Qom

Qom province is located in the central part of Iran. Due to uneven land and different altitudes varying from 600 meters to 3330 meters. It is hot and dry in plains and cold in mountainous areas. The important attractions of this province are the Salt Lake, Hoz-e Soltān Lake, South Desert, Salt Hills, Mountains and Beautiful Gardens of the west and south west. The people of this province speak Persian. In the past, people were mostly involved in husbandry and handicraft activities, since the land of this province is barren with tough, hot, long summers. Carpet weaving, carpentry and inlay works are among the common handicraft activities. Nowadays, Qom is a religious city whose economy is based on religious tourism. Archeologists believe that civilization of this region dates back to the new Stone Age and many objects found in the Qomrūd area confirm and prove it.The plains and the hills to the south west have been among the most important places where Aryan tribes lived. Castles, residential areas and graveyards of the Aryan tribes have been found in the province. The fact that many ancient temples, towers, castles, bridges and caravanserais have been discovered in the area indicates that Qom was an important part of Iran, especially during the Sassanid dynasty (224-651). After Iranians adopted Islam, Qom flourished into an important city.  One of the great grandchildren of Prophet Mohammad living in 8th century, Hazrat-e Ma'sūmeh (SA) is buried there. Therefore, little by little, Qom’s role changed into the spiritual capital of Iran.