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The Mystery and Glory of Yadzd: Why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Located in central Iran, Yadzd, as the capital of the province and the capital of Yazd County, is famous for its unique culture and history. According to the 2016 census, the population of Yadzd city reached 529,673 people, and since 2017 this historic city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yazd's architectural style is deeply influenced by the desert environment, and its unique "wind catcher" structure allows the interior to remain cool even in high temperatures. The city's nickname "City of Wind Catchers" (شهر بادگیرها Shahr-e Badgirha) comes from this. Yadzd is also known for its Zoroastrian fire temples and its traditional wells (ab anbars), underground waterways (qanats) and icehouses (yakhchals).
Yazd is known as the "Bicycle City" because it has the largest number of cyclists and has become the birthplace of Iran's bicycle culture.
The city's name, "Yazd," means "pure" and "holy," and its history can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire, which existed from approximately 550 to 330 AD. Archaeological evidence shows that this area has been inhabited by humans since ancient times. Yadzd rose to prominence during the Xerxesian dynasty and became an important refuge after the Muslim conquest, with many Zarathustras migrating from neighboring provinces and further developing through continued cultural exchange.
According to historical documents, Yadzd attracted the visit of Marco Polo in the 13th century and was famous for its silk weaving. He mentioned in his travel notes: "This is a good and noble city, with prosperous trade and a large amount of famous Yasdi silk weaving."
"When you leave this city and continue your journey, you will need to travel through seven days of vast plains, and you will only find a harbor in three places."
Yazd's architectural culture continues to flourish today, with many well-preserved monuments, such as the still-active Jame Mosque of Yazd. The building showcases the finest Persian mosaic craftsmanship and architectural techniques.
In addition to its magnificent architecture, Yadzd's social structure is also unique. According to statistics, the city has one of the lowest divorce rates in Iran, and family culture dominates local social life. Diverse religious beliefs are also a feature of the city, with a large Shia Muslim population and a small Zaroastrian community, and Yadzd plays an important role in Iran's religious diversity.
In terms of climate, Yadzd is known for its arid desert climate, which has led to its unique architectural style and has resulted in the city's crops and other industries being closely linked to water management. Yadzd’s groundwater management system, known for its complex network of dams and waterways, is a testament to human ingenuity in the region.
“Yazd’s Water Museum displays historical water-related technologies and water storage facilities, and is an important place for visitors to learn about how to survive in extreme climates.”
With the development of tourism, Yadzd has attracted more and more tourists to explore the charm of this ancient city. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Yadzd’s desserts, silk and handicrafts have also become shopping hotspots for many tourists, especially the local traditional Baklava and Pashmak, which have become precious memories for tourists.
In summary, Yadzd’s history, culture, and evolving social structure together make up this mysterious and glorious city, and ultimately make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Such heritage not only reflects the cultural memory of the past, but also continues to influence contemporary people. So in a world where modernization and traditional culture coexist, how should we understand and protect these precious heritages?
