Holy Shrine of Imam Reza

As the Sufi and Sunni sects recite the holy scripts of Quran inside the immense prayer hall of Haram-e Razavi, throngs of 20 million pilgrims from all over the Muslim world descend on this large city to pay homage to the grave of the martyred eighth Iman, Imam Reza, beneath the golden dome of the sacred shrine. Tucked between the Kashaf River and the two mountain ranges of Binalood and Hezar-masjed, Mashhad, which literally means "burial spot of the martyr," is an idyllic village and a crossroads for trade caravans headed towards Turkmenistan.

For the Shia Muslims, a pilgrimage to Mashhad is one of the most essential journeys they can make. On the other hand, for the non-Muslims and tourists, a visit to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza as well as the sightseeing in the nearby mountain villages can be a solemn, reverential experience. Goods and religious items such as saffron, Khorrasan crafts prayer mats and beads make for handy souvenirs.

Even from a bird's eye view, the majesty of the shrine with its impressive array of mosques, library, museum and courtyard, seems to dominate the landscape of Mashhad. The tomb of Imam Reza, with its lavish dome flanked by two gleaming gold minarets, will stun every spectator.

A mix of urban and country folks passing by the inner tomb is a common sight. One can't help but to admire the grandeur of the shrine well-supported by the fountains and its intricate tiled walls. The center of the courtyard is sprawls with an intricately designed carpet. The atmosphere of collective goodwill can be felt in this side of the world and even a stern-looking tourist is greeted with great warmth and respect in this heart of an Islamic community.