Mashad

Travel Guide > Middle East > Iran > Mashad

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Introduction

Mashad in Iran is known all over the world to Shii muslims as a place of pilgrimage. As the burial site of the 8th Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (Imam Reza) it is the only one out of 11 burial sites of Shii Imams that is located in Iran and thus accessible to a large number of Shia pilgrims. (Six of the other burial sites are in Iraq and the other 4 in Saudi-Arabia.)

The major tourist attraction of Mashad is the Shrine of said Imam. Unfortunately the inner parts of the shrine are closed to non-muslims. However, even the outside is so magnificent that it is well worth the trip. Plus the Iranian officials will likely let you in anyway if you convince them that 1) inshallah you might become muslim 2) you will behave yourself properly inside.