Happy TravellerWelcome to Torbat-e Heydarieh, the capital of Torbat-e Heydarieh County in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. This city is located in the center of Razavi Khorasan province and is famous for its Zafaran (Saffron) fields. Torbat-e Heydarieh is the world’s largest Saffron (or Zafaran in Persian) producer, hence the nickname ‘Capital of the Red Gold of Iran’ has been given to it. The city’s name means Burial Place of Heydar, named after Qutb ad-Dīn Haydar, a Sufi mystic whose tomb lies in the heart of the city.
In ancient times, this city was known as Zaveh, and in the 19th century, it was known as Torbat-e Ishaq Khan or Torbat-e Isa Khan after Ishaq Khan Qaraei, the powerful chief of the local Qarai Turks who ruled as a semi-autonomous governor of Torbat-e Heydarieh from 1775 to 1816. It derives its present name from the turbet or tomb of a holy man named Kutb ed din Haidar, the founder of the ascetic sect of dervishes known as the Haidaris. He died c. 1230 and is buried in a large domed building a short distance outside the town.
Following the Mongol invasion of Iran, the people of Zaveh (Old Torbat) were the first victims of the Mongol invasion. At the same time, Qutbuddin Haidar, a famous sixth-century mystic who had long resided in the city of Zaveh, died. Torbat-e Heydarieh became a city after the Safavid period. In fact, the city flourished about two hundred years ago, during the reign of Ishaq Khan Qaraei, one of the Khans and political figures of the Qajar era. Ishaq Khan renovated and developed the city, and it created such a massive change in the city that this city has become known as Ishaq Khan Torbat for a long time. Prior to World War II, the British and Russian consulates were located in Torbat-e Heydarieh, in the Bagh-e-Soltani area of the city, indicating the city’s political and economic importance at the time.
The people of Torbat Heydariyeh speak Persian and Khorasani dialect. The dialect of the people of Torbat Heydariyeh is very close to the dialect of other cities of Khorasan, especially the dialect of Mashhad. Books of poems with Torbati accent such as Samandar Khan Salar written by Ali Akbar Abbasi Fahandari and also Torbati shout by Mohammad Ghahraman have been written.
According to the general census of 2016, the population of this city was 140,019 people (in 43,029 households), which in this regard is ranked fourth in the province. The total population of Torbat Heydariyeh is 224,626 people. Until 1372, the city of Torbat Heydariyeh had the second largest population in the province of Greater Khorasan after Mashhad, which was divided into 5 cities, making its population rank reduced.
Torbat Heydariyeh in recent years has become a university hub in Khorasan Razavi, with good higher education facilities. Torbat Heydariyeh Higher Education Centers are: Islamic Azad University Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydariyeh University, and Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences.
Torbat Heydariyeh has two industrial towns, and the most important industrial production units of the city include Torbat Heydariyeh Sugar Factory, Zarmehr Gold, Zarrin Tile, Kaolin Factory, also products such as milk and dairies, flour, cumin and cotton gin, animal feed and silk works are also produced in Torbat.
The climate in Torbat-e Heydarieh is classified as a cold desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the hottest month (July) is around 30°C, while the average temperature in the coldest month (January) is around 2°C.
If you’re planning a trip to Iran, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Torbat-e Heydarieh. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this hidden gem is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
