Sarakhs
Sarakhs
Saraxs | |
---|---|
Country | Iran |
Province | Razavi Khorasan |
Population (2006) | |
• Total | 87,442 |
Time zone | UTC+3:30 (IRST) |
Sarakhs (Persian: سرخس) is both a city and also a 8407 km² district of Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Sarakhs town was once a stopping point along the Silk Road, and in its 11th century heyday had many libraries and a famous school of architects. Much of the original city site is now just across the border at Saraghs in Turkmenistan. According to Khorasan Miras, in 2006 the population of the district was 87,442.[1]
History
According to Ferdowsi's Shahnameh the town has existed since the Afrasiab period and was named for its builder, Sarakhs, son of Godarzby Keykavus. Turkmen historians consider the city to have been founded over 2500 years ago[2]. The Mongols plundered and destroyed Sarakhs in 1220, but it was rebuilt in mid 19th century by the order of Nasser-al-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty. For its first fifty years or so, this resurrected city was thus known as known Nasser's Sarakhs (in Persian:Sarakhs-e Nasseri, Saraxse Nāseri) and was a principally feudal town.
Geography
Sarakhs' weather is cold in winter, warm and dry in summer thanks to the influence of the Gharaghoroom Desert.
Landmarks
The main historical site of Sarakhs is the partly restored Loghman Baba mausoleum in a field just north of the town. It was built in 1356AD (757AH).
In Sarakhs district within 80 km of Sarakhs town are:
- Bazangan lake
- Mazdavand cave and reservoir
- Iran–Turkmenistan Friendship Dam
- Ribat Sharaf Caravanserai
- Khatun Bridge (five-arched stone bridge between Iran and Turkmenistan)
Transport
More than a century after the early proposals of a cross-border railway at this location,[3] the railways of Iran and Turkmenistan were finally linked here in 1996. A bogie exchange is needed to overcome a break of gauge. This will be supplemented with a quicker SUW 2000 variable gauge axles track gauge changing facility (TSR).[citation needed]
References
- ^ http://www.amar.org.ir
- ^ Bradt Guide to Turkmenistan, 1st edition, page 131
- ^ "TO INDIA IN ELEVEN DAYS.; RUSSIA'S TRANSCASPIAN RAILWAY AND THE TIME NECESSARY TO COMPLETE IT.", The New York Times, May 3, 1885
36°32′N 61°09′E / 36.533°N 61.150°E