Qom, Iran

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Qom, Iran

Region: Qom

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Geographic Coordinates: 34.640000, 50.876400

Climate: Dry and hot summers, cold winters with occasional snowfall, and moderate spring and fall seasons.

Population: 1201158

Language: Persian

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Qom is a city located in central Iran, About 125 kilometers south of Tehran. It is considered one of the most important religious centers in the country and is known as the second holiest city after Mashhad. With a population of over one million people and an area covering 11, 000 square kilometers, Qom has become a popular destination for travelers. The city’s history dates back to pre-Islamic times when it was called Khum. During Islamic times, Qom became an important center for Shi’a Islam due to its proximity to Najaf in Iraq and its association with Imam Musa al-Kadhim.

Today, Qom attracts millions of pilgrims each year and has many religious seminaries. One of the most significant landmarks in Qom is the Shrine of Fatimah Masumeh which houses Imam Musa al-Kadhim’s sister’s tomb. The shrine is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shi’a Muslims worldwide. Apart from being a religious center, Qom has also been known for producing high-quality textiles since ancient times. The city’s textile industry produces various fabrics such as silk, Velvet, Brocade, And damask that are highly sought after both locally and internationally.

Another attraction in Qom is its stunning natural beauty that includes mountain ranges such as Kuh-e-Siah (Black Mountain) which provides breathtaking views over surrounding valleys. There are also several parks within or near Qom where visitors can relax or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking. food lovers will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds in Qom with local dishes like Gheymeh Nesar (a stew made with lamb meat), Abgoosht (meat broth), Dizi (lamb stew), Among others. The city also has a bustling bazaar where visitors can shop for souvenirs, Spices and other local products.

In conclusion, Qom is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture that attracts millions of visitors each year. Its religious significance, Natural beauty, Textile industry and delicious cuisine make it an excellent destination for travelers seeking an authentic Iranian experience.

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1. Holy Shrine of Fatima Masumeh
2. Jamkaran Mosque
3. Qom Bazaar
4. A’zam Mosque
5. Qom Jameh Mosque
6. The Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini
7. The Mausoleum of Sheikh Abd al-Qadir Jilani
8. Dar al-Hikmah Library and Museum
9. Imam Hassan Askari Mosque
10. Pahlavanpur Garden

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1. The major industries and businesses in Qom, Iran are diverse and include:
1. Religious tourism
2. Agriculture
3. Handicrafts
4. Textile production
5. Construction materials manufacturing
6. Food processing industry
7. Steel production
8. Petrochemicals
2. Qom is a significant religious center for Shia Muslims worldwide with millions of visitors annually.
3. The city’s fertile agricultural land produces various crops such as wheat, barley, rice along with fruits and vegetables.
4. Handicrafts like pottery making or carpet weaving are popular in the region.
5. The booming textile industry of Qom produces fabrics made from silk or cotton.
6. Construction materials such as cement blocks and tiles are also produced locally.
7. Food processing units in the city process dairy products like cheese or yogurt along with canned fruits and vegetables.
8. Steel mills located on the outskirts of Qom produce steel products for local consumption while petrochemical companies have established their plants in the area to take advantage of its strategic location near Tehran with easy access to raw material supply chains from nearby oil refineries.
9. Overall, Qom’s economy is primarily based on religious tourism followed by agriculture while small-scale industries such as handicrafts, textiles, and food processing among others make significant contributions to its GDP.
10. The presence of various industries ranging from construction materials to petrochemical plants reflects the diversification efforts made by local authorities towards promoting economic growth in this region over time.

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1. Qom gained significance as a hub of Shia Islam in the 9th century when Imam Ali al-Hadi, a renowned theologian and scholar, settled there.
2. A major earthquake hit Qom in the 16th century, causing significant damage to its infrastructure and buildings.
3. During Shah Abbas I’s reign (1588-1629), Qom underwent redevelopment and transformed into a prominent city with various religious institutions and schools.
4. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini resided in Qom for several years before being exiled to Paris by the Shah’s regime; he played a crucial role in Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979.
5. Hawza Ilmiyya or Islamic Seminary of Qom is one of Iran’s most distinguished seminaries located in this city.
6. Prominent figures associated with Qom include Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi (a conservative cleric), Grand Ayatollah Hossein Vahid Khorasani (a leading Shia scholar), and Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (former President of Iran).
7. In recent times, protests against government policies such as economic austerity measures and restrictions on freedom of expression have been prominent in Qom.

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1. Shrine of Fatima Masumeh is an important pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims in Iran. The complex includes a mosque and other buildings.
2. Qom Bazaar is a traditional market where visitors can experience local culture and buy souvenirs, spices, handicrafts, and other goods.
3. Jamkaran Mosque is believed to be the site where Imam Mahdi will appear before the end of time according to Shia Islam.
4. Grand Mosque of Qom, also known as Masjid al-Jamia or Atiq Mosque, dates back to the 9th century AD and has undergone many renovations over time.
5. Qom Museum showcases artifacts from ancient Persia as well as contemporary Iranian art and culture.
6. Carpet Museum of Iran-Qom Branch displays some of the finest Persian carpets from different regions in Iran.
7. Abyaneh Village near Qom is known for its red mud-brick houses with wooden balconies and traditional clothing worn by locals.
8. Holy Defense Museum-Qom Branch showcases exhibits related to the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) including weapons used during that period.
9. Soltaniyeh Dome located about 60 km northwest of Qom is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an impressive brick dome dating back to the 14th century AD.
10. Hazrat-e-Masumeh Library-Museum Complex includes a library containing rare manuscripts on Islamic studies along with a museum showcasing historical objects related to Islamic history & culture.

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1. After conducting research, it appears that Qom does not have any notable sports teams with significant histories.
2. The city has a few local football (soccer) clubs and basketball teams that participate in regional competitions.
3. However, these teams do not have any remarkable achievements or accolades at the national level.

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1. Fatima Masumeh Shrine Festival: This festival is held annually in Qom to celebrate the life of Fatima Masumeh, a revered figure in Shia Islam. The festival features religious ceremonies, processions, and cultural events.
2. Qom International Film Festival: This film festival is held annually in Qom and showcases films from Iran and around the world. The festival includes screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers.
3. Nowruz (Iranian New Year): Nowruz is celebrated throughout Iran including Qom to welcome spring with traditional rituals such as setting up Haft-Seen table, visiting family members & friends.
4. Ashura: Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein who was killed during a battle that took place on 10th Muharram some 1400 years ago between his small group of supporters against Yazid’s army in Karbala.
5. Eid al-Ghadir: This Islamic holiday marks the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib as the successor to Prophet Muhammad by him at Ghadir Khumm.
6. Fajr International Music Festival: This music festival features musicians from Iran and around the world performing various genres including classical music, folk music & pop music among others.
7. Persian Carpet Exhibition: Persian carpets are renowned worldwide for their intricate designs and quality craftsmanship; this exhibition showcases some of these beautiful works of art made by local artisans from all over Iran including Qom city itself which has its own style known as Qom silk rugs.

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• Qormeh Sabzi: a traditional Persian stew made with herbs, beans, and meat.
• Mirza Ghasemi: a dish made with grilled eggplants, tomatoes, and garlic.
• Ash Reshteh: a thick soup made with beans, noodles, herbs and served with kashk (a type of whey).
• Abgoosht: a hearty lamb or beef stew served with bread.
• Baghlava: a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and honey syrup.

Some popular restaurants in Qom include:

• Shandiz Restaurant
• Haji Baba Restaurant
• Aria Restaurant
• Shahre Farang Restaurant
• Fardis Fast Food Restaurant

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Parks and Recreation

1. City Park (Park-e Shahrdari)
2. Imam Khomeini Park
3. Fatima Masumeh Shrine Garden (Bagh-e Hazrat-e Masumeh)
4. Qom Salt Cave
5. Abyek Wetland Park
6. Jamkaran Mosque and its surrounding area for picnics and hiking
7. Qom Bazaar for shopping and sightseeing
8. Hiking trails in the nearby mountains such as Mount Khidhr, Mount Siah, and Mount Ghamar Bani Hashem.
9. Cycling along the scenic routes around the city
10. Tennis courts at various sports clubs in the city

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