Yazd, Iran

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  06.09.06 | 12:03 PM ET

Coordinates: 31 53 N 54 22 E
Elevation: 4,035 feet (1,230 m)
imageFor a country often referred to religiously in monolithic terms, modern Iran possesses subtle gradations on its map of sacred geography that complicate our understanding of this Islamic Republic. The city of Yazd, located on a plateau between a salt desert to the north and a sand desert in the south, is one such example of this. Just west of Isfahan in the center of the country, Yazd is known for its fine silk and was visited by Marco Polo during his travels across Asia in the 13th century. This ancient city also claims the largest population of Zoroastrians in Iran and is an important site of worship for practitioners of a faith that influenced Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

—.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.

Tags: Middle East, Iran

Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


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