Arrived in Mashhad at around 7am.

Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran with around 3 millions people and is considered one of the holiest place for Shiites. Imam Reza shrine is the resting place for the 8th Imam, Imam Reza. There are around 20 millions people who visit Mashhad for pilgrimage purposes every year.

Took bus 83 to Vali Non-smoking homestay (50,000 Iranian Rials~USD5). The place is hard to find since there wasn’t any sign and a trailer is blocking the entrance.

Walked to the Turkmenistan embassy since it’s not far away.

Like before, the embassy opened late. Then the embassy staffs asked me to come back tomorrow without any reason. Turkmenistan visa is the hardest visa to obtain.

Street in Mashhad

Then walked to Imam Reza Shrine Complex

The big courtyard

Since Non-Muslims weren’t allowed to go into the Shrine, they provided an English speaking guide to escort me around the courtyard. A summary of what I learned from him is, the main difference between Sunnis and Shiites is that Shiites believe in Imam whereas Sunnis do not. After the last prophet died, (Prophet Muhammad) Imam were sent to interpret the Quran. Most Imams were buried in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. If I remembered correctly, 6 were buried in Iraq. The only Imam who is buried in Iran is the 8th Imam. The 11th Imam dissapeared 1100 years ago and Shiites believe that when the 12th Imam, which is the last one appear, all problems in the world will be solved.

Visited the museum (5000 Iranian Rials~USD$.50) in the Holy Shrine so I can get rid of the guide.

Money was donated to the mausoleum

One Response to “Mashhad, Iran”

1. Vi-Zanne says:

   November 19, 2009 at 3:32 am

   Iran is prettier than I expected it to be!