station Station

Neka station It has totally is situated 1167 meter after Sari of railway and Shahid lines. It’s Nobakht located stations. It in a plain has totally geographical 4161 meter location with of railway a height lines. It’s of 3 meter located Safi Abad Palace from sea. in a plain Safi Abad palace was built in 1010 A.H upon the order of Shah Abbas Its distance geographical the Great. It’s situated in southwest Behshahr County (Mazandaran from Tehran location with province) on the heights that reach a plain field. station is 403 a height of Gomishan Cave Km. Nearest 38 meter Gomishan cave in Khaneh Sar village is 5 km far away Neka town, village is from sea. 20 km far away Behshahr. It was discovered in 1988. Till now, 40000 Kolieh Abad, Its distance animal bones, 30000 stone tools and some clay pots have been 5 km far from (origin discovered in high layers of the cave. It can answer many questions away the station) about the life style of the region. Hotu Cave station. Tehran Hotu is name of a cave near Behshahr in Terojan village (Shahid station is 380 Abad) which has historical value. Many important ancient works have Km. Nearest been discovered in the cave regarding the life of first human beings. village is The cave is in the slope of Alborz Mountain toward the sea. It’s Nodehak, 0.5 located at the entry of Behshahr town, 50 meter far away from its twin km far. The cave, Kamarband cave. This cave and Kamarband cave dating back station is in to 70,000 years ago have international fame because of discovery of Neka town. Estakhr Posht Lake a human skeleton in them. The lake near Estakhr Posht village, in the Zarem river valley, is in form of a big circular hole surrounded by rice farms and everglades. The central part of lake is about 0.5 hectare wide and the surrounding part is about 6 Abbas Abad Gardens hectare wide. Abbas AbadGardens are 9 Km far away Behshahr county in the slope of Alborz Mountains among the mass forests. They are one of the most important and largest gardens of Iran. The complex has been registered in UNESCO heritage as one of the Iranian gardens.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 76 77 Bandar Torkaman Bandar Gaz Wharf Bandar Torkaman is one of the western towns of . It’s limited to Bandar Gaz located in far west corner of the province, is limited to Damghan county Republic on the north, to Goragn and Ali Abad counties on southeast, in Semnan province on the south, to Behshahr in Mazandaran province on the west, to County on the south, to Caspian sea and Bandar Gaz County on the west. to Kordkuy on the east and to Gorgan gulf on the north. Its area is 19020 Km and its main specification is its fishing and tourism capabilities.

Bandar Bandar Gaz Torkaman Station Station Passing Tirtash Passing and Galugah Bandar Gaz stations, the station, the train enters train enters Bandar Gaz. Bandar It has totally Torkaman. 830 meter of It has totally railway lines. 6124 meter Its height from of railway the sea is 19 lines. Its meter in a plain height from geographical the sea is location and 22 meter a distance of in a plain 441 Km from geographical origin station location and (Tehran). a distance Nearest village of 461 Km is Gaz village, 5 from Tehran km far away the Historical places of Bandar Gaz station. station. -Jar Kalbad (on west of old village of Kalbad) -The ruins of the old fire temple (on southeast of old village of Kalbad) - Mar Ghaleh (Snake castle) in southeast of east Livan -Ghadim Ghaleh (Old castle) in north of Sar Mahaleh - Aroos castle (south of Golfarav Sute Deh) Historical hills: Din Tapeh (south of old Kalbad), Abdollahi hill (north of old Kalbad), Senan Tapeh, Khaneh Sar (between Nokandeh and Telor), Dar Dar Lateh hill (south of Nokandeh). Island Caspian Sea has just one island: Ashuradeh Island. It’s said to be the famous Island mentioned in the history. It’s believed that during the Moguls Attack, Sultan Mohammad Kharazmshah escaped to this island. Ashuradeh is one of the most beautiful tourist that has been evacuated for several years.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 78 79 Gorgan Town Gorgan town is the capital of Golestan province which was called Estar Abad in old Naharkhoran Forest Park times. Its climate is moderate with very rich farm lands. Main language of its people Naharkhoran forest park is the oldest resort of Golestan province, 4 Km far away Goragn. It includes is Estar Abadi accent, a combination of local groups such as the Fars, Torkaman, a complex including the forest space around the road, river, urban and tourist installations. Since it’s Baluch, Sistani, Deylami, Mazani, Sabzevari, Kashmari, Shahrudi and Bastami situated in a special geographical location in two very slopy ranges, it has a very favorable climate and accents. It has a very diverse nature including the mountains, forest, range, plain and attracts always many tourists. plain field, desert and salt pan, sea and gulf, river and wetland and farm lands. Turang Tappeh Gorgan Gorgan It’s about 17 km far away northeast Goragn. The archeological Museum Station works discovered in the explorations show the residence of human The museum Alang Dareh Forest Park beings in the region about 6000 years B.C. Also, items belonging The park is located at southwest Gorgan, 3 Km far away Goragn. It’s has three parts Passing to the Parthian and Sassanid dynasties and the Islamic period including the Sabz Dasht situated in the mountain range of north forests with a unique plant have been discovered in said location. The most attracting place in species and a river passing therein. manuscripts. station, the Turang Tapeh is a castle dating back to the Sassanid dynasty (35-th They include train enters century). It was originally built in the Parthian dynasty. There is also a grave stones, Gorgan cross vault dating back to 7th century. archeology, station. It anthropology, has totally traditional clothes, 6137 meter of agricultural tools railway lines. and animal Its height husbandry parts. from the sea is 77 meter in a plain geographical location and a distance of 497 Km from Tehran station. Nearest village is Zangi Mahaleh, 1 Km far away the station.

IRAN Nama Tehran Gorgan RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 80 81 Distance between Stations Tehran 21 Eslamshahr Tehran 287 Kashan Tehran 342 Badrud Tehran 584 Isfahan mazandaran Tehran 651 Tehran 814 tehran Tehran 956 Pasargad Tehran 993 Sivand Tehran 1042 Eslamshahr Tehran 1079 Shiraz semnan

qom

markazi Kashan

Badrud Tehran Isfahan Shiraz Shahreza

Route Eqlid With a length of 1019 km, the route is one of the most attracting tourism routes of Iran having several historical and natural attractions. It attracts millions of Iranian and foreign tourist annually. Isfahan railway was operated in 1968. Cultural and tourist points, industrial and economic centers of Isfahan Pasargad province have brought a special significance to the railway. Isfahan railway connects Fars Province. Shiraz station was operated in 2009. shiraz Stations of this route include: Eslamshahr- Kashan- Badrud- Isfahan- RAILWAY TOURISM Sivand GUIDE OF IRAN Shahreza- Eqlid- Pasargad- Sivand- Marvdasht and Shiraz. The present part 82 will introduce the stations and touris attractions of this route. Kashan- Badrud Marvdasht stations have been mentioned formerly. Isfahan Isfahan is the capital of Isfahan province, an ancient town in . It has been Eslamshahr County is in southwest side of Tehran town in Tehran- Saveh road. Its famous as “half of the world” in the Iranian culture. During the first Islamic periods, the distance from Tehran is about 15 Km. It has two parts: Dodangeh and central part town was classified into two parts: Jey and Yahudieh. Its prosperity began when it was each having two villages. selected as the capital of Iran during Shah Abbas dynasty in 1000 A.H.

Eslamshahr Chehel Sotoun (Forty columns) Isfahan Station Chehel Sotoun is one of the historical buildings of Isfahan province Station with an approximate area of 67000 Sqm. It was constructed originally Passing Passing Mehr during dynasty of Shah Abbas I. It was completed during the dynasty Jazan, Spidan, Abad and Tapeh of Shah Abbas II. Mirror hall, Hejdah- sotoun (18- columns) hall, two Abyazan, Sefid stations, large rooms in north and south of mirror hall, the side verandas of Rangan, Gol, the train enters king’s hall, the big pond in front of the hall were added later to the Chariseh, Eslamshahr. building with all painting, mirror decorations, tiling in walls& ceiling. It has totally Garm Ab, 15357 meter of Varton, Sistan railway lines. and Firuz Abad Its height from stations, the the sea is 1072 train enters meter. It’s 21 Isfahan station. Km far from It has totally Tehran station. Imamzadeh Aghil 54717 meter of railway It has a plain The mosque is one of the Iranian mosques of Isfahan town built in lines with a climate and the 2nd century A.H. It includes a collection of art works and buildings. (peace be upon him) distance of nearest village The decorations include mainly the tiling, plastering and vaulted 548 Km from is Aprin village. forms. The chief mosque can be regarded as the oldest historical origin station Mausoleum building of Isfahan. Imamzadeh Aghil (peace be upon him) is one (Tehran). Its of the grandsons of Hazrat Abbas Ibne Ali Ibne height from Abitaleb (peace be upon him). The mausoleum the sea is has a rectangular plan with an adobe brick 1561 meter. dome. The outer part is decorated with blue, Nearest village yellow and greenish blue tiles. The tiles contain is Isfahanak, 4 km far away several Kufic manuscripts. the station. The meshy tomb of the mausoleum Khaju bridge (Shahi bridge) is built on river. Main foundation of was built in the bridge dates back to them late Timurid dynasty. It was completed to the Isfahan in present form in 1060 A.H in Shah Abbasa II’s dynasty. 1993 and The walls are covered with tiling and painting. installed in the holy shrine.

IRAN Nama Tehran Shiraz RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 84 85 Fire Temple of Isfahan Siosepol (Allah Verdi Khan Bridge) The temple is 8 km far away west Isfahan near Zayanderud river, on a stone mountain in height of The bridge is one of the unique masterpieces of the dynasty of Shah Abbas I. It was built by Sardar 1680 m. It’s made of adobe bricks. There is a thin reed layer among the bricks. On some of the bricks Allah Verdi Khan. Its other names are: Zayanderud bridge, Chahrbagh bridge, Jolfa Bridge. It’s the it’s written: 1352. The big brick piers emerge from the middle of the hill and change into big and strong highest bridge on Zayanderud river built in 1005 A.H with length of 300 m and width of 14 m. pillars. In the past, there had been some rooms on the pillars, too. Hasht Behesht School Imam Mosque (Abbasi Mosque) The building Building The mosque is one of the architectural and tiling masterpieces of 11th The mosque known as Abbasi mosque too, is one of the mosques in century (A.H), built by the order of Shah Abbas I. It’s located in east is the last The nice Naghshe Jahan square. It was built in south side of Imam square in historical building was side of Naghshe Jahan Square, opposite Ali Qapu building. Its architect 1020 A.H by the order of Shah Abbas I. The architect was Aliakbar was named Mohammadreza Isfahani. It has mosaic tiling with scripts magnificent built in 1080 Isfahani. Manuscripts have been engraved by callighraphists building of A.H during on them written by Alireza Tabrizi Abbasi. The mosque has no minaret named Alireza Abbasi, Abdolbaghi Tabrizi, Mohammadreza Emami, and shabistan (underground space) and its entry has no stairway. the Safavid the dynasty Mohammad Saleh Emami. dynasty that of Shah was constructed Soleiman in 11161126- Safavi and A.H during it’s a part the dynasty of Naghshe Ali Qapu of the last Jahan Ali Qapu building (Dolatkhaneh palace) is one of the exclusive palaces Savafid King, garden. The It’s one of the most beautiful and largest cathedrals in Jolfa- Isfahan. of the Safavid dynasty, built by the order of Shah Abbas I at the Shah Sultan outer view The interior space is decorated with oil painting and gold plating and beginning of 11th century. It has 5 floors, each containing important Hossein. It was includes photos showing the life of Christ (peace be upon him). The magnificent plaster decorations and painting. One of the interesting parts of this the school for animal figure cathedral was built in 1605. historical building is sound room which had been a place for playing teaching the tiles. It has music. seminarians. two floors Its tiling is with beautiful very diverse, ceilings including: and many polychrome tile, decorations. Imam Square (Naghshe Jahan Square) The square was built during the dynasty of Shah Abbas I, in a garden known as Naghshe Jahan. It’s mosaic works, one of the world’s biggest squares. During the dynasty of Shah Abbas it was a place for playing polo, fretwork, pili tile, army’s parade, celebrations and different shows. Today, it’s one of the historical buildings registered Kufic tile. In fact in UNESCO. it’s a tile museum in Isfahan.

IRAN Nama Tehran Shiraz RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 86 87 Eqlid Shahreza Eqlid County with an area of 7205 km2 is limited to county on north, to Shahreza is one of the towns of Isfahan province in Iran. It’s 70 km far away southeast Marvdasht, Sepidan na dYasuj counties on south, to County on west, and Isfahan with an almost hot and dry climate. to Khorrambid county on east.

Shahreza Eqlid Station Enqelab Forest Park station It’s located near a spring. It was built by Eqlid municipality after Passing victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran. It attracts many travelers due The station is Irankuh, to its cool climate. in the outskirt Abnil, Ahmad of Eqlid Abad, Sanaye town in a Mahyar mountainous Isfahan location. Its stations, the Total length train enters of rail lines is Shareza. It’s 22.3 km and 3 km far from its distance Shahreza from origin town. It’s station located Kaftar Lake (Shadkam) (Tehran) is The lake is one of the sweet water lakes of Fars province, located in in a plain 814 km. southeast of Eqlid county. Its area is about 48 Km and its habitat of geographical immigrating birds. location and its distance from origin station (Tehran) is 651 Km, with total railway line of Imamzadeh Shahreza Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Shahreza (peace 54.5 km. be upon him) is one the valuable Islamic works of Safavid dynasty. The basic building was built during the dynasty of Shah Esmaeil Balangan spring Safavi. Some attribute the Imamzadeh to Imam Hassan Mojtaba and some (Haji Abad) say that he was the son With natural and beautiful of Imam Musa Ibne landscapes, the spring is in a Jafar (peace be upon space with area of 3 km. him). The mausoleum Due to several springs is in north entry of in the region, the area Shahreza town. has provided a good chance for tourism and trout farming.

IRAN Nama Tehran Shiraz RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 88 89 IRAN Nama Tehran Shiraz RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 90 91 Sivand Sivand is a town, 75 km far from Shiraz that has many historical buildings. First it was called “Si Band”. It was named Pasargad so because there were 30 ponds therein from Pasargad to Takhte Jamshid. Its historical places include Sivand pond, Pasargad is one of the counties of Fars province, including two parts: central and Lirak spring, Khereft Khaneh, Sivand cave, Pahlavi manuscript of Tang Khoshk Sivand, Safavid cemetery, Shah Hakhamanesh. It’s limited to Khorrambid and Abadeh counties on north, to Eqlid and Abbasi Caravanserai, Achaemanian stone mines, Taghi bathroom, Ghale Farangi building, old post office of Sivand, Marvdasht counties on west, to Marvdasht County on south and to County on east. Emtiaz garden& building, Iranian Jewish caravanserai, Tang Fashak ruins, Tangeh Bolaghi and stone bridge.

Pasargad Sivand Station Pasargad Station Pasargad or Parse Gad, the capital of the Achaemenian (330- Passing 550 B.C), is 70 km far away Shiraz- Isfahan road in Morghab plain It’s 20 km far Safashahr field. , the founder of the dynasty, chose Pasargad from Saadat station, the as his capital after defeating Astigus, the last Medes king. He built Shahr in train enters beautiful palaces and gardens there. During 200- year- dynasty of the a plain Pasargad. Achaemenian, Pasargad town was the religious capital and the palce geographical It’s 20 km of coronation of Achaemenian kings. location. It far from has totally 3.3 km of in a plain railway geographical lines, in a location. It Ghavam Abad Caravanserai in Sivand: distance of has totally 3.2 The caravanserai was built during the Safavid dynasty, near old 993 Km from km of railway town of Sivand. Sivand is the ruins of old Sivand town which is origin station lines and a limited to Imamzadeh Aghil and Sivand old graveyard on west, to (Tehran). distance of Sivand caravanserai on east in Sivand Mountain and Sivand River. 956 Km from origin station (Tehran).

Sivand Islamic cemetery: Read the suffix “Sivandi” after the name and father’s name on gravestones, carefully. The cemetery is near Imamzadeh Aghil (Sultan Karam, peace be upon him) of Sivand.

IRAN Tomb of Cyrus the Great Nama The tomb includes a four- wall room on a 6-floor stand. Tehran Shiraz It’s built of white stones. The distance between room’s ceiling and the roof of tomb is 3 meters. The tomb is the RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN tomb of Cyrus and his wife Cassandane, the mother of 92 Cambyses. 93 Naqsh-e Rustam Marvdasht Naqsh-e Rustam is one of the important historical sites dating back to the , Achaemenid and The town is 35 km far from north Shiraz, with a moderate mountainous climate. It’s Sassanid dynasties and some other historical works in the slope of mountains. At the bottom of one of the centers of agricultural products in Iran. Kamfirouz quality rice, Farugh and mountain, there are bold figures of the Sassanid dynasty including 7 engraved figures showing Seyedan pomegranate, Farugh and Dashtak walnut, corn and beetroot are among different gatherings of the Sassanid. On top of the mountain the tombs of the achaeminid kings its products. can be seen. Four tombs in Naqsh-e Rustam belong to Darius I, Xerxes, Darius II and Artaxerxes I.

Marvdasht Station Perspolis The station is 3 km (Takhte Jamshid) far away Takhte Jamshid (Perspolis) is one of the Marvdasht most well-known structures of the ancient town in time. Perspolis is situated in slope of a plain Rahmat Mountain in Marvdasht plain, 30 geographical km far from Shiraz. Its construction began location. Its about 518 years B.C by the Achaemenid distance from king Darius. It continued during the kingdom origin station of Xerxes, his son, and other Achamenid (Tehran) is kings. Buildings of Perspolis complex are 1042 km. on a plate with approximate area of 125000 Sqm. It was registered in UNESCO world’s heritage in 1979.

IRAN Nama Tehran Shiraz RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 94 95 Shiraz Tourist Attractions Shiraz town was called Takhte Jamshid in the Achaemenid dynasty and its historical items are Other tourist attractions of Shiraz include: Maharlu lake, Allah Akbar gate, Delgosha garden, Abunasr palace (Takhte displayed in Metropolitan museum of New York. The town dates back to the last part of the Abunasr), Baghe Takht (Takhte Gharache), Bamou national park, Bibi Dokhtaran mausoleum, Rachi spring, Khargan Parthian or Sassanid dynasties. In 1180 A.H it was the capital of the Zand dynasty (Karim Khan spring, Khani gate, Band-e Amir, Armenian church, Nasir al- Mulk mosque, Ilkhani garden& building, Neshat garden Zand). Shiraz is the third largest town of Iran after Tehran and Mashhad, with an area of 340 Km. and building, pavillion, Vakil bathroom, , Khajavi Kermani mausoleum, Narenjestan garden and museum. Golshan Shiraz Garden Station Mausoleum Shah Cheragh is the mausoleum of “Mir Seyed Ahmad” known as Shah The station is (Afif Abad) Cheragh, son of Imam Moosa Kazem, the 7th Shi’a Imam (peace be Hafez was one of the great poets and scholars of 8th century who The garden in outskirts of upon him). The building was built in the Salghurids dynasty of Fars, in was born in Shiraz and passed away in 798 A.H. His tomb is in north of with an area Shahrak Sadra 6th century. Its dome and shrine have beautiful tiling. The interior shrine Shiraz in a place called Hafezieh. It has two north and south yards and of 127 km was of Shiraz, is decorated with tiny colorful mirrors in an artistic style, with many many poems, scholars and scientists are buried there. the resort of the in a plain Persian and manuscripts surrounding the mirrors. kings during geographical the Safavid. location. Its The double- distance from floor building origin station in the garden, (Tehran) is waterscapes, 1079 Km. Nasir al- Mulk Mosque Tomb of Sa’di tiled Nasir al- Mulk mosque is one of the old mosques of Shiraz, situated Sa’di is one of the great Iranian poets and authors born in 7th century basements, near Imamzadeh Shah Cheragh. It was built by architect Mohammad in Shiraz. He passed away in 795 A.H. His main books are Boostan tea house and Hassan, upon the order of Mirza Hassan Ali, known as Nasir- al- Mulk, and Golestan. His tomb is in Sa’di gate in Shahrak Sa’di. It has a tomb the bathroom who was one of the great men of Qajar dynasty. and a garden that was repaired several times by the sultans and . of the garden are very nice and attractive. Presently, it has changed into a military museum.

Eram Garden and Building is one of the most beautiful Iranian gardens in Shiraz. It is attributed to the Seljuk dynasty. The garden was repaired in Zand and Qajar dynasties and now it’s used as a botany garden.

IRAN Nama RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran GUIDE OF Shiraz Route IRAN 96 97 zanjan mazandaran

kordestan tehran

Eslam Shahr

Rudshur Shahriar hamedan semnan

Qom

Shazand Arak isfahan Azna Bisheh Tehran Distance between Stations Tehran 21 Eslam Shahr Tehran 26 Shahriar Khoramshahr Tehran 59 Rudshur Tehran 180 Qom Shush Route Tehran 320 Arak This route is 936 km long and it’s one of the roads with highest railway traffic. Tehran 352 Shahriar, Qom, Arak, Shazand, Azna, Dorud, Bisheh, Dokuheh, Andimeshk, Haft Tapeh , Haft Tapeh, and are main stations of this route. Taleh Zang Tehran 419 Azna bridge is in this route in Dorud- Andimesk road which is one of the famous Ahvaz Tehran 466 Dorud railway structures of Iran. It was damaged several times during the Holy Tehran 496 Bisheh Defense. Also, Taleh Zang box bridge was operated along the old bridge in 2012. Bisheh waterfall is one of the mist beautiful natural attractions of Tehran 674 Andimeshk Iran, near Bisheh station and one of its access road is via the railway. South Tehran 706 Shush Railway played an important role in 8 years of Holy Defense. During the RAILWAY TOURISM Tehran 721 Haft Tapeh war, the soldiers and army equipment were carried by train. South Railway GUIDE OF IRAN connects via Khoramshahr and this has caused the connection Tehran 816 Ahvaz 98 between Imam Khomeini port and port. Tehran 937 Khoramshahr Khoramshahr Shahriar Rudshur with an area of 320 Km2, is one of the counties of Tehran province. Rudshur river is also called Rud, 30 km far away northwest Ghidar in . It’s in west of Tehran province, limited to Karaj(in ) and on west, It originates from Ghareh Dagh Mountain and after irrigating Abhar, Qazvin, Savojbolagh and to Qods and Tehran counties on north, to Robat Karim county and Zarand (Saveh in Tehran, it joins . Its branches include Kharghan and Khoshkerud. Main branches of ) on south, and to Eslam Shahr on the east. the river are a favorable site for the leisure pleasure time of people of Tehran.

Shahriar Rudshur Station Tapeh Jughin Station Tapeh Jughin is one of the ancient sites in Shahriar, belongimg to the Passing Sassanid dynasty. Jughin hill and castle are built of adobe brick, 10 Passing Eslamshahr km far away southwest Shahriar in Shahrak Vahidieh. According to Shahriar station, the the age and residence of people in said place and the coins and other station, the train enters discovered items, it dates back at least to the dynasty of Sassanid train enters Shahriar Yazdegerd III. Rudshur station. It’s 36 station. km far from It’s 59 km Tehran and far from Robat Karim Tehran in a is the nearest mountainous district. It has Imamzadeh Bibi Sakineh geographical totally 13925 Imamzadeh Bibi Sakineh was the dear daughter of Imam Musa Kazem location. It m of railway (peace be upon him) and sister of Imam Reza (peace be upon him). has totally lines in a It’s in a village called Bibi Sakineh, 40 km far away west Shahriar. Due 5438 m of mountainous to her miracles (generosities), her tomb has always attracted people railway lines geographical and it’s mentioned in old books. with a height location with a of 1116 m height of 1045 from sea. m from sea. Parandak and Saveh are Shaghayegh Plain respectively Shaghayegh plain in Shahriar in Akhtar Abad region in west Shahriar, attracts 32 and 55 annually thousands of visitors from different Iranian towns specially Tehran. From km far away mid-May to end of June, the hills and beautiful Akhtar Abad Mountains in Malard the station. become full of corn popys, the red colors of which can be seen from far aways. It looks like as if a red cover has been put on the field.

IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 100 101 Qom Town Qom is one of the main religious towns of Iran and the world’s Shi’a Moslems. It’s the Tourist Attractions: There are several historical- cultural buildings in Qom such as: Molasadra house, Imam Khomeini mausoleum of Hazrat Fatemeh Masoumeh (peace be upon her). Natural attractions of house, Feyzieh School, Kenar Gard caravanserai, Talab and Aveh villages, Qom bazaar, tombs of Qom include: Qomrud river, Ghareh Chay, salt lake and Hoz Soltan as enterianment places of the town. Qajar kings and tomb of Shah Abbas II, Mostofi tomb, holy shrines of many grandsons of Shi’a Imams. Mohammad Qom Tombs of Green Dome Garden: Qom Bazaar: Station At the end of Chaharmardan street in Qom, in east part of the town, Qom bazaar is regarded as a part of old texture of this town with its parts Abad Stone three historical structures have remained in a small garden called “Green named Rasteh, Chaharsogh, Sara and Timcheh. The bazaar includes two Caravanserai Passing Dome Garden” dating back to 8th century. The region is known as Kashan straight ways with a dome on them. The roofed nature of bazaar originates The Parandak, gate and its are known as “Domes of Kashan Gates”. Based on from its traditional architecture, and is regarded as a guard against hot caravanserai Shahid available historical manuscripts, two domes are the tombs of Emirs of Ali and cold weather in summers and winters due to the location of Qom in a is 50 km far Kheiripour Safi family- an independent governor of Qom in 8th century. And the third desert area. Large parts of Qom bazaar that is the old part of it were built in away northeast (Nahid), dome belongs to same era based on various documents. the Safavid dynasty. The chief mosque was built around it and the required Qom in Kuh Shahid Heidari structures were built in it until end of the Safavid dynasty. Sefid road. It’s (Kuh Pang), in form of a Anjilavand, four-veranda Shahid Shiroudi caravanserai (Nodej), Shahid Holy Shrine of with high stone Mazlumian walls and 8 (bridge), Shur watchtowers. Abad and Hazreat Masoumeh It dates back Garmanuri to 5th- 6th Qom stations, Hazrat(Peace Fatemeh Masoumehbe upon (peace her)be upon A.H century. the train enters her) is the dear daughter of Imam Musa Ibn Mountain Qom station. Jafar (peace be upon him). She was born in stones had It has totally on 1st day of Zighadeh in 173 A.H. been used in 9014.95 m of She traveled toward Khorasan in 200 A.H to building the railway lines. visit Imam Reza (peace be upon him). But caravanserai It’s in a desert she resided in Qom midway due to a disease and it has geographical and passed away in 201 A.H. Her holy shrine separate location with a is known as a beautiful collection of original spaces for height of 935 m Iranian and Islamic architecture which has keeping the from sea. The always attracted the Shi’a Moslems. Presently, animals and nearest village the holy shrine has a meshy tomb, dome, resting place for is Shagholi corridors, verandas, courtyards and very the travelers. Khan. The beautiful Goldasteh (top of menirat). station is in Qom town.

IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 102 103 Arak Town is limited to Farahan and on north, to Khandab on west, to Mahalat on east and to Khomein and Sarband counties on south. Emarat wetland, Sefidkhani cave, Chal Nakhjir cave, Haftad Shazand County Ghaleh protected zone, and Sarband pasture area are among the natural attractions of Arak. Its historical- Shazand (and Sarband) county is one of the important counties of Markazi province. cultural buildings include Chahar Fasl bathroom, Ark bazaar, Haj Vakil castle, Sepahsalar School, Its capital is Shazand and it has joint borders with Hamedan and Lorestan provinces. Imamzadeh Mohammad Abed (Mashhad- e Miqan), Imamzadeh Mohsen, Ezatollah Khan Bayat garden. It has a mountainous climate.

Arak Shazand Station Miqan International Wetland Station Miqan international wetland is one of the important wildlife habitats Passing especially for the immigrating birds. Most species of birds include Passing Sagheh immigrating common crane, Pelican, Flamingo, and birds that leave Arak and (shahid Saat), the wetland in winters after the first snow toward warm southern Samangan Baghik (Shahid regions and Africa. They return again in spring. (Shahid Niknafs), Zamen Jani) Savarian stations, the (Shahid train enters Mahboubi), Imamzadeh Keykhosrow Shazand station. It Rah Gerd, Nan Spring Gerd, Moshk Sahl Ibn Ali has totally There are three The big spring is situated Abad and 256268 m of mausoleums or tombs in in Kazaz plain field in Malek Abad railway lines. Shazand, named: Sahl Rasvand Mountain. Since stations, the It’s in a plain Ibn Ali, Taleb Ibn Ali and it’s located in a historical train enters geographical Jafar Ibn Ali (peace be region, it’s mentioned in Arak station. location with upon them). historical resources of this a height It has totally region. 836128 m of of 1901 m railway lines. Sepahdari Seminary School and Mosque of Arak from sea. It’s It’s in a plain There is a beautiful mosque and school in old part of Arak next 354 km far geographical to the bazaar. They were built by Yusef Khan Gorji during the from Tehran. location with a dynasty of Fathali Khan Qajar at the same time with Soltan Abad The nearest height of 1760 (Arak) town. The mosque which was used from the beginning as a village is m from sea. seminary school of Arak, has been an important training center for Akbar Abad, It’s 320 km far teaching the famous scholars of Markazi province. 3 km far from Tehran. away the The nearest station. It’s village is Nazm located Abad, 2 km within in far away the Imamzadeh Mohammad Abed town. station. There is an Imamzadeh called Mohammad Abed and a ruined caravanserai in Mashhad-e Miqan village in Farmahin district of Markazi province that dates back to Shah Abbas dynasty. Imamzadeh building is one of the important religious buildings, 12 km far away north Arak. It’s built with the Seljuk style that was repaired in Qajar dynasty. Its dome has Roman style with brick walls.

Chahar Fasl Bathroom of Arak Pakal Ski Resort IRAN It’s one of the buildings built in Qajar dynasty, between 1913 and Nama 1915. Regarding architectural point of view, it’s one of the most Tehran in Shazand beautiful Qajar buildings. Pakal ski resort is in Pakal mountain pass of Shazand, in south of Shazand. Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route It’s 20 km far from Shazand and 55 km far from Arak. Its approximate height is GUIDE OF IRAN 1200 m with length of 5 km with a cable-car line. Presently, the resort receives 104 travelers in spring and winter. 105 Azna Town Azan is one of the towns in , between , Dorud, Arak, Dorud Town Khomein and Shazand. Azna people speak Persian with Luri accent (Gapleh accent). Dorud is one of the town of Lorestan province and capital of Dorud County. Its area There is a part in Azan county called Pache Lak where people speak with Bakhtiari is 1326 km2 and it’s near Oshtorankuh Mountain. accent.

Azna Dorud station Station

Passing Passing Noor Abad, Darband Somayeh and and Rudak Momen Abad stations, the stations, the train enters train enters Dorud station. Azna station. It has totally It has totally 10955 m 8615.67 m of railway of railway lines. It’s in a lines. It’s in a Chekan Fall mountainous mountainous A very beautiful waterfall streams on the slopes of southern mountains geographical geographical of Dorud named as Chekan fall. The fall originates from a cave toward location with a location with a the farmlands of Chekan region. Its height is tens meters. A marvelous height of 1402 height of 1807 nature surrounds the fall. An Imamzadeh called Abu Ali (peace be m from sea. m from sea. upon him) is 3 km far away. It’s 466 km far It’s 419 km far from Tehran. from Tehran. The nearest village is Gorji, Oshtorankuh Mountain 4 km far away It’s one of the unique places in Lorestan province the station. It’s withm many natural attractions. Due to its special Gahar Lake located in Azna environmental conditions, it’s a suitable habitat for Gahar Lake is amid Oshtorankuh Mountains in Lorestan province, town. growth and duplication of wild animals specially the in Zaz and Mahru districst of Aligudarz and central part of mammals. Since it’s located in central Zagros Dorud. The lake called “Diamond of Oshtorankuh” Mountains, it has cold high summits is one of most beautiful natural lakes of with heights above 3500 m from Iran, with a height of 2360 m from the the sea as well as warm sea in Oshtorankuh protected valleys. zone.

IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 106 107 Andimeshk Town Bisheh Fall Andimeshk County is one of the counties of Khouzestan province. It’s limited to It’s located in , beside Tehran- Khouzestan railway near Bisheh Lorestan province on north, to and Shush on south, to Ilam on west. The station. With its beautiful landscape, it’s one of the unique and beautiful falls in county is in a plain location with hot and dry climate. Its drinking water is the best Lorestan province. Its height from earth is 48 m with crown width of 20 m. drinking water in Iran. The best natural clear water is found here.

Bisheh Andimeshk Station Station

Passing Passing Gharoon Sepid Dasht, station, the Chamsangar, train enters Keshvar, Bisheh Tang Haft, station. It Tang Panj, has totally Taleh Zang, 1342 m Shahbazan, of railway Mazu, Balarud, lines. It’s in a Gol Mahak mountainous and Dokuheh geographical stations, the location with Karkheh dam on is in Khouzestan province. It’s one of train enters a height of the largest earth in the world. It’s the largest earth dam of Iran Andimeshk 1168.36 m and Midle east. It’s 22 km far away northwest Andimeshk in Khouzestan station. It from sea. It’s province. has totally 494 km far 31055.5 m of from Tehran. railway lines. The nearest It’s in a plain village is geographical Pasir, 1 km location with a far away the height of 230.5 station and Old Bridge of Dezful m from sea. nearest town The old bridge is the most important historical structure of Dezful, built It’s 674 km far is Dorud, 29 about 1750 years ago by the Sassanid Shapur II, helped by the Roman from Tehran. km far way prisoners. It’s also named as Roman bridge. It’s on . Shapur The nearest the station. II also built a castle for protecting the bridge. There is a place in the old village is Lur, part ofDezful named the same as the bridge. 5 km far away the station. Amir Bahman Khan Samsam Castle Castle of Amir Bahman Khan Samsam is one of the famous historical buildings in Dezful. Beautiful brick works of the castle taken from brick Architecture style of Dezful is unique in itself.

IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 108 109 IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 110 111 Shush City Haft Tepeh Shush city is in northwest of , 115 km far way Ahvaz. Dating Haft Tepeh is 15 km far away southeast Shush. The archeological explorations in Haft Tepeh back to thousands years ago, Shush is the first place of urbanizaion and permanent began in 1965 by the famous Iranian archeologist, Dr. Negahban. The result was exploration settlement in one place in Iran. It has been the capital of two great civilized empires of of valuable things such as: clay sculpture, tomb, temple, group graves, various clay dishes ancient Elam and Achaemenid dynasties. It was very prosperous during the , and musical instruments. Though the civilization in this region dates back to 600 years B.C, Sassanid and Islamic periods. but some of the items exhibited belong to an Elamite city dating back to 13001500- years B.C.

Haft Shush Tepeh Station Daniel was one of the prophets of the Israelites (7th century B.C). In station Passing Hebrew language, Daniel means “God is my judge”. He and a group Passing Shush Sabz Ab of the Jews migrated to Iran and settled in Shush. He passed away station, the (Shohadaye there. His tomb is in east coast of Shavur River opposite Arg hill. The train enters Dezful) tomb includes two yards. It has a stair-cone like dome which was Haft Tepeh station, the common in the region. station. It has train enters totally 69645 m Shush of railway lines. station. It It’s in a plain has totally geographical 13310 m of location with a railway lines. height of 79 m It’s in a plain from sea. It’s geographical Shush castle 721 km far from location with John Mary Jacque de Morgan traveled to Shush in 1897 for Tehran. The a height of research and exploration. He convinced the Franch government to nearest village 87 m from build a safe and suitable place for the archeology board of is Malek Ashtar, sea. It’s 706 in Shush. Therefore, the highest point of Shush hills named Acropol Haft Tepeh Museum 10 km far away The museum construction began in 1960 by by Dr. Ezatollah km far from was selected and a European Middle-age castle was built there. the station. Negahban and completed in 1973. The museum has been inspired by Tehran. the native architecture style based on the climatic conditions, taken The nearest from the Elamite architecture style in said period. It’s a place for public village is display of the things explored in the region. Malek Ashtar, 10 km far away the station. The nearest city is Dezful, 30 km Apadana Hill far away the Apadana hill (the palace of Darius and Elam works) is situated in station. lower parts of Elam palaces. The palace was built in the Elamite structures during the Achaemenid dynasty.

Chogha Zanbil temple, 46 km far away southeast Shush, is the oldest and largest adobe brick building in the world that is remained from Middle Elamite period and its king Untash Napirisha. IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 112 113 Khorramshahr Khorramshahr is one of southern cities of Khouzestan province and the capital Ahvaz County is the capital of Khouzestan province. It’s the biggest city of Khouzestan of Khouzestan County. The city is located in the cross point of Arvand Rud and province. Its distance with the farthest city () in northeast Khouzestan and the rivers with an area of 23 km. Due to its vicinity with the Persian Gulf and , nearest city (Hamidieh) in west Ahvaz is 276 and 30 km, respectively. Its height from Khorramshahr has a special economic, trade and political significance. It’s located in the sea is 12 m. the farthest point of Khouzestan province and its wharfs are along Arvand Rud river.

Ahvaz Siah Bridge or Railway Bridge Khorramshahr Station The first bridge in Ahvaz that was built in 1929 with Trans-Iranian Station railway got famous as Siah bridge due to its black body and Passing Mian columns. It’s on Karun River and connects Imam Khomeini port’s Passing Abad (Shahid railway in southwast Khouzestan to Ahvaz railway station. From Qods- Hamid Bostan), there, it connects Khoramshahr- Tehran- North railways. Siah bridge (Shahid Hamid Shohadaye is a metal bridge with concrete foundations built on the stone bed of Mousavi), Ahu, Alamolhoda Karun river. Its length and width is 1050 and 6 meters respectively, Hosseineh and (Ahu Dasht), with 52 columns. Shohadaye Baam Dezh Shalamcheh (Shahid (Garmdasht) Noruzi), Khavar stations, the (Shohadaye train enters Hoveizeh) and Khorramshahr Nezamieh Mausoleum of Ali Ebn Mahziar Ahvazi station. It has stations, the Ali Ebn Mahziar Ahvazi who lived in 3rd century A.H, was a famous totally 9813 m train enters Shia jurist, narrator of traditions and scientist whose mausoleum is in Chief Mosque of of railway lines. Ahvaz station. Ameri neighborhood along Karun shore in Ahvaz. The mausoleum is It’s in a plain It has totally the place of various religious ceremonies annually that receives the Khorramshahr geographical 83640 m of followers of the Household of the Prophet. location with railway lines. a height of 5 It’s in a plain m from sea. geographical It’s 914 km far location with a from Tehran. height of 19 m Sefid Bridge, the 1st from sea. It’s 816 km far from Suspension Bridge of Iran Tehran. The Sefid bridge or Moalagh (Suspension) bridge is the nameof station is within one of the bridges in Ahvaz which is regarded as the symbol Ahvaz city. of Ahvaz. The bridge was built in 1936 on Karun river with two 12 and 20 meter concrete arch. It was the first pedestrian and vehicles bridges that connected the old and new parts of Ahvaz.

IRAN Nama Tehran Khoramshahr RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 114 115 tehran

semnan

qom

Kashan

Bardood Zavareh

isfahan Naein south khorasan Ardakan

Meybod Yazd

Bafgh Tehran Zarand kerman Darzin Kerman Fahraj Route Bam Tehran- Kerman- Zahedan railway route with a length of 1658 km connects Iran’s railway network to the southeast of Iran. On its route, it passes many old historical towns. Zavareh, Naein, Ardakan, Meybod, Yazd, Bafgh and Zarand are the main towns of the route. It extends from Kerman to Zahedan and then toward Mirjaveh station which is the border station of Pakistan Sistan & railway. Tabas, Kashmar and Sangan are important stations in this route with some branches. Several industrial, weaving, chemical and agricultural Baluchestan centers as well as rich mineral reserves such as clay stone, marble stone and copper have brought special significance to the railway industry in this region. Stations of this route are: Kashan, Badrud, Zavareh, Naein, Ardakan, RAILWAY TOURISM Meybod, Yazd, Bafgh, Zarand, Kerman, Darzin, Bam, Fahraj, Zahedan and GUIDE OF IRAN Mirjaveh. They are intoruced in this part. Kashan, Badrud, Zavareh, Naein, 116 Ardakan, Meybod, Yazd and Bafgh were introduced in previous sections. Zarand Zarand is the capital of and is 75 km far away Kerman . It is Kerman connected to Kerman, and Rafsanjan by the asphalt road and to Bafgh in Yazd Kerman is one of the metropolis towns of Iran and capital of and the by road. Zarand plain with an area of 4655 km is between the mountains biggest town in southeast of Iran. Considering the , it’s the eight Iranian surrounding Lut plain on northeast and Badamu mountains in southwest. town and a very populated region in southeast of Iran.

Zarand Kerman Station Vakil Complex Station Passing The complex was built in Qajar dynasty and includes Vakil bazaar, Passing Dareh Rig, Vakil bathroom and Vakil caravanserai. Qods- Hamid Kaveh, Mani, (Shahid Hamid Murd, Si Riz, Mousavi), Ahu, Sangi, Gole Hosseineh and Zard (Shahid Shohadaye Khorasani) Shalamcheh and Jalal (Garmdasht) Abad stations, the stations, the train enters train enters Khorramshahr Shazdeh or Shahzadeh (Prince) garden is one of the most beautiful Zarand station. It has historical gardens of Iran dating back to the Qajar dynasty, located station. It totally 9813 m near Kerman in slopes of Tigran high mountain. The garden was has totally of railway lines. registered in UNESCO in June.21, 2011. 1243 m of It’s in a plain railway lines Jalal Abad Tower geographical and minor Jalal Abad tower was built in 1013-th location with railway routes centuries in Qajar dynasty. Its height is 14 a height of 5 with length meter with diameter of 6 m and area of m from sea. of 12193 m. 20 m. The wall’s thickness starts from 2 m It’s 914 km far The nearest and decreases toward the top of walls and from Tehran. city is Zarand reaches 30 cm. and nearest Jebelieh Dome It’s one of the Pre-Islam buildings mentioned in history as Gabri village is Dome, too. In all historical notes, the building is attributed to the Motahar Abad. Sassanid dynasty (maybe it had been a fire temple or the grave of one of the Zoroastrians). Shrine of Shah Nimatullah : Shrine of Shah Nimatullah Wali (well-known poet and mystic of 9th century), is situated 30 km far away southeast Kerman in Mahan city. It has an area of 32000 and was built during 6 centuries. It displays beautifully the continuity of Iranian architecture in past 6 centuries. The building was mostly expanded during the Qajar dynasty. IRAN Nama Tehran Kerman RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 118 119 Bam Darzin Bam is one of the important cities of Kerman province in southeast of Iran. It is well- Darzin is a village in central district of in Kerman province. known in the world because of its history and agricultural products.

Darzin Bam station Station

The station Bam station is is 10 km far 1 km far away away Darzin Bam city. It has village. The totally 6720 m nearest city of main railway is Bam, 5 km lines and sub- far away the railway lines station. It has with a length totally 965 of 980 m. the m of main nearest village railway lines is Khajeh and sub- Asgar village, railway lines 10 km far away with a length Arg-e Bam the station. Arg-e Bam is located at northeast corner of the city and in vicinity of the Silk Road. Based on several of 900 m. narrations, it dates back to the Parthian or the Achaemenid dynasties. Until end of Qajar dynasty, it was used for residence. Arg-e Bam was registered in national heritage list on March.21, 1966 under No. 519. Bam city was also registered in world heritage list in June 2004 as “Bam & Its Cultural History”. Arg-e Bam is the most beautiful adobe building in the world which was comparable with China Great wall regarding its beauty and greatness. Unfortunately, this unique building was damaged seriously in earthquake of Jan.2004.

IRAN Nama Tehran Kerman RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 120 121 Fahraj Zahedan Fahraj is one of the cities of Kerman province, in southeast of Iran. Most people of Zahedan is one of the metropolis towns of Iran and capital of Sistan & Baluchestan Fahraj are Baluch. Fahraj has four famous cities which were very important during province. Its old name was “Dozdab”. It’s limited to county on north, Khash the Seljuk dynasty. Their importance was due to the Silk Road that passing these county on south, and Pakistan on east, and Fahraj county and Lut cities and reached throughout the world. In very old days, caterpillar breeding was desert on the west. Most people of Zahedan speak in Persian with Sistani accent or very popular in Fahraj. speak in Baluch language.

Fahraj Zahedan Station Station Fahraj station Handcrafts Rug weaving is very prosperous in this city. The size of rugs is between Southeast is 5 km far 1.5×2 and 2×3, plus the cushions. First material of rugs is supplied Railway is from Fahraj from Kerman or produced by the weavers themselves. neighboring city. Nearest Quetta Railway village is of Pakistan Rahmat and Kerman Abad, 15 km railway. Its far away the main railway station. Its line equals 410 main railway m. Important line equals cities of this 970 m and its Sarpush Bazaar route include The bazaar is one of the first architectural structures of Zahedan. It was sub-railway Fahraj, built in 1929 by the Yazd architect Gholamali Khalafi, with the same plan line is 5800 of other Iranian traditional markets. The plan of market is “L” form built Zahedan and meter long. with adobe, mud and cement. It has a corridor in center surrounded by Mirjaveh. chambers. It has dome ceilings with four parts. The station is 1781.18 m above the sea. Kanjanak is the highest point in this route. Zaeim House The old building is located in urban decay of Zahedan town in Shariati avenue. It was built by one of famous architects of Yazd, Mr. Reza Zaeim, who was one of senior employees of justice administration in those days. It dates back to 1932. Important parts of the house include: summer and winter part (that were used in summer or winter), pools space, kitchen, bathroom, heated pool, and a big veranda in summer part of the house. Chief Mosque of Fahraj Chief mosque of Fahraj was mainly built in 1st half of 1st century A.H. It’s the only Islamic mosque with an old age which has not changed since its construction. It has Shabestan (underground space) without any veranda. Though there is disagreement among the archeologists but it seems that the chief mosque of Fahraj is the oldest mosque of Iran.

IRAN Nama Tehran Kerman RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 122 123 Feizolrahman Mosque The mosque dates back to first cores of Zahedan town. With an area of 212.55 Sqm, the mosque Mirjaveh has been built of raw adobes in a rectangular land, forming a roofed space. Its cross surfaces have Mirjaveh is the capital of Mirjaveh County, one of small cities of Sistan& Baluchestan been executed on 12 rectangular columns. 4 columns have created an arch space with cross ceiling, province in Iran. Its distance with southeast Zahedan is 75 km. It’s the only legal plus a roofed Shabestan having some columns. border of Iran in southeast that is used by foreign and Iranian tourists.

Nosrat Abad Saam Castle Mirjaveh Caravanserai The castle is 28 km far from Zahedan- Zabol road, in form of an irregular Station Considering trapezoid. Its length from east to west and from south to north is 376 its architecture Mirjaveh and 296 meter, respectively. Saam castle has two northern and southern the building station gates each having a watchtower. The castle dates back to the Parthia dates back to was built dynasty, built of raw adobe. It has totally 36 towers. There are 9 big the Safavid simultaneously towers in corners of castle and 28 small towers built around the castle. dynasty. with Mirjaveh- Its main Zahedan specification Railway is symmetrical between 1918 structure that and 1919. Its has 4 verandas. height from the Main building sea is 851 m. materials Sianjan River (Talkhab) It’s 10 km far include adobe Sianjan border river originates from Pachanshahi mountain in from Pakistan- and mud Oskol Abad Mineral Water Spring Mirjaveh, 15 km far from east Zahedan. It streams aligned with Iran border with simple The spring is near Zahedan-Khash road in west of mountain. Zahedan railway to Mirjaveh in southeast of Iran. Its total length is in southeast and small Main eye of the spring is 40 km far from Oskol Abad- Khash junction. 250 km. of Iran. Its decorations. The distance between the junction and main eye is about 1 kilometer. distance with The spring streams from the hole in limestones which have changed Zahedan is seemingly to the marble stone. 100 km.

Rock Architecture in Tamin There is a complex of beautiful rock architecture in Tamin village, one of the villages of Mirjaveh in . The complex has been built in the heart of the mountain. Though such architecture (among the rocks) dates back to the Medes and Achaemenid dynasties, but it seems that all ossuaries have been dug in the Islamic period, except Zahedan Museum two ossuaries that belong to the Sassanid dynasty. Items regarding the archeology, anthropology and traditional arts are displayed in Zahedan museum. One of the most attractive works in archeology division, is the renewed gravestone discovered in the Burnt City (Shahr-e Ladiz Castle Sukhteh). It shows the burial manner, skeleton The castle is 18 km far from south Mirjaveh, near Ladiz village in Mirjaveh- and wares dating back to 3200 years B.C. Zahedan. The first core of castle dates back to the Sassanid dynasty. In anthropology division, traditional Some changes were made in the castle in the Islamic period. clothing of this province and various Adobe was used in construction of the castle. It traditional arts attract the visitors, has a protective guard around it, too. including: the jewelries, musical instruments, pottery wares of IRAN Kalpurgan, fabric Nama weaving device, Tehran etc. Kerman RAILWAY TOURISM Route GUIDE OF IRAN 124 125