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Coordinates: 31°52′56″N 54°20′23″E / 31.88222°N 54.33972°E / 31.88222; 54.33972
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| pushpin_map_caption = <!-- Location ------------------>
| pushpin_map_caption = <!-- Location ------------------>
| coordinates = {{coord|31|52|56|N|54|20|23|E|dim:11km|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|31|52|56|N|54|20|23|E|dim:11km|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite map |author=((OpenStreetMap contributors)) |url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=31.882222&mlon=54.339722&zoom=12#map=12/31.8822/54.3397 |website=[[OpenStreetMap]] |title=Yazd, Yazd County |date=3 March 2023 |access-date=3 March 2023}}</ref>
|coordinates_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite map |author=((OpenStreetMap contributors)) |url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=31.882222&mlon=54.339722&zoom=12#map=12/31.8822/54.3397 |website=[[OpenStreetMap]] |title=Yazd, Yazd County |date=3 March 2023 |access-date=3 March 2023 |lang=fa}}</ref>
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Iran}}
| subdivision_name = [[Iran]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Iran|Province]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Iran|Province]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Iran|County]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Iran|County]]
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| population_total = 529673
| population_total = 529673
| population_as_of = 2016
| population_as_of = 2016
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2016 census"/>
| population_est =
| population_est =
| population_est_as_of =
| population_est_as_of =
| population_blank1_title = Population Rank in Iran
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2016 census"/>
| population_blank1 = [[List of Iran cities by population|15th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = Yazdi&nbsp;([[English language|en]])
| population_demonym = Yazdi&nbsp;([[English language|en]])
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}}
}}


'''Yazd''' ({{lang-fa|یزد}} {{IPA-fa|jæzd||Yazd.ogg}}),<ref>{{GEOnet3|-3088569}}</ref> formerly also known as '''Yezd''',{{sfnp|''EB''|1888}}{{sfnp|''EB''|1911}} is the capital of [[Yazd province|Yazd]] province, [[Iran]]. The city is {{convert|270|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Isfahan]]. At the 2016 census, its population was 529,673.<ref name="2016 census"/> Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/historical-city-yazd-inscribed-world-heritage-site/|title=Historical City of Yazd Inscribed as World Heritage Site|date=9 July 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref>
'''Yazd''' ({{lang-fa|یزد}}; {{IPA-fa|jæzd||Yazd.ogg}})<ref>{{GEOnet3|-3088569}}</ref>{{efn|Formerly known as '''Yezd'''{{sfnp|''EB''|1888}}{{sfnp|''EB''|1911}}}} is a city in the [[Central District (Yazd County)|Central District]] of [[Yazd County]], [[Yazd province|Yazd]] province, [[Iran]], serving as capital of the province, the county, and the district.<ref name="Yazd Province Structure">{{cite web |title = Approval of the organization and chain of citizenship of the elements and units of the national divisions of Yazd province centered on Yazd city |language = fa |website = Lamtakam |url = https://lamtakam.com/law/council_of_ministers/113035 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231218190847/https://lamtakam.com/law/council_of_ministers/113035 |publisher = Ministry of Interior, Council of Ministers |archive-date = 18 December 2023 |date = 21 June 1369 |access-date = 18 December 2023}}</ref> Yazd is {{convert|270|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Isfahan]]. At the 2016 census, its population was 529,673.<ref name="2016 census"/> Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/historical-city-yazd-inscribed-world-heritage-site/|title=Historical City of Yazd Inscribed as World Heritage Site|date=9 July 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref>


Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd has a unique [[Persian architecture]]. It is nicknamed the "City of [[Windcatcher]]s" ({{lang|fa|شهر بادگیرها}} ''Shahr-e Badgirha'') from its many examples. It is also very well known for its [[Zoroastrian]] [[fire temple]]s, [[ab anbar]]s (cisterns), [[qanat]]s (underground channels), [[yakhchal]]s (coolers), [[Persian handicrafts]], [[Termeh|handwoven cloth]] (''Persian termeh''), [[silk]] weaving, [[Pashmak|Persian cotton candy]], and its time-honored confectioneries. Yazd is also known as City of Bicycles, because of its old history of bike riders, and the highest number of bicycles per capita in Iran. It is reported that [[bicycle culture]] in Iran originated in Yazd as a result of contact with European visitors and tourists in the last{{which|date=June 2023}} century.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ghoolabad.com/index1.asp?id=5|title=Bicycle history in Yazd |date= 11 February 2009|access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref>
Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd has a unique [[Persian architecture]]. It is nicknamed the "City of [[Windcatcher]]s" ({{lang|fa|شهر بادگیرها}} ''Shahr-e Badgirha'') from its many examples. It is also very well known for its [[Zoroastrian]] [[fire temple]]s, [[ab anbar]]s (cisterns), [[qanat]]s (underground channels), [[yakhchal]]s (coolers), [[Persian handicrafts]], [[Termeh|handwoven cloth]] (''Persian termeh''), [[silk]] weaving, [[Pashmak|Persian cotton candy]], and its time-honored confectioneries. Yazd is also known as City of Bicycles, because of its old history of bike riders, and the highest number of bicycles per capita in Iran. It is reported that [[bicycle culture]] in Iran originated in Yazd as a result of contact with European visitors and tourists in the last{{which|date=June 2023}} century.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ghoolabad.com/index1.asp?id=5|title=Bicycle history in Yazd |date= 11 February 2009|access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref>


== Name ==
== Etymology ==
''Yazd'' means "pure" and "holy"; Yazd City means "City of the Holy [One, ''i.&nbsp;e.'', God]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jadvalyab.ir/dehkhoda/یزد|title=یزد|author=JadvalYab.ir|website=JadvalYab.ir|access-date=2021-03-06|quote=با ایزد و یزدان همریشه است و معنی آن پاک و مقدس و درخور تحسین و آفریننده ٔ خوبیهاست و نام شهر یزداز آن است.&rlm;}}</ref> Former names of this city: Kath, Isatis.
''Yazd'' means "pure" and "holy"; Yazd City means "City of the Holy [One, ''i.&nbsp;e.'', God]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jadvalyab.ir/dehkhoda/یزد|title=یزد|author=JadvalYab.ir|website=JadvalYab.ir|access-date=2021-03-06|quote=با ایزد و یزدان همریشه است و معنی آن پاک و مقدس و درخور تحسین و آفریننده ٔ خوبیهاست و نام شهر یزداز آن است.&rlm;}}</ref> Former names of this city: Kath, Isatis.


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Archeological evidence 12 kilometers north of Yazd suggests that the area has been populated since the period of the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (550 BC–330 BC).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222}} In his ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'', [[Pliny the Elder]] (died 79 AD) mentions a town in the [[Parthian Empire]] (247 BC–224 AD) named "Issatis", which is seemingly connected to the name of the [[Sagartians|Asagarta/Istachae/Sagartians]].{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222–223}} As a result, some scholars have suggested that the name of Yazd was derived from Issatis (also transliterated as Isatichae, Ysatis, Yasatis), and that the latter name started to be used in the [[Medes|Median]] or Achaemenid eras.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=223}}
Archeological evidence 12 kilometers north of Yazd suggests that the area has been populated since the period of the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (550 BC–330 BC).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222}} In his ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'', [[Pliny the Elder]] (died 79 AD) mentions a town in the [[Parthian Empire]] (247 BC–224 AD) named "Issatis", which is seemingly connected to the name of the [[Sagartians|Asagarta/Istachae/Sagartians]].{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222–223}} As a result, some scholars have suggested that the name of Yazd was derived from Issatis (also transliterated as Isatichae, Ysatis, Yasatis), and that the latter name started to be used in the [[Medes|Median]] or Achaemenid eras.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=223}}


The area encompassing Yazd first started to gain prominence in the [[Late antiquity]], namely under the [[Sasanian Empire]] (224–651). Under [[Yazdegerd I]] ({{reign|399|420}}), a mint was established in Yazd (under the mint abbreviation of "YZ"), which demonstrates its increasing importance.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=227}} According to the [[New Persian]] chronicle ''Tarikh-i Yazd'' ("History of Yazd") of 1441, Yazd was re-founded by "Yazdegerd, son of Bahram", i.e. [[Yazdegerd II]] ({{reign|438|457}}).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=225}} The word ''yazd'' means God.<ref>Steingass, Francis Joseph. [http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/getobject.pl?c.7:1:7557.steingass A Comprehensive Persian-English dictionary, including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in Persian literature]. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1892.</ref> After the [[Muslim conquest of Persia]], many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd from neighboring provinces. By paying a levy, Yazd was allowed to remain Zoroastrian even after its conquest, and [[Islam]] only gradually became the dominant religion in the city.
The area encompassing Yazd first started to gain prominence in the [[Late antiquity]], namely under the [[Sasanian Empire]] (224–651). Under [[Yazdegerd I]] ({{reign|399|420}}), a mint was established in Yazd (under the mint abbreviation of "YZ"), which demonstrates its increasing importance.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=227}} According to the [[New Persian]] chronicle ''Tarikh-i Yazd'' ("History of Yazd") of 1441, Yazd was re-founded by "Yazdegerd, son of Bahram", i.e. [[Yazdegerd II]] ({{reign|438|457}}).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=225}} The word ''yazd'' means God.<ref>Steingass, Francis Joseph. [http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/getobject.pl?c.7:1:7557.steingass A Comprehensive Persian-English dictionary, including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in Persian literature]. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1892.</ref> After the [[Muslim conquest of Persia|Muslim conquest]], many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd from neighboring provinces. By paying a levy, Yazd was allowed to remain Zoroastrian even after its conquest, and [[Islam]] only gradually became the dominant religion in the city.

[[File:آتشکده یزد 2.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Yazd Atash Behram]].]]
Because of its remote desert location and the difficulty of access, Yazd remained largely immune to large battles and the destruction and ravages of war. For instance, it was a haven for those fleeing from destruction in other parts of [[Persian Empire]] during the [[Mongol invasions and conquests|Mongol invasion]]. In 1272 it was visited by [[Marco Polo]], who remarked on the city's fine [[Silk weaving|silk-weaving]] industry. In the book ''[[The Travels of Marco Polo]]'', he described Yazd in the following way:
Due to its secluded desert setting and challenging access, Yazd was mostly spared from major conflicts and the devastation and havoc of warfare. For instance, it was a haven for those fleeing from destruction in other parts of [[Persian Empire]] during the [[Mongol invasions and conquests|Mongol invasion]]. In 1272 it was visited by [[Marco Polo]], who remarked on the city's fine [[Silk weaving|silk-weaving]] industry. In the book ''[[The Travels of Marco Polo]]'', he described Yazd in the following way:


{{Blockquote|It is a good and noble city, and has a great amount of trade. They weave there quantities of a certain silk tissue known as Yasdi, which merchants carry into many quarters to dispose of. When you leave this city to travel further, you ride for seven days over great plains, finding harbour to receive you at three places only. There are many fine woods producing dates upon the way, such as one can easily ride through; and in them there is great sport to be had in hunting and hawking, there being partridges and quails and abundance of other game, so that the merchants who pass that way have plenty of diversion. There are also wild asses, handsome creatures. At the end of those seven marches over the plain, you come to a fine kingdom which is called [[Kerman]].}}
{{Blockquote|It is a good and noble city, and has a great amount of trade. They weave there quantities of a certain silk tissue known as Yasdi, which merchants carry into many quarters to dispose of. When you leave this city to travel further, you ride for seven days over great plains, finding harbour to receive you at three places only. There are many fine woods producing dates upon the way, such as one can easily ride through; and in them there is great sport to be had in hunting and hawking, there being partridges and quails and abundance of other game, so that the merchants who pass that way have plenty of diversion. There are also wild asses, handsome creatures. At the end of those seven marches over the plain, you come to a fine kingdom which is called [[Kerman]].}}


Yazd briefly served as the capital of the [[Muzaffarids (Iran)|Muzaffarid Dynasty]] in the fourteenth century, and was unsuccessfully besieged in 1350–1351 by the [[Injuids]] under Shaikh Abu Ishaq. The Friday (or Congregation) mosque, arguably the city's greatest architectural landmark, as well as other important buildings, date to this period. During the [[Qajar dynasty]] (18th century AD) it was ruled by the [[Bakhtiari people|Bakhtiari]] Khans.
Yazd briefly served as the capital of the [[Muzaffarids (Iran)|Muzaffarid Dynasty]] in the fourteenth century, and was unsuccessfully besieged in 1350–1351 by the [[Injuids]] under Shaikh Abu Ishaq. The Friday (or Congregation) mosque, arguably the city's greatest architectural landmark, as well as other important buildings, date to this period. During the [[Qajar Iran|Qajar Empire]] (18th century AD) it was ruled by the [[Bakhtiari people|Bakhtiari]] Khans.


Under the rule of the [[Safavids]] (16th century), some people migrated from Yazd and settled in an area that is today on the Iran-Afghanistan border. The settlement, which was named Yazdi, was located in what is now [[Farah, Afghanistan|Farah City]] in the [[Farah Province|province]] of the same name in [[Afghanistan]]. Even today, people from this area speak with an accent very similar to that of the people of Yazd.
Under the rule of the [[Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]] (16th century), some people migrated from Yazd and settled in an area that is today on the Iran-Afghanistan border. The settlement, which was named Yazdi, was located in what is now [[Farah, Afghanistan|Farah City]] in the [[Farah Province|province]] of the same name in [[Afghanistan]]. Even today, people from this area speak with an accent very similar to that of the people of Yazd.


One of the notable things about Yazd is its family-centered culture. According to official statistics from Iran's National Organization for Civil Registration, Yazd is among the three cities with the lowest divorce rates in Iran.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
One of the notable things about Yazd is its family-centered culture. According to official statistics from Iran's National Organization for Civil Registration, Yazd is among the three cities with the lowest divorce rates in Iran.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations|percentages = pagr |1986| 230,483|1991|275,298|1996|326,776|2006|432,194|2011|486,152|align=right|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.citypopulation.de/en/iran/cities/ Iran: Provinces and Cities population statistics]</ref>|2016|529,673}}


=== Language and ethnic groups ===
=== Language and ethnicity ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
The majority of the people of Yazd are [[Persians]]. They speak [[Persian language|Persian]] with a Yazdi accent, which is different from the Persian accent of [[Tehrani accent|Tehran]].
The majority of the people of Yazd are [[Persians]]. They speak [[Persian language|Persian]] with a Yazdi accent, which is different from the Persian accent of [[Tehrani accent|Tehran]].

During the Pahlavi era, a large group of Kurds from the Gulbaghi tribe were moved from the north of [[Kurdistan province]] to the city of Yazd and the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Nayin. Today, the Gulbaghi tribe are mostly assimilated elements in the population of these cities.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://journal.sulicihan.edu.krd/index.php/sjcus/article/view/153 | doi=10.25098/6.3.21 | date=2022 | journal=The Scientific Journal of Cihan University – Sulaimanyia | volume=6 | issue=3 | title=سیاست های ایلیاتی پهلوی اول برابر گلباغی ها | pages=391–404 | last1=Ahmadi | first1=Mansur | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://rojanpress.ir/main/1219-%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%81-%D9%88-%D8%B9%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D9%87%E2%80%8C%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AE%DB%8C/-%D9%86%D9%87-%DA%AF%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%BA%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7-%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7.html | title=کینه رضا شاه از طوایف و عشایر گه‌لواخی/ نه گلباغی ماند اینجا نه همدانی آنجا | date=8 May 1402 }}</ref>


=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
The majority of people in Yazd are [[Shia Muslim|Shia Muslims]]. Yazd is a strongly religious, traditionalist and conservative city.<ref>{{Cite book|title=[[Iran: From Religious Dispute to Revolution]]|author=Michael M. J. Fischer|year=2003|editor=University of Wisconsin Press|p=XV|ISBN=9780299184735}}</ref> Several city traditions are the Muslim parades and gatherings, which are mainly processions called ''azadari'' held to commemorate the events experienced by the main Islamic martyrs and other important figures. These huge public gatherings created a series of spaces which, since most are near important urban monuments, are used at other times as hubs from which visitors can tour the main spots in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/192235 |title=همشهری آنلاین: آشنایی با برخی آئین‌‌های عزاداری در استان یزد |publisher=Hamshahrionline.ir |date=2013-12-04 |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>

The majority of people in Yazd are [[Shia Muslim]]. Yazd is a strongly religious, traditionalist and conservative city.<ref>{{Cite book|title=[[Iran: From Religious Dispute to Revolution]]|author=Michael M. J. Fischer|year=2003|editor=University of Wisconsin Press|p=XV|ISBN=9780299184735}}</ref> Several city traditions are the Muslim parades and gatherings, which are mainly processions called ''azadari'' held to commemorate the events experienced by the main Islamic martyrs and other important figures. These huge public gatherings created a series of spaces which, since most are near important urban monuments, are used at other times as hubs from which visitors can tour the main spots in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/192235 |title=همشهری آنلاین: آشنایی با برخی آئین‌‌های عزاداری در استان یزد |publisher=Hamshahrionline.ir |date=2013-12-04 |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>


There is also a sizable population of [[Zoroastrians]] in the city. In 2013, [[Sepanta Niknam]] was elected to the city council of Yazd and became the first Zoroastrian councillor in Iran.<ref>{{citation|title=Iran Suspends Zoroastrian Member of Yazd City Council|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/10/09/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iran-religious-minorities.html|access-date=9 October 2017|date=9 October 2017|work=The Associated Press|publisher=The New York Times}}</ref> The Pir-e-Naraki<ref>{{cite web|author=Ed Eduljee |url=http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/worship/setinaraki.htm |title=Pir-e Seti. Pir-e Naraki. Pilgrimage in Zoroastrianism |publisher=Heritageinstitute.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref> sanctuary is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Zoroastrians, where an annual congregation is held and frequent visits are made during the year; it is now also a famous tourist spot. The story of the last Persian prince to come to Yazd before the arrival of [[Islam]] adds to its importance. Such a transformation has occurred several times.{{clarify|date=February 2015}}<!--What transformation? This last sentence is not clear.--><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yazdfarda.com/mehrizfarda/news/1392/03/69776.html |title=پیرنارکی مهریز در لیست مهمترین جاذبه‌های دینی جهان - سایت خبری یزدفردا |date=2 March 1392 |publisher=Yazdfarda.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>
There is also a sizable population of [[Zoroastrians]] in the city. In 2013, [[Sepanta Niknam]] was elected to the city council of Yazd and became the first Zoroastrian councillor in Iran.<ref>{{citation|title=Iran Suspends Zoroastrian Member of Yazd City Council|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/10/09/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iran-religious-minorities.html|access-date=9 October 2017|date=9 October 2017|work=The Associated Press|publisher=The New York Times}}</ref> The Pir-e-Naraki<ref>{{cite web|author=Ed Eduljee |url=http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/worship/setinaraki.htm |title=Pir-e Seti. Pir-e Naraki. Pilgrimage in Zoroastrianism |publisher=Heritageinstitute.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref> sanctuary is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Zoroastrians, where an annual congregation is held and frequent visits are made during the year; it is now also a famous tourist spot. The story of the last Persian prince to come to Yazd before the arrival of [[Islam]] adds to its importance. Such a transformation has occurred several times.{{clarify|date=February 2015}}<!--What transformation? This last sentence is not clear.--><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yazdfarda.com/mehrizfarda/news/1392/03/69776.html |title=پیرنارکی مهریز در لیست مهمترین جاذبه‌های دینی جهان - سایت خبری یزدفردا |date=2 March 1392 |publisher=Yazdfarda.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>
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===Population===
===Population===
At the 2006 census, the population of the city of Yazd was 423,006 in 114,716 households.<ref name="2006 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1385 (2006) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = AMAR | url = http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls | access-date = 25 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110920085705/http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls | format = Excel | archive-date = 20 September 2011}}</ref> The following census in 2011 counted 486,152 people in 141,572 households.<ref name="2011 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1390 (2011) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = Syracuse University | url = https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230120180437/https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls | archive-date = 20 January 2023 | access-date = 19 December 2022 | format = Excel}}</ref> The 2016 census showed a population of 529,673 people in 158,368 households.<ref name="2016 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1395 (2016) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = AMAR | url = https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx | access-date = 19 December 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118150108/https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx | format = Excel | archive-date = 18 November 2020}}</ref>
At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 423,006 in 114,716 households.<ref name="2006 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1385 (2006) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = AMAR | url = http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls | access-date = 25 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110920085705/http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls | format = Excel | archive-date = 20 September 2011}}</ref> The following census in 2011 counted 486,152 people in 141,572 households.<ref name="2011 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1390 (2011) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = Syracuse University | url = https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230120180437/https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls | archive-date = 20 January 2023 | access-date = 19 December 2022 | format = Excel}}</ref> The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 529,673 people in 158,368 households.<ref name="2016 census">{{cite web | title = Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1395 (2016) | page = 21 | language = fa | publisher = The Statistical Center of Iran | website = AMAR | url = https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx | access-date = 19 December 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118150108/https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx | format = Excel | archive-date = 18 November 2020}}</ref>


==Geography==
During the Pahlavi era, a large group of Kurds from the Gulbaghi tribe were moved from the north of [[Kurdistan province]] to the city of Yazd and the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Nayin. Today, the Gulbaghi tribe are mostly assimilated elements in the population of these cities.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://journal.sulicihan.edu.krd/index.php/sjcus/article/view/153 | doi=10.25098/6.3.21 | date=2022 | journal=The Scientific Journal of Cihan University – Sulaimanyia | volume=6 | issue=3 | title=سیاست های ایلیاتی پهلوی اول برابر گلباغی ها | pages=391–404 | last1=Ahmadi | first1=Mansur | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://rojanpress.ir/main/1219-%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%81-%D9%88-%D8%B9%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D9%87%E2%80%8C%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AE%DB%8C/-%D9%86%D9%87-%DA%AF%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%BA%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7-%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7.html | title=کینه رضا شاه از طوایف و عشایر گه‌لواخی/ نه گلباغی ماند اینجا نه همدانی آنجا | date=8 May 1402 }}</ref>
=== Climate ===
Yazd has a [[Desert climate#Hot desert climates|hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). It is the driest major city in Iran, with a yearly precipitation amount that is less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1}}, and has only 11.5 days of precipitation. Summer temperatures are frequently above {{convert|40|C|F}} in blazing sunshine with low humidity, on 35.3 days per year the maximum daily temperature reaches or exceeds {{convert|40|C|F}}.<ref name=NCEI/> Even at night the temperatures in summer are rather uncomfortable. In the winter, the days remain mild and sunny, but in the morning the thin air and low cloudiness cause cold temperatures, with 24.3 days per year in which the minimum temperature falls below {{convert|0|C|F}}.<ref name=NCEI/>


[[Dust]] events are not uncommon in Yazd, as they happen 52 days per year. [[haze|Thick haze]] is much more common (135.8 days annually) and is more frequent in winter.<ref name =NCEI/>
{{Historical populations|percentages = pagr |1986| 230,483|1991|275,298|1996|326,776|2006|432,194|2011|486,152|align=right|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.citypopulation.de/en/iran/cities/ Iran: Provinces and Cities population statistics]</ref>|2016|529,673}}


{{Weather box|width=auto
== Historical sites==
| location = Yazd (normals 1991-2020, records 1952-2020)
[[File:Tower of Silence, Yazd 11.jpg|thumb|[[Yazd Tower of Silence]]]]
| metric first = Y
Yazd is an important centre of [[Persian architecture|Iranian architecture]]. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of ''[[qanat]]s'' (underground water supply systems) in the world, and Yazdi ''qanat'' makers are considered the most skilled in Iran.
| single line = Y
| Jan record high C = 27.0
| Feb record high C = 29.4
| Mar record high C = 35.2
| Apr record high C = 38.0
| May record high C = 41.0
| Jun record high C = 44.5
| Jul record high C = 46.1
| Aug record high C = 45.6
| Sep record high C = 42.0
| Oct record high C = 36.4
| Nov record high C = 30.8
| Dec record high C = 28.5
| Jan high C = 13.3
| Feb high C = 16.8
| Mar high C = 21.5
| Apr high C = 27.4
| May high C = 32.9
| Jun high C = 38.3
| Jul high C = 40.1
| Aug high C = 38.5
| Sep high C = 34.9
| Oct high C = 28.4
| Nov high C = 20.2
| Dec high C = 15.2
| Jan mean C = 6.6
| Feb mean C = 9.8
| Mar mean C = 14.7
| Apr mean C = 20.6
| May mean C = 26.1
| Jun mean C = 31.5
| Jul mean C = 33.5
| Aug mean C = 31.4
| Sep mean C = 27.4
| Oct mean C = 20.8
| Nov mean C = 12.9
| Dec mean C = 8.0
| Jan low C = 1.3
| Feb low C = 3.9
| Mar low C = 8.4
| Apr low C = 14.0
| May low C = 19.2
| Jun low C = 23.9
| Jul low C = 26.1
| Aug low C = 23.6
| Sep low C = 19.5
| Oct low C = 13.7
| Nov low C = 7.0
| Dec low C = 2.6
| Jan record low C = −14.0
| Feb record low C = −10.1
| Mar record low C = −7.0
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 2.0
| Jun record low C = 11.0
| Jul record low C = 16.0
| Aug record low C = 12.0
| Sep record low C = 2.0
| Oct record low C = −3.0
| Nov record low C = −10.0
| Dec record low C = −16.0


|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent [[windcatcher|wind tower]]s and large underground areas.
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 11.2
| Feb precipitation mm = 6.2
| Mar precipitation mm = 10.6
| Apr precipitation mm = 5.6
| May precipitation mm = 3.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 0.4
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.0
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.0
| Sep precipitation mm = 0.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 0.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 4.6
| Dec precipitation mm = 9.1
| Jan snow cm = 3.1
| Feb snow cm = 0.2
| Mar snow cm = 0.0
| Apr snow cm = 0.0
| May snow cm = 0.0
| Jun snow cm = 0.0
| Jul snow cm = 0.0
| Aug snow cm = 0.0
| Sep snow cm = 0.0
| Oct snow cm = 0.0
| Nov snow cm = 0.0
| Dec snow cm = 1.1
| Jan precipitation days = 2.5
| Feb precipitation days = 1.3
| Mar precipitation days = 1.9
| Apr precipitation days = 1.8
| May precipitation days = 0.9
| Jun precipitation days = 0.1
| Jul precipitation days = 0.0
| Aug precipitation days = 0.0
| Sep precipitation days = 0.0
| Oct precipitation days = 0.2
| Nov precipitation days = 1
| Dec precipitation days = 1.8
| Jan snow days =2.1
| Feb snow days =0.5
| Mar snow days =0.2
| Apr snow days =0
| May snow days =0
| Jun snow days =0
| Jul snow days =0
| Aug snow days =0
| Sep snow days =0
| Oct snow days =0
| Nov snow days =0
| Dec snow days =0.9
| year snow days =
| Jan humidity = 50
| Feb humidity = 39
| Mar humidity = 32
| Apr humidity = 28
| May humidity = 21
| Jun humidity = 14
| Jul humidity = 14
| Aug humidity = 14
| Sep humidity = 15
| Oct humidity = 24
| Nov humidity = 37
| Dec humidity = 47
| Jan dew point C =-5.1
| Feb dew point C =-5.5
| Mar dew point C =-4.6
| Apr dew point C =-1.0
| May dew point C =0.1
| Jun dew point C =-0.8
| Jul dew point C =0.7
| Aug dew point C =-0.8
| Sep dew point C =-2.8
| Oct dew point C =-2.3
| Nov dew point C =-3.2
| Dec dew point C =-4.3


The city is also home to prime examples of ''[[yakhchal]]s'', which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of [[adobe]].


| Jan sun = 215
Yazd's heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. There is a [[Tower of Silence]] on the outskirts, and the city has an ''[[Fire temple|ateshkadeh]]'' which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since 470 AD. Zoroastrians make up a significant minority of the population, around 20,000–40,000 or 5&nbsp;to 10 percent.
| Feb sun = 220
| Mar sun = 246
| Apr sun = 260
| May sun = 315
| Jun sun = 353
| Jul sun = 355
| Aug sun = 357
| Sep sun = 320
| Oct sun = 294
| Nov sun = 230
| Dec sun = 216
|source 1=[[NCEI|NOAA NCEI]]<ref name=NCEI>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Iran/CSV/Yazd_40821.csv |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Yazd |access-date=31 January 2024|website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |format=CSV}}</ref> (snowfall and sleet/snow days 1981-2010<ref name=Clino81>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Iran/WMO_Normals_Excel_IRAN_060719.xls |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981-2010: Yazd |access-date=29 April 2024|website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |format=XLS |page=1}}</ref>)
|source 2=IRIMO(extremes<ref name=record>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/6.asp TEMPERATURE RECORDS LOWEST IN C. |title=Form 6:TEMPERATURE RECORDS LOWEST IN C. Station: Yazd (40821) |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Chaharmahalmet |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321112507/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/6.asp |archive-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=Iran Meteorological Organization}}
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/7.asp |title=Form 7: TEMPERATURE RECORDS HIGHEST IN C. Station: Yazd(40821) |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Chaharmahalmet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819065434/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/7.asp |archive-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=unfit |publisher=IRIMO}}</ref>
}}


{{Weather box|width=auto |collapsed = yes
The 11th-century brick mausoleum and shrine [[Davāzdah Imām]] is the oldest dated building in the city.<ref name="Anisi">{{Cite journal|last=Anisi|first=Alireza|title=The Davāzdah Imām Mausoleum at Yazd: A Re-Examination|date=2009|journal=Iran|volume=47|pages=57–68|doi=10.1080/05786967.2009.11864759|jstor=25651464|s2cid=193321386|issn=0578-6967}}</ref>

Built in 12th century and still in use, [[Jame Mosque of Yazd]] is an example of the finest Persian [[mosaic]]s and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. [[Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din]] is nearby the mosque.

==Geography==
=== Climate ===
Yazd has a [[Desert climate#Hot desert climates|hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). It is the driest major city in Iran, with a yearly precipitation amount of {{convert|60|mm|in|1}} and only 14 days of precipitation, with summer temperatures very frequently above {{convert|40|C|F}} in blazing sunshine with low humidity. Even at night the temperatures in summer are rather uncomfortable. In the winter, the days remain mild and sunny, but in the morning the thin air and low cloudiness cause cold temperatures that can sometimes fall well below {{convert|0|C|F}}.

{{Weather box|width=auto
| location = Yazd (1951-2010, records and temperature normals 1951-2020)
| location = Yazd (1951-2010, records and temperature normals 1951-2020)
| metric first = Y
| metric first = Y
Line 281: Line 427:
|access-date = December 29, 2012}}</ref>
|access-date = December 29, 2012}}</ref>
}}
}}

== Historical sites==
[[File:Tower of Silence, Yazd 11.jpg|thumb|[[Yazd Tower of Silence]]]]
[[File:آتشکده یزد 2.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Fire Temple of Yazd]]]]
Yazd is an important centre of [[Persian architecture|Iranian architecture]]. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of ''[[qanat]]s'' (underground water supply systems) in the world, and Yazdi ''qanat'' makers are considered the most skilled in Iran.

To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent [[windcatcher|wind tower]]s and large underground areas.

The city is also home to prime examples of ''[[yakhchal]]s'', which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of [[adobe]].

Yazd's heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. There is a [[Tower of Silence]] on the outskirts, and the city has an ''[[Fire temple|ateshkadeh]]'' which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since 470 AD. Zoroastrians make up a significant minority of the population, around 20,000–40,000 or 5&nbsp;to 10 percent.

The 11th-century brick mausoleum and shrine [[Davāzdah Imām]] is the oldest dated building in the city.<ref name="Anisi">{{Cite journal|last=Anisi|first=Alireza|title=The Davāzdah Imām Mausoleum at Yazd: A Re-Examination|date=2009|journal=Iran|volume=47|pages=57–68|doi=10.1080/05786967.2009.11864759|jstor=25651464|s2cid=193321386|issn=0578-6967}}</ref>

Built in 12th century and still in use, [[Jame Mosque of Yazd]] is an example of the finest Persian [[mosaic]]s and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. [[Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din]] is nearby the mosque.


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Line 312: Line 473:


== Famous residents ==
== Famous residents ==
[[File:Mohammad Khatami - December 11, 2007.jpg|thumb|Khatami]]
[[File:Mohammad Khatami - December 11, 2007.jpg|thumb|[[Mohammad Khatami]], former president of Iran; born in [[Ardakan]] of Yazd.]]
* [[Mohammad Khatami]], former president of Iran; born in [[Ardakan]]
* [[Mohammad Khatami]], former president of Iran; born in [[Ardakan]]
* [[Mohammad Ali Jafari]], the commander of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution of Iran
* [[Mohammad Ali Jafari]], the commander of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution of Iran
Line 329: Line 490:
* [[Reza Ardakanian]], Iranian professor, politician and the former Minister of Energy of Iran
* [[Reza Ardakanian]], Iranian professor, politician and the former Minister of Energy of Iran
* [[Sems Kesmai]], poet
* [[Sems Kesmai]], poet
* [[Ardeshir Jamshid Khosraviani]], prominent Iranian neurosurgeon and an inspiring and dedicated doctor


== Education ==
== Education ==
Line 347: Line 507:
* Applied Science University of Yazd
* Applied Science University of Yazd
* Imam Java University College
* Imam Java University College
* Barazande muqadam High School (Tizhushan)
* Barazande muqadam High School ([[SAMPAD|Tizhushan]])
* Shahid Sadoughi High School (Tizhushan)
* Shahid Sadoughi High School (Tizhushan)
* Shahid Sadoughi Middle School (Tizhushan)
* Shahid Sadoughi Middle School (Tizhushan)
Line 377: Line 537:
File:Casa Lari, Yazd, Irán, 2016-09-21, DD 19.jpg|Lari House in Yazd
File:Casa Lari, Yazd, Irán, 2016-09-21, DD 19.jpg|Lari House in Yazd
File:971117-DadHotel-Yazd-Pan02.jpg|alt=Dad Hotel|Dad Hotel, Yazd, Iran
File:971117-DadHotel-Yazd-Pan02.jpg|alt=Dad Hotel|Dad Hotel, Yazd, Iran
File:باغ خوشنویس.jpg|khoshnevis garden
File:باغ خوشنویس.jpg|Khoshnevis Garden
</gallery>
</gallery>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Commons-inline|یزد|Yazd}}
* [[Iran]]

* [[Yazd Province]]
{{Wikivoyage-inline|Yazd}}


{{Portal|Iran}}
{{clear}}
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
Line 398: Line 561:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commons-inline|یزد|Yazd}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Yazd}}
* [http://iranian.com/posts/rare-photos-of-arak-yazd-kashan-35821 Rare Photos of Arak, Yazd, Kashan] [[Iranian.com]]
* [http://iranian.com/posts/rare-photos-of-arak-yazd-kashan-35821 Rare Photos of Arak, Yazd, Kashan] [[Iranian.com]]
* [http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/102911 Phototour of the desert city (Yazd)]
* [http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/102911 Phototour of the desert city (Yazd)]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Iranian Architecture}}


{{Yazd Province|state=collapsed}}
{{Yazd Province|state=collapsed}}
Line 412: Line 571:


{{Provincial capitals of Iran}}
{{Provincial capitals of Iran}}

{{Iranian Architecture}}


{{World Heritage Sites in Iran}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Iran}}
Line 421: Line 582:
[[Category:Populated places in Yazd County]]
[[Category:Populated places in Yazd County]]


[[Category:Cities in Yazd Province]]
[[Category:Cities in Yazd province]]


[[Category:Iranian provincial capitals]]
[[Category:Iranian provincial capitals]]

Revision as of 11:50, 3 August 2024

For the administrative divisions, see Yazd province and Yazd County. For the village in Khuzestan province, see Yazd-e Now.
Yazd
یزد
Kath, Isatis
City
Official seal of Yazd
Seal
Yazd is located in Iran
Yazd
Yazd
Coordinates: 31°52′56″N 54°20′23″E / 31.88222°N 54.33972°E / 31.88222; 54.33972[1]
CountryIran
ProvinceYazd
CountyYazd
DistrictCentral
Government
 • MayorAbolghasem Mohiodini Anari
 • City Council ChairmanGholam Hossein Dashti
Elevation
1,216 m (3,990 ft)
Population
 (2016)[2]
 • Total529,673
 • Population Rank in Iran
15th
DemonymYazdi (en)
Time zoneUTC+3:30 (IRST)
Area code035
ClimateBWh
Websiteyazd.ir
Official nameHistoric City of Yazd
TypeCultural
Criteriaiii, v
Designated2017 (41st session)
Reference no.1544
RegionAsia and the Pacific

Yazd (Persian: یزد; [jæzd] ⓘ)[3][a] is a city in the Central District of Yazd County, Yazd province, Iran, serving as capital of the province, the county, and the district.[6] Yazd is 270 km (170 mi) southeast of Isfahan. At the 2016 census, its population was 529,673.[2] Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[7]

Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd has a unique Persian architecture. It is nicknamed the "City of Windcatchers" (شهر بادگیرها Shahr-e Badgirha) from its many examples. It is also very well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, ab anbars (cisterns), qanats (underground channels), yakhchals (coolers), Persian handicrafts, handwoven cloth (Persian termeh), silk weaving, Persian cotton candy, and its time-honored confectioneries. Yazd is also known as City of Bicycles, because of its old history of bike riders, and the highest number of bicycles per capita in Iran. It is reported that bicycle culture in Iran originated in Yazd as a result of contact with European visitors and tourists in the last[which?] century.[8]

Etymology

Yazd means "pure" and "holy"; Yazd City means "City of the Holy [One, i. e., God]".[9] Former names of this city: Kath, Isatis.

History

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Yazd.

Archeological evidence 12 kilometers north of Yazd suggests that the area has been populated since the period of the Achaemenid Empire (550 BC–330 BC).[10] In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder (died 79 AD) mentions a town in the Parthian Empire (247 BC–224 AD) named "Issatis", which is seemingly connected to the name of the Asagarta/Istachae/Sagartians.[11] As a result, some scholars have suggested that the name of Yazd was derived from Issatis (also transliterated as Isatichae, Ysatis, Yasatis), and that the latter name started to be used in the Median or Achaemenid eras.[12]

The area encompassing Yazd first started to gain prominence in the Late antiquity, namely under the Sasanian Empire (224–651). Under Yazdegerd I (r. 399–420), a mint was established in Yazd (under the mint abbreviation of "YZ"), which demonstrates its increasing importance.[13] According to the New Persian chronicle Tarikh-i Yazd ("History of Yazd") of 1441, Yazd was re-founded by "Yazdegerd, son of Bahram", i.e. Yazdegerd II (r. 438–457).[14] The word yazd means God.[15] After the Muslim conquest, many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd from neighboring provinces. By paying a levy, Yazd was allowed to remain Zoroastrian even after its conquest, and Islam only gradually became the dominant religion in the city.

Due to its secluded desert setting and challenging access, Yazd was mostly spared from major conflicts and the devastation and havoc of warfare. For instance, it was a haven for those fleeing from destruction in other parts of Persian Empire during the Mongol invasion. In 1272 it was visited by Marco Polo, who remarked on the city's fine silk-weaving industry. In the book The Travels of Marco Polo, he described Yazd in the following way:

It is a good and noble city, and has a great amount of trade. They weave there quantities of a certain silk tissue known as Yasdi, which merchants carry into many quarters to dispose of. When you leave this city to travel further, you ride for seven days over great plains, finding harbour to receive you at three places only. There are many fine woods producing dates upon the way, such as one can easily ride through; and in them there is great sport to be had in hunting and hawking, there being partridges and quails and abundance of other game, so that the merchants who pass that way have plenty of diversion. There are also wild asses, handsome creatures. At the end of those seven marches over the plain, you come to a fine kingdom which is called Kerman.

Yazd briefly served as the capital of the Muzaffarid Dynasty in the fourteenth century, and was unsuccessfully besieged in 1350–1351 by the Injuids under Shaikh Abu Ishaq. The Friday (or Congregation) mosque, arguably the city's greatest architectural landmark, as well as other important buildings, date to this period. During the Qajar Empire (18th century AD) it was ruled by the Bakhtiari Khans.

Under the rule of the Safavid Empire (16th century), some people migrated from Yazd and settled in an area that is today on the Iran-Afghanistan border. The settlement, which was named Yazdi, was located in what is now Farah City in the province of the same name in Afghanistan. Even today, people from this area speak with an accent very similar to that of the people of Yazd.

One of the notable things about Yazd is its family-centered culture. According to official statistics from Iran's National Organization for Civil Registration, Yazd is among the three cities with the lowest divorce rates in Iran.[citation needed]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1986230,483—    
1991275,298+3.62%
1996326,776+3.49%
2006432,194+2.84%
2011486,152+2.38%
2016529,673+1.73%
source:[16]

Language and ethnicity

The majority of the people of Yazd are Persians. They speak Persian with a Yazdi accent, which is different from the Persian accent of Tehran.

During the Pahlavi era, a large group of Kurds from the Gulbaghi tribe were moved from the north of Kurdistan province to the city of Yazd and the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Nayin. Today, the Gulbaghi tribe are mostly assimilated elements in the population of these cities.[17][18]

Religion

The majority of people in Yazd are Shia Muslims. Yazd is a strongly religious, traditionalist and conservative city.[19] Several city traditions are the Muslim parades and gatherings, which are mainly processions called azadari held to commemorate the events experienced by the main Islamic martyrs and other important figures. These huge public gatherings created a series of spaces which, since most are near important urban monuments, are used at other times as hubs from which visitors can tour the main spots in the city.[20]

There is also a sizable population of Zoroastrians in the city. In 2013, Sepanta Niknam was elected to the city council of Yazd and became the first Zoroastrian councillor in Iran.[21] The Pir-e-Naraki[22] sanctuary is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Zoroastrians, where an annual congregation is held and frequent visits are made during the year; it is now also a famous tourist spot. The story of the last Persian prince to come to Yazd before the arrival of Islam adds to its importance. Such a transformation has occurred several times.[clarification needed][23]

There was once a relatively large Jewish-Yazdi community, however, after the creation of Israel, many have moved there for varying reasons. Former president of Israel Moshe Katsav is an example.

Population

At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 423,006 in 114,716 households.[24] The following census in 2011 counted 486,152 people in 141,572 households.[25] The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 529,673 people in 158,368 households.[2]

Geography

Climate

Yazd has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh). It is the driest major city in Iran, with a yearly precipitation amount that is less than 60 millimetres (2.4 in), and has only 11.5 days of precipitation. Summer temperatures are frequently above 40 °C (104 °F) in blazing sunshine with low humidity, on 35.3 days per year the maximum daily temperature reaches or exceeds 40 °C (104 °F).[26] Even at night the temperatures in summer are rather uncomfortable. In the winter, the days remain mild and sunny, but in the morning the thin air and low cloudiness cause cold temperatures, with 24.3 days per year in which the minimum temperature falls below 0 °C (32 °F).[26]

Dust events are not uncommon in Yazd, as they happen 52 days per year. Thick haze is much more common (135.8 days annually) and is more frequent in winter.[26]

Climate data for Yazd (normals 1991-2020, records 1952-2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 27.0
(80.6) 		29.4
(84.9) 		35.2
(95.4) 		38.0
(100.4) 		41.0
(105.8) 		44.5
(112.1) 		46.1
(115.0) 		45.6
(114.1) 		42.0
(107.6) 		36.4
(97.5) 		30.8
(87.4) 		28.5
(83.3) 		46.1
(115.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 13.3
(55.9) 		16.8
(62.2) 		21.5
(70.7) 		27.4
(81.3) 		32.9
(91.2) 		38.3
(100.9) 		40.1
(104.2) 		38.5
(101.3) 		34.9
(94.8) 		28.4
(83.1) 		20.2
(68.4) 		15.2
(59.4) 		27.3
(81.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 6.6
(43.9) 		9.8
(49.6) 		14.7
(58.5) 		20.6
(69.1) 		26.1
(79.0) 		31.5
(88.7) 		33.5
(92.3) 		31.4
(88.5) 		27.4
(81.3) 		20.8
(69.4) 		12.9
(55.2) 		8.0
(46.4) 		20.3
(68.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.3
(34.3) 		3.9
(39.0) 		8.4
(47.1) 		14.0
(57.2) 		19.2
(66.6) 		23.9
(75.0) 		26.1
(79.0) 		23.6
(74.5) 		19.5
(67.1) 		13.7
(56.7) 		7.0
(44.6) 		2.6
(36.7) 		13.6
(56.5)
Record low °C (°F) −14
(7) 		−10.1
(13.8) 		−7
(19) 		0.0
(32.0) 		2.0
(35.6) 		11.0
(51.8) 		16.0
(60.8) 		12.0
(53.6) 		2.0
(35.6) 		−3
(27) 		−10
(14) 		−16
(3) 		−16
(3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 11.2
(0.44) 		6.2
(0.24) 		10.6
(0.42) 		5.6
(0.22) 		3.6
(0.14) 		0.4
(0.02) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.9
(0.04) 		4.6
(0.18) 		9.1
(0.36) 		52.2
(2.06)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 3.1
(1.2) 		0.2
(0.1) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.1
(0.4) 		4.4
(1.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 2.5 1.3 1.9 1.8 0.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1 1.8 11.5
Average snowy days 2.1 0.5 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.9 3.7
Average relative humidity (%) 50 39 32 28 21 14 14 14 15 24 37 47 28
Average dew point °C (°F) −5.1
(22.8) 		−5.5
(22.1) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		−1.0
(30.2) 		0.1
(32.2) 		−0.8
(30.6) 		0.7
(33.3) 		−0.8
(30.6) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		−2.3
(27.9) 		−3.2
(26.2) 		−4.3
(24.3) 		−2.5
(27.6)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 215 220 246 260 315 353 355 357 320 294 230 216 3,381
Source 1: NOAA NCEI[26] (snowfall and sleet/snow days 1981-2010[27])
Source 2: IRIMO(extremes[28]
Climate data for Yazd (1951-2010, records and temperature normals 1951-2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 27.0
(80.6) 		29.4
(84.9) 		35.2
(95.4) 		38.0
(100.4) 		41.0
(105.8) 		44.1
(111.4) 		45.6
(114.1) 		45.6
(114.1) 		42.0
(107.6) 		36.4
(97.5) 		30.8
(87.4) 		28.5
(83.3) 		45.6
(114.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 12.7
(54.9) 		16.0
(60.8) 		21.0
(69.8) 		26.9
(80.4) 		32.5
(90.5) 		38.1
(100.6) 		39.6
(103.3) 		38.0
(100.4) 		34.5
(94.1) 		27.8
(82.0) 		19.9
(67.8) 		14.5
(58.1) 		26.8
(80.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) 6.4
(43.5) 		9.3
(48.7) 		14.2
(57.6) 		19.9
(67.8) 		25.3
(77.5) 		30.5
(86.9) 		32.3
(90.1) 		30.2
(86.4) 		26.3
(79.3) 		19.9
(67.8) 		12.7
(54.9) 		7.8
(46.0) 		19.6
(67.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) -0
(32) 		2.6
(36.7) 		7.4
(45.3) 		12.9
(55.2) 		18.0
(64.4) 		22.8
(73.0) 		24.9
(76.8) 		22.3
(72.1) 		18.1
(64.6) 		12.0
(53.6) 		5.5
(41.9) 		1.1
(34.0) 		12.3
(54.1)
Record low °C (°F) −14
(7) 		−10.1
(13.8) 		−7
(19) 		0.0
(32.0) 		2.0
(35.6) 		11.0
(51.8) 		16.0
(60.8) 		12.0
(53.6) 		2.0
(35.6) 		−3
(27) 		−10
(14) 		−16
(3) 		−16
(3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 12.2
(0.48) 		7.6
(0.30) 		12.5
(0.49) 		7.3
(0.29) 		3.6
(0.14) 		0.3
(0.01) 		0.2
(0.01) 		0.1
(0.00) 		0.1
(0.00) 		1.2
(0.05) 		4.1
(0.16) 		10.0
(0.39) 		59.2
(2.32)
Average precipitation days 4.8 3.5 4.8 4.3 2.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.8 2.2 3.7 27
Average snowy days 2.1 0.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.8 4
Average relative humidity (%) 54 44 37 32 25 18 17 17 19 27 38 50 32
Mean monthly sunshine hours 194.1 210.3 225.4 246.2 302.7 343.1 347.2 346.1 316.4 286.9 226.2 200.3 3,244.9
Source 1: [2]
Source 2: IRIMO (extremes, sun, humidity, 1952–2010)[29]

Historical sites

Yazd Tower of Silence
Fire Temple of Yazd

Yazd is an important centre of Iranian architecture. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of qanats (underground water supply systems) in the world, and Yazdi qanat makers are considered the most skilled in Iran.

To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent wind towers and large underground areas.

The city is also home to prime examples of yakhchals, which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of adobe.

Yazd's heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. There is a Tower of Silence on the outskirts, and the city has an ateshkadeh which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since 470 AD. Zoroastrians make up a significant minority of the population, around 20,000–40,000 or 5 to 10 percent.

The 11th-century brick mausoleum and shrine Davāzdah Imām is the oldest dated building in the city.[30]

Built in 12th century and still in use, Jame Mosque of Yazd is an example of the finest Persian mosaics and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din is nearby the mosque.

Economy

Always known for the quality of its silk and carpets, Yazd today is one of Iran's industrial centers for textiles. There is also a considerable ceramics and construction materials industry and unique confectionery and jewellery industries. A significant portion of the population is also employed in other industries including agriculture, dairy, metal works, and machine manufacturing. There are a number of companies involved in the growing information technology industry, mainly manufacturing primary materials such as cables and connectors. Currently Yazd is the home of the largest manufacturer of fibre optics in Iran.[citation needed]

Yazd's confectioneries have a tremendous following throughout Iran and have been a source of tourism for the city. Confectioners workshops (khalifehs, or experts) keep their recipes a guarded secret, and there are many that have remained a private family business for many generations. Baklava, ghotab and pashmak are the most popular sweets made in the city.

In 2000 the Yazd Water Museum opened;[31] it features exhibits of water storage vessels and historical technologies related to water.

Yazd has expanded its industrial fields since the 1980s. With at least three main industrial areas each containing over 70 different factories, Yazd has become one of the most technologically advanced cities of Iran.

Transportation

In addition to its connection with major Iranian cities via Iranian Railways,[32] Yazd is served by the Shahid Sadooghi Airport.[33]

Politics

List of mayors of Yazd
  • Eskandar Aslani (circa 1979)[34]
  • Muhammad-Ali Vahdati[chronology citation needed]
  • Ali-Akbar Farshi
  • Muhammad-Hassan Khorshidnam
  • Hosseyn A'laii
  • Muhammad-Mahdi Sherafat
  • Ali-Akbar Aramun
  • Morteza Shayeq
  • Ali-Akbar Mirvakili
  • Mohammad Azim Zadeh (circa 2017)[35]

Famous residents

Mohammad Khatami, former president of Iran; born in Ardakan of Yazd.

Education

University of Yazd

The University of Yazd was established in 1988. It has a college of architecture specializing in traditional Persian art and architecture.[36] Yazd and its nearby towns contain the following institutes of higher education:

  • Yazd Science and Research
  • Yazd University
  • Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services
  • Payam e Nour University of Yazd
  • Yazd Institute of Higher Education (ACECR)
  • Islamic Azad University of Bafq
  • Islamic Azad University of Maybod
  • Islamic Azad University of Yazd
  • Yazd Sampad Information Center
  • Yazd Science and Technology Park
  • Applied Science University of Yazd
  • Imam Java University College
  • Barazande muqadam High School (Tizhushan)
  • Shahid Sadoughi High School (Tizhushan)
  • Shahid Sadoughi Middle School (Tizhushan)
  • Farzanegan Middle School (Tizhushan)
  • Bahadori High School
  • Farzanegan High School (Tizhushan)
  • Iranshahr High School

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Iran

Yazd is twinned with:

See also

Media related to Yazd at Wikimedia Commons

Yazd travel guide from Wikivoyage

Notes

  1. ^ Formerly known as Yezd[4][5]

References

Citations

  1. ^ OpenStreetMap contributors (3 March 2023). "Yazd, Yazd County" (Map). OpenStreetMap (in Persian). Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1395 (2016)". AMAR (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. p. 21. Archived from the original (Excel) on 18 November 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  3. ^ Yazd can be found at GEOnet Names Server, at this link, by opening the Advanced Search box, entering "-3088569" in the "Unique Feature Id" form, and clicking on "Search Database".
  4. ^ EB (1888).
  5. ^ EB (1911).
  6. ^ "Approval of the organization and chain of citizenship of the elements and units of the national divisions of Yazd province centered on Yazd city". Lamtakam (in Persian). Ministry of Interior, Council of Ministers. 21 June 1369. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  7. ^ "Historical City of Yazd Inscribed as World Heritage Site". 9 July 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  8. ^ "Bicycle history in Yazd". 11 February 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  9. ^ JadvalYab.ir. "یزد". JadvalYab.ir. Retrieved 2021-03-06. با ایزد و یزدان همریشه است و معنی آن پاک و مقدس و درخور تحسین و آفریننده ٔ خوبیهاست و نام شهر یزداز آن است.‏
  10. ^ Choksy 2020, p. 222.
  11. ^ Choksy 2020, p. 222–223.
  12. ^ Choksy 2020, p. 223.
  13. ^ Choksy 2020, p. 227.
  14. ^ Choksy 2020, p. 225.
  15. ^ Steingass, Francis Joseph. A Comprehensive Persian-English dictionary, including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in Persian literature. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1892.
  16. ^ Iran: Provinces and Cities population statistics
  17. ^ Ahmadi, Mansur (2022). "سیاست های ایلیاتی پهلوی اول برابر گلباغی ها". The Scientific Journal of Cihan University – Sulaimanyia. 6 (3): 391–404. doi:10.25098/6.3.21.
  18. ^ "کینه رضا شاه از طوایف و عشایر گه‌لواخی/ نه گلباغی ماند اینجا نه همدانی آنجا". 8 May 1402.
  19. ^ Michael M. J. Fischer (2003). University of Wisconsin Press (ed.). Iran: From Religious Dispute to Revolution. p. XV. ISBN 9780299184735.
  20. ^ "همشهری آنلاین: آشنایی با برخی آئین‌‌های عزاداری در استان یزد". Hamshahrionline.ir. 2013-12-04. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  21. ^ "Iran Suspends Zoroastrian Member of Yazd City Council", The Associated Press, The New York Times, 9 October 2017, retrieved 9 October 2017
  22. ^ Ed Eduljee. "Pir-e Seti. Pir-e Naraki. Pilgrimage in Zoroastrianism". Heritageinstitute.com. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  23. ^ "پیرنارکی مهریز در لیست مهمترین جاذبه‌های دینی جهان - سایت خبری یزدفردا". Yazdfarda.com. 2 March 1392. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  24. ^ "Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1385 (2006)". AMAR (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. p. 21. Archived from the original (Excel) on 20 September 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  25. ^ "Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1390 (2011)". Syracuse University (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. p. 21. Archived from the original (Excel) on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  26. ^ a b c d "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Yazd" (CSV). ncei.noaa.gov. NOAA. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  27. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981-2010: Yazd" (XLS). ncei.noaa.gov. NOAA. p. 1. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  28. ^ "Form 6:TEMPERATURE RECORDS LOWEST IN C. Station: Yazd (40821)". Chaharmahalmet. Iran Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ^ "Yazd Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  30. ^ Anisi, Alireza (2009). "The Davāzdah Imām Mausoleum at Yazd: A Re-Examination". Iran. 47: 57–68. doi:10.1080/05786967.2009.11864759. ISSN 0578-6967. JSTOR 25651464. S2CID 193321386.
  31. ^ [1] Archived June 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ "Train Stations in Yazd | railcc". rail.cc. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  33. ^ Tourist, Virtual (2017-02-23). "Yazd Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus, and Airport Tips". SmarterTravel. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  34. ^ "شهرداران يزد پس از انقلاب اسلامي" [Mayors of Yazd since 1979] (in Persian). Municipality of Yazd. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  35. ^ "شهـردار يــزد" [Mayor] (in Persian). Municipality of Yazd. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  36. ^ Admin (2021-11-24). "Yazd University Scholarship 2021 [Updated]". Best Online Portal. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
  37. ^ "Testvérvárosi kapcsolataink". jku.hu (in Hungarian). Berény Café. 2016-08-18. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  38. ^ "დამეგობრებული ქალაქები". poti.gov.ge (in Georgian). Poti. Retrieved 2020-06-18.

Bibliography

See also: Bibliography of the history of Yazd
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