Four Picturesque and Scenic Iranian Cities   MASH-H-AD As the capital of the largest province in Iran, Khorasan, city of Mash-h-ad is located in north eastern of Iran. It actually standsout among other provinces in the country. In fact Mash-h-ad could be likened to an artistic Islamic museum and a major tourist, cultural and pilgrimage attraction. The city is called Mash-h-ad because it is where the eighth Shiite's Imam was martyred and laid to rest, and thus Muslims from across the globe congregate in this sacred city and appeal to Imam Reza(A.S) for the relief of their pains and sorrows. Bahae Din Ameli known as Sheikh-Bahaie, Sheikh Tabarsi and Imam Mohammad Ghazali's tombs in and around the city also constitute other Muslim's main pilgrimage centers. With a lively and colourful nature and a mild climate this holy city not only hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists each season, but also ranks first in attracting more visitors than any other holy city in the world. KERMAN Considerable numbers of magnificent historical artifact(s), both from the modern era and some even dating back to 3000 BC, remarkably endure within a 170 thousand-km radius of the province of Kerman. Bam's historical citadel is the greatest earthen monument in the world, an ancient structure which traces its roots back to 2500 BC. The Jabalieh arch, Imam mosque, Shah Nematollah Vali's tomb, Ali Khan's treasure collection, Vakel;s bath and numerous historical castles are all among Kerman's historical legacies. Currently, the number of tourists visiting Iran are on the rise and the city of Kerman certainly plays a major role in attracting more and more domestic and foreign tourists to this fasinating region of the country. KASHAN Iran's archaeology traces its origin to the city of Kashan. An ancient civilization known as the "Sialk" had existed in this region, about seven thousand BC up to 400 BC, and the only remnants indicating the existence of such a civilization are now the "hills" situated 3km south western Kashan and still called the "Sialk hills". Indeed, a visit to Kashan and its historical monuments now is visiting the history itself both before and after the advent of Islam. Additionally, Kashan's world-renowned carpets, its Ghamsar rose water and the special spring ceremonies of washing carpets are quite popular nation wide and never cease to attract tourists to this ancient and beautiful city. YAZD Yazd is another important historic city in Iran which ranks second in earthen architecture throughout the world, based upon UNESCO'S latest reports. Due to geomorphological phenomena the province of Yazd also benefits from the existence of unique deserts matchless in the world. Journeying across this province is like reliving history. In each and every corner of the city visitors are bound to behold magnificent handicraft(s), various architectural designs and residential units of all sorts. Numerous Bazaars offering the best of souvenirs, large number of Islamic monuments, several pilgrimage sites and fire-temples dating back to over 45-hundred year ago are also among main attractions of this ancient city.