Yazd: The most picturesque desert city
The historical city of Yazddates back several thousand years and is considered the most extensive, most original historical area of Iran and the second-largest residential adobe area in the world. Yazd is famous for having kind people, ancient culture, and delicious food. Yazd manifests in the desert and is most famous for its badgir (windcatchers), in a place to experience ancient Zoroastrianism and modern-day Islam co-existing.
It’s best to visit Yazd in the winter since the summer sun is rather unforgiving outdoors. Zurkhaneh, an ancient Persian gym, is a must-visit in Yazd, which is one of the few places in the country where women can also attend this UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The old city of Yazd is almost completely made of sun-dried clay that ensures a pleasant coolness inside the houses and a light brown skyline from the outside that is dominated by the Badgirs, ancient wind towers rising from almost every roof in the desert sky.
The Mud City of Yazd is one of the oldest cities in Iran, as UNESCO claims, Yazd would be the “oldest adobe city in the world”. There is also Ateshkadeh Fire Temple, the imposing Zoroastrian Towers of Silence just outside the city center worth a visit. However, the best thing to do in Yazd is strolling along the winding streets of the old town, where one feels a little bit like on an alien planet.
About the Climate of Yazd
Yazd has sweltering, arid, and clear summers, and the winters are cold, dry, and mostly clear. The average temperature is from 33°F to 102°F and is rarely below 26°F or above 108°F. The best time to visit Yazd is in the winter when the weather is bearable and you can enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Yazd World Heritage Sites
There’s no wonder the ancient city of Yazd has a few hidden gems listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since there are so many historical and cultural sites in the city of Yazd that have been preserved for many years, it has always been turning heads. Many of Iran’s Qanats are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most important ones being in the city of Yazd. Some of these are:
Dowlatabad Garden
Also called Dolat-Abad, is a historical garden, located in Yazd. The 33.8-meter windcatcher is the tallest adobe-made windcatcher in the world. It has been listed by UNESCO both as a part of the historical city of Yazd and as part of the Persian gardens.
Yakhchāl of Kheshti
This means “ice pit”, is an ancient type of evaporative cooler. The thick heat-resistant construction material insulated the storage space year-round, which was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. These structures were mainly built and used in Persia. Many that were built hundreds of years ago remain standing.
Meybod
Is a major desert city in Yazd Province, Iran. With a population of about 75,000, it’s the second major city in Yazd.
Attractions of Yazd
The Blue Mosque
The beautiful blue tiles of the blue mosque are impressive, but it’s best to visit at night when the lights deepen the blue colors and the whole view comes to life.
Old Town of Yazd
Just wandering around in the old town of Yazd, is when you will find the real beauty of Yazd. You could take a journey back in time in the narrow streets, and winding lanes with the yellow sandstone and mudbrick houses.
Khan E Lari
There are several traditional old houses in the old town of Yazd, which are worth a visit inside.
Khan Bazaar
The Khan Bazaar in Yazd has been around since the 9th century. Yazd is famous for its traditional handwoven silk and wool fabrics called termeh and Khan Bazaar is definitely the best place to buy termeh.
Amir Chakmakh Square and Mosque
The Amir Chakmakh mosque is a beautiful structure on a large square near the old town.
Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Zoroastrianism is an ancient monotheistic religion that was the main religion in Persia in approximately 3500 years ago. Yazd is known as the center of Zoroastrianism in Iran. There are many historical sites found in Yazd, with this time being the most important temple in Iran and the world for Zoroastrians. It is believed that the central fire has been burning for over 1,500 years.
Yazd Water Museum
Some of the most magnificent architecture of Persia, dating back at least 2000 years, is Kariz or Qanat, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Inside this museum, you can become familiar with techniques used in this system from a thousand years ago. Some of these systems are still functioning right under this museum today.
Yazd Medical View
Yazd province is active in all medical areas. Yazd is known as the special center for Infertility (male infertility, female infertility) treatment by the Ministry of Health and also is considered the cheapest center for Infertility treatment in the Middle East. The special center of Iranian traditional medicine was founded in Yazd due to medicinal plants.
