Razavi Khorasan province

Lore & Background

Razavi Khorasan is one of three provinces created after the division of Khorasan province in 2004. The Greater Khorasan region has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, with various Arab, Turk, Kurd, and Turkmen tribes bringing changes. Ancient geographers considered it the most flourishing and largest segment of Iran. The Parthian Empire was based near Merv in Khorasan, and during the Sassanid dynasty the province was governed by a Spahbod and four margraves. Khorasan was divided into four parts during the Muslim conquest of Persia, named after Nishapur, Merv, Herat, and Balkh.

Reader's Guide

Razavi Khorasan province holds major religious significance due to the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, a major pilgrimage site for Twelver Shia Muslims. The province contains numerous historical and natural attractions, including the archaeological sites of Kohandezh hills and Shadiyakh in Nishapur. The major ethnic group is Persians, with sizeable Kurdish, Turk, Turkmen, and Baloch communities. The province is home to many universities, including Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and several Islamic Azad University branches.

Did You Know?

• Razavi Khorasan was created after the division of Khorasan province on 29 September 2004.
• The shrine of Imam Reza and Goharshad Mosque are major religious attractions in Mashhad.