Birjand - The City of Historical Monuments

The city of Birjand is located east of Iran and south of the Khorasan Province. It is surrounded:

On the south by Nehbandan, on the north by Ghaen, on the east by the country of Afghanistan. On the west by Tabas and Ferdows. The center of this city is 59, 13`east and 32´53´´ north.

According to recent division of the country, the area of Birjand is 31,704 square kilometers and consists of the following major towns: Birjand, Khusof, Sarbisheh, Asadieh, and 4 parts; Markazi and Darmiyan.

In total there are 18 townships and 1197 villages. The altitude of Birjand is 1470 meters above sea level. The distance from Birjand to Mashad, Zahedan and Tehran is respective 486, 457 and 1320 kilometers.

High mountains and vast open plains affect the climate of this area. Nearness to the Central Dessert and open plains gives this area an arid climate with hot summers. On the other hand the east-west Mountains give a reprieve from heat and make the general climate more moderate than adjoining areas. The annual rainfall is about 167 millimeters most of which falls during the winter and spring seasons. In the valleys of the Bagheran Mountains there are many cool and pleasant resorts used during the hot summer months. The lack of permanent rivers, the little rainfall and the climatic conditions have limited the agricultural produce to crops requiring little water such as currents, saffron, jujube, wheat, sugar beets, cotton, sesame, lentils, beans, gulbunza beans, lima beans, grapes, melons, etc.

The remains and historic buildings in this area reflect an ancient and grand culture of the residents. This is one of the areas that have given rise to scholars, mystics and other culturally important persons that standout in the vast and ancient culture of Iran. Their remains can still be noted in this locale.

The name of “Birjand” has ancient roots and is meaning can be traced threw various books.

In some sources it is referred to as “Birkand”. In other sources it is stated that Bijan built this city and left his name on it. Over the ages the repetition of the name “Bijan” has become “BIRJAND”

In ancient Farsi, this name is a compound word consisting of “Bir” meaning typhoon or storm and “Jand” or “Kand” meaning city or dwelling. There are so many ancient remains and interesting sites in this region that a new arrival is unconsciously drawn towards them.

Archeological finds have shown that ancient people have resided here. The name is repeated in ancient myths and legends of Iran. When the name of Qahestan and Birjand is mentioned, the name of Sam Ibne Nariman is recalled. This epic hero was the legendary founder of this site.

There are many famous names found in this locate that are mentioned in the historic legends and epics of Iran such as: Giv, Khol, Chahkand, Nuferrest, Chaj, Esfandiyar, Nokand, etc.

Photo: Mr. M.R. Pahlawan

Photo: N. Mizbani

Text: Salim Salimi

Translator: O. Ghajar

Cutural Heritage Office of Birjand