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City in Razavi Khorasan, Iran
| Radkan Persian: رادكان | |
|---|---|
| City | |
  Radkan | |
| Coordinates: 36°47′58″N 59°00′44″E / 36.79944°N 59.01222°E / 36.79944; 59.01222 | |
| Country | Iran |
| Province | Razavi Khorasan |
| County | Chenaran |
| District | Radkan |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,609 |
| Time zone | UTC+3:30 (IRST) |
Radkan (Persian: رادكان) is a city in, and the capital of, Radkan District of Chenaran County, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. As a village it was the capital of Radkan Rural District until its capital was transferred to the village of Marichgan.
Radkan is known for its well-preserved traditional mud-brick houses and historical monuments, including a castle and caravanserai. The city is surrounded by mountains and is a destination for nature-lovers, hikers and photographers. Additionally, the city is known for its natural hot springs and mineral water.
History
Early history
The city was once an important center of trade and commerce along the ancient Silk Road. It was a key stopover point for merchants and travelers making their way across the region and was known for its thriving marketplaces and caravanserais. During the Sassanian era, the city was the site of several battles between the local population and invading forces. In more recent times, the city has been a center of resistance against colonial powers and has been the site of several important uprisings and revolts.
Demographics
Ethnicity
The local population is primarily made up of ethnic Persians, and the majority of the population is Muslim.
Population
The city has a relatively low population density and is not as urbanized as some of the larger cities in the region.
At the time of the 2006 National Census, Radkan's population was 2,268 in 624 households, when it was a village in Radkan Rural District of the Central District. The following census in 2011 counted 3,734 people in 1,004 households. The 2016 census measured the population as 2,609 people in 784 households.
In 2019, the rural district was separated from the district in the formation of Radkan District, and Radkan was elevated to the status of a city.
Geography
The city is surrounded by several mountain ranges. The mountains are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Wildlife
The surrounding mountains and valleys are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain goats, deer, and a variety of bird species.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with a focus on crops such as wheat, barley, and fruit. There are also a number of small businesses and workshops in the city that specialize in traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and ceramics.
Archaeology
In addition to Radkan Tower and the Caravanserai, there are several other archaeological sites in the area that are of interest to historians and archaeologists. These include ancient ruins, historical cemeteries, and abandoned villages.
Culture
Handicrafts and textiles
Radkan is known for its traditional handicrafts and textiles, including hand-woven carpets, pottery, and ceramics. The city has a long history of cultural and artistic expression. It is known for its traditional crafts, including weaving, pottery, and ceramics, and has been home to many famous poets, musicians, and artists over the centuries.
Cuisine
The city is known for its traditional cuisine, which is characterized by simple, hearty dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Historical monuments
Radkan Tower
The tower is a cylindrical structure made of mud bricks and is considered one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in the city. It is believed to have been built during the Sassanian era (224-651 AD) and served as a fire temple, a religious shrine and a military fortress. The tower is now a protected national monument and attracts many tourists and history enthusiasts who come to admire its unique architectural style and rich history. The tower is a symbol of the city's cultural heritage and continues to be an important part of the local community's cultural identity.
The tower is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, making it one of the oldest structures in the region. The tower is built in a traditional Persian style, with a cylindrical shape, several levels, and intricate decorative elements. The tower is considered to be a masterpiece of Persian architecture.
The tower was originally built as a defensive structure and was used as a watchtower to keep an eye out for invading forces. The tower was also used as a place of refuge for local residents during times of conflict and unrest.
Over the centuries, the tower has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its structural integrity and preserve its historical significance. From the top of the tower are views of the surrounding landscape and city.
Other places of historical interest
A historic inn used by travelers and merchants along the ancient Silk Road. The caravanserai has been well-preserved and has now been converted into a museum, showcasing the city's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Medieval Radkan Castle was built on top of a hill overlooking the city. It offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
The Tomb of Khajeh and Jameh Mosque of Radkan are two other historic monuments in the city.
See also
Notes
- Also romanized as Rādekān and Rādkān; also known as Rādkāh
References
- OpenStreetMap contributors (29 October 2024). "Radkan, Chenaran County" (Map). OpenStreetMap (in Persian). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1395 (2016): Razavi Khorasan Province. amar.org.ir (Report) (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. Archived from the original (Excel) on 2 April 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
- Radkan can be found at GEOnet Names Server, at this link, by opening the Advanced Search box, entering "-3080571" in the "Unique Feature Id" form, and clicking on "Search Database".
- ^ Jahangiri, Ishaq (c. 2023) . Changes in national divisions in the case of Chenaran County, Razavi Khorasan province. qavanin.ir (Report) (in Persian). Ministry of the Interior, Council of Ministers. Proposal 68717. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023 – via Laws and Regulations Portal of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Mousavi, Mirhossein (1 January 2014) . Creation and formation of 30 rural districts including villages, farms and places in Mashhad County under Khorasan province. rc.majlis.ir (Report) (in Persian). Ministry of the Interior, Council of Ministers. Proposal 17020; Notification 90770. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2023 – via Islamic Parliament Research Center.
- Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1385 (2006): Razavi Khorasan Province. amar.org.ir (Report) (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. Archived from the original (Excel) on 20 September 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1390 (2011): Razavi Khorasan Province. irandataportal.syr.edu (Report) (in Persian). The Statistical Center of Iran. Archived from the original (Excel) on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2022 – via Iran Data Portal, Syracuse University.
- "A report about a museum city 75 km from Mashhad: Radkan, a combination of historical works and eye-catching nature". khorasanrazavi.khorasannews.com (in Persian). c. 2022. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
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