Kerman

This province is one of the largest provinces of Iran and includes an area of 175069 square kilometers; it is said to cover about 11 percent of the country. It is located in the south-eastern part of Iran and enjoys the population of about two million , 53 percent urban dwellers and 46 percent villagers and 1 percent nomad tribes. According to the 1996 census, the population of the province was estimated to be 2,004,000. Urbanization rate was recorded in the county of Kerman as the highest in the Province with 79.9%, because the very city of Kerman is the most developed and the largest in the province.

The mountainous area of the Province is a part of the central mountains of Iran and is formed by some old volcanic highlands starting in Azarbaijan, in the north-west of the country and ending in Balouchestan. Mountain chains can be found among which there are many plains. Bashagard and Koohbanan mountains are the highest in the region, though there are some other famous peaks such as Toghroljerd, Sirch, Abaareq and Tahrood. There are some peaks located on the northern part of the province e.g. Medvar, Shahr-e-Babak, Koohpaye, Cheheltan, Lalezaar and Hezarbahraaseman. The climate of the province is varying because of the extreme geographical diversity of the region. (A Book on the Geography of Kerman City) In the north and north-west and central parts of the province, it is dry and moderate, while in the south and south-east, it is very hot and relatively humid. In the center of the province, where the city of Kerman is located, it is arid and semi-moderate, and the average temperature is 39.6 C, and the lowest was recorded at -7 C. The temperature average of the province during spring ( from April to June), has been recorded to be between 20 - 25 C. Therefore, Spring is the best season to travel to the province and to enjoy its many historical sites and natural spots. Natural attraction of the province of Kerman is due to its varieties. Mineral springs provide beautiful natural vistas, and there are many beautiful places worth to see. Many green spots, unique peaks, natural lakes, eye-catching caves and hot springs and many protected fields alongside the beautiful desert (Kavir-e Lut) sites can be identified as the natural beauties and tourism attractions of the province (A Journey to the Heart of Kavir-e Lut ). A brief glance at the tourism sector of the province suffices to demonstrate the natural and historical tourism potentials of the district. The traditional architecture is excellently adapted with the climate in Kerman

The history of the people of this province goes to 4000 BC, which turns the region into a historical site as a whole (The Timeline of Kerman (Introducing a Book) ). During its long history, a valuable collection of historical and cultural heritage has been gathered which constitutes a valuable part of the Persian Civilization and deserves heed . Every historical space in Kerman today reveals its local government and the structure of the local communities. Mineral springs and hot water sites of Areen, Qalaa Askar Tah-Khatoon, Gherghereh, Abareq, Boujan, Reza-Abad, Pachenar, Beesheh, Ekhtiyaar Abad, Houze-nou, Baghra and Houzeabad. The Countryside of Mahan, Joopar, Raayen, Koohpayeh and many other places are among a lot to mention. Historical and cultural complex of Ganj-Ali Khan including water storage, Public bath and teahouse (cafe). Caravansaries of Chaharsouq (4 bazaars), Wakeel, Mirza Alinaqi, Lahafdoozhan, Haaj Mehdi, Hindoha and Haj-Aqa- Ali. Old schools of Ganj-Ali-Khan, Hayaati and Ibrahim-Khan. Tombs of Shah- Nematollah-e-Vali, Khaajeh- Atabak, Shahzadeh Hussain of Joopar and Peerbaba Musaafer. Bazaars of Arg Square, Vakeel complex, Ganj- Ali- Khan, Mozaffary and Attary. Domes of Jabaliyeh, Sabz and Mushtaqiyeh. Old quarters such as Darvazeh Vakeel, Naseri and Darvazeh Gabri. Shahzadeh Garden in Mahan and its mall. Jame- mosque and 40 columns mosque of Kerman called Chehelsotoon, Zarrabkhaneh and anthropology Museums are among many that can not be mentioned. Spring in Kerman Province means mountains full of tulips and vast plains. The province is filled with the fragrance of the Damascus rose and orange blossoms. Cherry trees flower in Bardseer and Baft summer resorts and fresh dates are sold in the streets.

The people of Kerman are active in the fields of industries, mines and agriculture. The province ranks 14th in terms of land under cultivation, but ranks first in the country in fruit production. During 1994 through 1995, 4% of the entire area of the province was used for agricultural purposes. Rugs, blankets, cashmere, shawls, felt carpets and "jaajeem" (coarse, woolen cloth with distinctive patterns) are the province's handicrafts. Kerman's carpets are highly popular throughout the world. The industries of metal, food, machinery and facilities respectively hold the highest industrial output in the province. Pistachio, dried fruit, carpets, gelims( Hand-made rugs), dates, fruit, vegetables, copper and decorative stones (marbles) are the most important exportable goods from the province.

Kerman is as old as history. It is believed to have been founded as early as the 3rd century by Ardeshir I, the founder of the Sassanid dynasty. Historical documents refer to Kerman as "Karmania," "Kermania" and "Zhermanya," which means bravery and combat.At least one researcher,i.e. Dr. Javad Boroomand Sa'id believes that Kerman is taken from kaar and maan and all in all it means a place in which carpets are woven. Geographers have recorded Kerman's ancient name as "Go'asheer" (A Book on the Geography of Kerman). Kerman has had very little peace in its history. From the 7th century, it has been ruled by Arabs, Buyids, the Seljuks, Turkmens and Mongols in turn until the Qajar dynasty, when it was a victim of the barbaric Aaqa Mohammad Khan. Throughout its history, Kerman has been chosen as the capital by different kings, but it was Ganj Ali Khan (1005 to 1034 A.Il) during the Safavid era who brought about the city's prosperity. It was restored to security during the last century. Kerman province has 10 townships, 28 districts, 24 cities and 141 rural districts. Baft, Sirjan, Bardseer, Bam, Jiroft, Rafsanjan, Zarand, Shahr-e-Babak, Kerman and Kahnouj are Kerman's townships. The population of the province was 1,949,234 in 1994 . Almost 99% of the people speak Persian. Religious minorities, among them Zoroastrians , use their own languages; every year on 10th of Bahman they hold Sadehsoozi festival in which the hill-like shrubs gatherd in Baghche-y-e Bodagh Abad are set on fire .

The most well-known poet in the history of Kerman is Khajoo. Calligraphers are also active in the district and the very city of Kerman. (More about Persian calligraphy in Iran and Kerman) As far as music is concerned , Kerman Province experiences both traditional and modern modes ; an annual festival on local music of Iran is held regularly in Kerman and private classes ,as well as classes held by the Organization of Islamic Culture ,are the meeting sites of music fans .

A beautiful forest called GHAEM FOREST is located in the vicinity of Kerman city. Sirch is a place located in the vicinity of the Loot Kavir but enjoys a green unique vistae.

The Historical Sites of the Very City of Kerman

1) Jame' Kabeer or Mozafari Mosque: It is the largest mosque and was built in the 8th century A.H. during the reign of the AI-e-Mozaffar kings and its tiles are unique.

2) Imam Khomeini (Malek) Mosque: It was built during the reign of the Seljug Touran Shah. It has numerous "shabestans" (verandas), a large courtyard and aqueducts built in the second half of the 5th century A.H. This mosque is the oldest and the Largest mosques of the very city of Kerman . It was built about 900 years ago, but it has been rebuilt , expanded and redecorated .Consequently , it is an anthology of various architectures of successive centuries . Imam mosque has four porticoes . The history of this mosque goes back to the fifth century and the time of Touranshah from Seljuq dynasty( Click to see a script of the period in the mosque). Although it has been damaged and partly ruined in various times , different sections of the building have been repeatedly restored and repaired . The main platform was restored in 1285 and at the time of Vakil -ul - mulk , of Qagar dynasty; the eastern portico has been restored in the last century. Whatever left from the main parts , was constructed in Seljuq time and include brick - made minaret on the northwest and three stucco - plastered altars . Due to certain modifications and repair, one of the altars is situated on the roof of the praying hall , known as Imam Hasan praying hall . The mosque has various Mehrabs and chambers , built in different periods . The brick - made tower has once collapsed and today only a portion is left .

3)Ganj Ali Khan's Bath: This bath, as a part of a complex including a school, caravansary, market, water reservoir (Ghanat) and square, is located in the southern part of the square (Click to see a photo of the entrance of the bath) and was in use until half a century back. An exquisite blend of art and architecture, this building has a staggered entrance which opens into six spacious apses. True-to-life wax figures bring back the memory of every day scenes from the past. All garments and exhibited objects are period pieces: razors, phials for rose perfumes and long-stemmed pipes to be enjoyed after the bath. Sunlight pours in from the roof overhead, creating superb light effects. Ganjali Khan was one of the famous rulers during the reign of Shah-Abbas. As the ruler of Kerman province he constructed many monuments and buildings. Ganjali- Khan complex is composed of a school, a square, a caravanseray, a public bath, a water reservoir, a mint house ( click to visit a site on Persian coins), a mosque and a bazaar. A number of inscriptions laid inside the complex indicate the exact date when these places have been built. Out of Ganj-ali Khan complex, the Khan public bath located in the grand bazaar of Kerman serves as an anthropology museum today and attracts an increasing number of Iranian and foreign tourists. This is a unique work of architecture with beautiful tile works, paintings, stuccos, and arches.

The bath rendered service no later than 60 years ago. In the closet section and main yard of the bath there are many statues which are unbelievably interesting. These statues were designed at Tehran University`s faculty of fine arts in 1973 and then transferred to this museum. This complex has been built during the Safavid era (1499 - 1723 AD) enjoying a modern architectural style of the time. This bath is an association of architecture and application of an array of constructional materials in an appropriate space with totally popular approaches. The architect of the bath and the complex is a master from Yazd city named Mohammad Sultani.

(See also : Ganj Ali Khan,a book by Dr. Bastani Parizi)

4) Ibrahim Khan Zahiruddoleh's Complex: It includes a school, bath and ruler's hall. In fact,In the early 18th century , Ebrahim Khan constructed an attractive ensemble of three buildings inside the Kerman Bazaar , near his two-storey house , which is being renovated and restored , stands a still-active hammam (bath) and a lovely Madrasah (school) built in 1816-17.

5) Jabalieh Dome's fire temple: It is believed by archaeologists to date back to the Seljukian era.

6) The Green Dome ("Qobbeh Sabz"): This dome, erected in the 9th century A.ll., is the resting place of the Qarakhtanian.

7) Qaleh Dokhtar (Girl's Fortress/Citadel): It is located on the lofty eastern hills of Kerman city. As an instance of Defenese Building ,it was built during the Sassanid era and is believed to have housed the Anahita Fire Temple. The buildings of the citadel are divided into two separate parts. The first part sites in south-eastern of the citadel and because of its position is separated from from citadel and in the past it was called "Kuh Citadel". The second part sites on the shorter hill and is called Dokhtar Citadel. Some parts of it is also called Ardeshir Citadel and located on the top of a high hill at a height of 500m . Citadel's walls have been made of thick bricks.

8) Moshtaqiyeh Dome: This dome, built during the Qaajar era, is the resting place of Moshtaq Ali Shah.

9) Kerman's Market (Bazaar) : It is one of the most interesting historical sites of Kerman. It includes the Mesgari Bazaar, the Ganj All Khan Bazaar, the Ekhtiyari bazaar and the Vakil bazaar and starts in Arg square and ends to Moshtaghieh square.

10)Takhte Darya Qoli Baig : The site is located in the south-eastern corner of Kerman and the inscription on its gravestone belongs to Safavid era.

11)Tea House, Vakil Bath House, Kerman: The Vakil public bath house dates to the Qajar period, and has been converted into a stunning, if not representative, tea house, The Iranian taste for tea and its attendant social rituals was imported from Russia in the nineteenth century, but rapidly became a central part of daily life. In tea houses across the land, men congregated to hear old stories given new life by their tellers, and swap commercial and agricultural insights. Although it is still possible to find such "traditional" tea houses, mass communications have taken their toll, and they become fewer every year. This rather formal example gives the visitor an opportunity to take refreshment in a cool, beautifully lit chamber.

12) Chehel Sotoon Mosque

13) National Library

14) Mo'ayyedi Yakhdan (Ice-Base)

15) The Zoroastrians' Fire Temple (Atashkadeh)

More about Kerman rugs and carpets

Marco Polo praised the carpets of Kerman as a marvel to see in 1270; His description is still apt today. Kerman is the capitol city of a province of the same name in Southeastern Iran. It is a city of about 2 million people about 1000 kilometers southeast of Teheran and for about the last 100 years a major source of high grade Persian carpets. Today Kerman produces highly distinctive carpets primarily in highly floral medallion plan and medallion all over designs.

Kerman carpets are mostly in floral designs and enjoy the so-called Farsi knot. Many have rich central medallions, the motifs of which are also used in the borders and in the corners. On the larger Kerman carpets there are animal designs or repeating patterns, the smaller ones are often decorated with vase patterns or pictorial subjects. In the older carpets the all cotton foundations have a depressed foundation with the first and third wefts rigid and the second sinuous. This has caused some to incorrectly attribute the Vase and Sanguszko carpets to Kerman. John Chardin traveling in Persia from 1673 to 1677 noted Kerman province especially Seistan as the home of the finest Persian Carpets.

Ravar became known for the best Kerman carpets. Raver is a town 120 miles from Kerman where the Atiyeh family owned a large number of looms. Through the 20th century the Atiyeh were a major or perhaps the major producer of Kerman carpets. It only stopped when due to the Islamic revolution and ensuing difficulties they shifted production to China. (The Story of a Carpet of Ravar) The most comprehensive book written about Ravar is Mr.Masha'allah Karbakhsh Ravari's book ,i.e. Ravar : A City in the Vicinity of Loot Desert ,published by Kermanology Centerin 1375(1996).Mr. Abbas Pishdad has conducted an M.A. thesis on Ravari dialect;click to read Pishdad's abstract in Persian.

Other villages besides Raver include Mahan , Joopar, Rafsanjani, Koohpayeh District,Chatrud, Khanuk, Hutk, Sarasiab, Dehziar, Seredar, Moezabad, Gok, and Zarand.

The best books on Kerman rugs are The Persian Carpet by Edwards (Edwards, A.C.

1975 The Persian Carpet, London: Duckworth) and Oriental Carpet Design. by PRJ Ford. Edwards praised Kerman carpets extensively and felt they were the best of Persia and best in the world. he noted that due to the use of roller looms they were weaving up to 15 by 30 foot carpets. Edwards noted that the top designers were:Mohsen Khan, Hassan Khan (his son) died 1945,Ahmed Khan (his Grandson) ,Ahmed Khan, Ahmed Ali Khan, Zeman Khan, Sheikh Hossein, Azizollah, Ali Riza.