Mashhad
Country: Iran
Region: Middle East
Period: 18th c.CE
Location: 36.326389°N, 59.543333°E
Description
Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran, was the capital of the Afsharid dynasty under Nader Shah, who established the dynasty in the early 18th century. The city is renowned as a religious and cultural center, especially as the site of the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shiite Imam.
Modern Remains
Today, Mashhad is one of Iran’s largest cities and an important religious site. The shrine of Imam Reza remains the city’s focal point, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. Modern Mashhad blends its rich Islamic heritage with contemporary development, preserving historical monuments such as the Nader Shah Afshar Tomb, while the city remains a key cultural and spiritual hub in Iran.