North Khorassan a unique tourist resort

The North Khorassan province in Northeastern Iran is among the country's outstanding tourist resorts as it hosts a range of historical sights and natural beauties.
March 21 marks the start of Spring and the turn of the new Iranian year, and to celebrate the occassion we invite you to join us in an electronic tour of Iran with one province covered for you each day.
Today:North Khorassan Province
North Khorassan Province is located in Northeastern Iran.
The province is bordered by Turkmenistan in the North, Razavi Khorassan Province in the east and southeast, Semnan Province in the southwest and Golestan Province in the west.
Bojnord is the centre of the province. Other counties are Shirvan, Esfarayen, Maneh and Samalqan, Jajarm, Faroj and Germeh.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs of North Khorassan
The important and various types of Khorassan handicrafts are: Carpet weaving, Silk production, She'rbafi, Felt carpet, Wool making, sculptured work on stone, Turquoise stone, Ceramic work and Pipe weaving. Other hand made articles are: Kilim, Giveh, Charoq, Wooden and Metal products, Paintings on leather, etc.
Local and Regional Foods of North Khorassan
Various cities and villages of Khorassan province have a variety of local foods such as many types of 'Aash'. 'Ishkkeneh' and other dishes.
Types of Aash: Joosh Pareh, Mahali, lekhshak, Blqur-e-Torsh, Qaliyeh, Balqur-e-sheer, Anar, Omaj, Gooshvareh. borsch, dooqeh and Qeimeh Aash.
Type of Abgoosht: Boz Baash, Kashk, Gandom and Balqoor Abgoosht.
Types of Eshkaneh: Khenjak, Zereshk, Tokhm-e-Morq (Egg), Qorooti, Owjij, Gowjeh (Tomato), Sibzamini (Potato) and Ard-e-Beriyoon Eshkaneh.
Besides these there are other dishes such as Corn Soup, Kabab Narejaki, Qatqab, Polani, Halim, Polow Zireh, Arzeh Polow, Reshteh Farangi Polow, along with different Khoreshts like Kangar, Bamiyeh, Kado Halva and Gojeh farangi Khoreshts.
Local Music and Dances of North Khorassan
The music of Khorassan is one of the oldest Iranian music which is reflected in different songs and melodies of the people of Khorassan. The musical language and dialect of people of Khorassan although having common bases are of different kinds. Out of which mention can be made about the music of Torbat Jaam and Torbat Heydarieh regions (in eastern and southern part of Khorassan), the music of Bojnourd and Qouchan in northern and western regions of Khorassan. The basic musical instruments of Khorassan are "Tar", "Dotar" and "Daff".
Tourist attractions
This province has hundreds of tourist attractions and historical monuments. The followings are just a few of these tourist charms which attract tens of thousands of people from Iran and across the world each year.
Mofakham Mirror House
This building is in the city of Bojnourd, and belonged to Sardar Mofakham, one of the officials in the late Qajar period. As the name indicates, this building boasts of its mirror work and tile design.
Besh Qardash Spring
Besh Qardash spring or in other words 'five brothers' spring is 8 km south of Bojnourd and to the east of the Bojnourd - Esfarayen Road. It is narrated that five brothers have disappeared at this place. The water of this spring is rich in minerals and is good for digestion and metabolism. Gelian Va Estakhri Summer Residing Place
Belqeis Ancient City
This city which is actually the ruins of the old city of Esfarayen, is located 3 km from the present city, and to the right of Sabzevar - Esfarayen Road. The earthenware discovered in this area dates back to the Safavid era, and it is believed that this city had been constructed much before this period.
Hassan Abad Old Castle
This castle is on the fringes of the village of the Hassan Abad, north-east of Esfarayen. It has been erected on a natural mound and is 140 m in length and 70 m wide. A part of the walls still exists and is 4 m high. This castle is a remnant of the onset of Islamic history.
Qeisar Castle
This castle is 3 km from the village of Beed in Esfarayen. Evidence from Zoroastrian era has been found in here galore. The castle dates back to pre-Islamic times.
Qarhsoo River
This river flows in the valley of Esfarayen. It originates from the south of Aladaq Mountains and to the north from Shah Jahan Mountain Ranges. After saturating the Jajrum plain, it flows from north to south and joins the Kalshoor River in the south of Sabzevar. Finally at the end of its course it enters the salt desert which seeps up its flow. This river too has its own special attractions.
Sary Gol Protected Zone
This is located northeast of Esfarayen and covers an area of 28,000 hectares. Trees such as araxes, korku and the wild willow can be seen here besides a number of other species. Wildlife also plays an important part in this vicinity.
Teimoori Tomb
This tomb is located at 6 km from Shirvan city and to the north-east of Imamzadeh Hamzeh Reza. The structure of the tomb relates to the Teimoori period 785 AH. The tomb is constructed in a octagonal style, though internally it is square. This tomb belongs to one of Amir Teimoor's warriors. Inscriptions, tile work and the art of plaster work can also be noted in this structure.
Oqaz Summer Residing Place
It is located 45 km northeast of Shirvan. Natural beauty is seen due to the presence of a river, gardens, small waterfalls and natural springs.
Poostindooz Cave
This cave lies 6 km northeast of Lojali Village on the skirts of the Imam Hezar Mountains. The opening of this cave is dome-shaped, and the cave measures 3 m in height and 4 m in width. Visitors are compelled to visit this cave along with a guide because of its unusual features in structure. The length of the cave is 120 m and a round visit takes 2 hours.
Zavarom Summer Residing Place
Zavarom is located 28 km southwest of Shirvan. This area has springs, waterfalls, in addition to archaic trees such as oriental plane, white poplar, pear, walnut, cherry and almond trees add to the beauty.
Gelian and Estakhri Summer Residing Place
This vicinity engulfs places such as Gelian, Hesar-e-Pahlavanan and Estakhri, situated on the skirts of the Shah Jahan Mountains. The countryside boasts of valleys full of streams, abundance of trees, springs, high waterfalls, and caves. Besides historical remnants such as Moosa Khan Wall and Khodaverdi trench, the tomb of a great mathematician called Baba Tavakol, and the resting place of Amir Shams Alladin Mohammed are also in there. Furthermore, the large number of fish nurseries is another feature of this area. This vicinity is accessible by car.