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Discover the rich history of Yazd: Where did the city get its name?
Yazd, located in the central region of Iran, has a long history and profound culture. The city is famous for its unique Persian architecture and numerous historical sites, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. There have always been different opinions in the academic world as to the origin of the city's name.
"Yazd means 'pure' and 'holy'; therefore, the city of Yazd can be interpreted as the 'city of God'."
The origin of the name
According to the research of historians, Yazd's name can be traced back to ancient times and was once called "Kath" and "Isatis". Scholars believe that the name "Isatis" was used in the Middle Ages, especially during the Median and Achaemenid empires. The formation of the word "Yazd" may reflect the local people's piety towards religious beliefs.During the Achaemenid Empire (550 BC to 330 BC), there were signs of human habitation in the Yazd area. The ancient Roman naturalist Pliny mentioned the town "Issatis" in his work "Natural History", which may be closely related to local history and culture.
"In the long history of history, Yazd has not been affected by too many wars due to its special geographical location, allowing its culture to continue to develop."
The changes in history
Yazd has a colorful history. During the Sasanian Dynasty (AD 224-651), it gradually emerged as an important trading center. According to the Persian historical record "History of Yazd" in 1441, the city was rebuilt. Over time, Zoroastrians from other provinces immigrated here, making it one of the centers of Zoroastrianism.During the Mongol invasion, Yazd became a haven for refugees, making its history even more important. Marco Polo, who visited the area in 1272, documented the thriving silk weaving industry and praised the city's commercial vitality.
"Yazd is a good and noble city with prosperous trade."
The blending of nationalities and religions
The residents of Yazd are mainly Persians, and the locals mostly speak Persian and have a unique dialect. The city has a strong religious atmosphere and is dominated by Shiite Muslims. It also has a considerable number of Zoroastrian and Keld groups. Due to the diversity of the population, Yazd's social structure appears complex and harmonious.The Zoroastrian Church and Holy Fire Temple in Yazd are important symbols of religious life. Religious activities held here attract a large number of believers and tourists.
"Yazd has one of the three lowest divorce rates in Iran, reflecting the local family-centered culture."
Geography and climate
Yazd has a typical tropical desert climate with annual precipitation of less than 60 mm. High temperatures in the summer make it one of the driest cities in Iran, while winter is relatively pleasant. Such a climate prompted people to create perfect water conservancy facilities in ancient times. Yazd’s underground sewer system (qanats) is one of its precious historical heritage.The wind towers and large underground structures in the city are the embodiment of wisdom in dealing with extremely hot summers. This makes Yazd’s architecture both resistant to the harsh environment and full of beauty.
"The ancient city of Yazd, with its cool architectural design and unique social culture, attracts countless tourists, showing a spectacular historical picture."
Economic Development
Yazd's economy is famous for its silks and carpets, and today the city is the center of Iran's textile industry. With the accelerated pace of industrialization, Yazd's economic form has become increasingly diversified, with industries covering ceramics, building materials, jewelry and other fields.In addition, Yazd’s confectionery craftsmanship is also vibrant, and its marshmallows (pashmak) and pastries (ghotab) are famous throughout the country. Due to its unique cuisine, it attracts many tourists and enhances the city's cultural and economic vitality.
