Astan Quds Razavi's by shervin19

Mashhad - Iran Today the holy shrine and its museum hold one of the most extensive cultural and artistic treasuries of Iran, in particular manuscript books and paintings. Several important theological schools are associated with the shrine of the Eighth Imam. The second largest holy city in the world, Mashhad attracts more than 20 million tourists and pilgrims every year, many of whom come to pay homage to the Imam Reza shrine (the eighth Shi'ite Imam). It has been a magnet for travellers since medieval times.[2] It is said that the rich go to Mecca but the poor journey to Mashhad. Thus, even as those who complete the pilgrimage to Mecca receive the title of Haji, those who make the pilgrimage to Mashhad—and especially to the Imam Reza shrine – are known as Mashtee, a term employed also of its inhabitants. It is thought that over 20 million Muslims a year make the pilgrimage to Mashhad.

Uploaded: Jun, 19 2010 | Taken: Dec, 18 2009| Viewed: 18 times  | 1 vote Camera: Sony Ericsson | Model: W700i | Exposure 1/400s, ISO 100 | SW: R1CA021 prgCXC1250516_CHINA_CR 2.3