Qom
Qom (Persian: قم) is a holy city between Tehran and Isfahan. Qom is near Tehran, which the distance is as far as 120 kilometres.
Understand
Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran and the Middle East, and has a very long history. A famous site is the Fatima È Massummeh Shrine, which is a highly respected shrine and a very clean place. people with different nationalities are allowed to enter the shrine, no matter what their religions are or where they come from. Qom has for a long time been the main city for religious studies in Iran. Hozeye-Elmiye-Qom is the largest theology school in Iran. Many senior clerics of Shia Islam live in Qom.
Get in
By air
The nearest and most easily accessible international airport is Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA IATA), which is due to replace the older Mehrabad International Airport (THR IATA).
By train
There are train routes which take you from Tehran and other nearby cities such as Arak, Yazd and Isfahan.
- Qom train station, ☏ +98/(0)251/6617141.
By car
Driving from Tehran might be a reasonable option, however, if you're worried about driving in Iran you can reserve a private bus to take you to Qom. After all, it is much safer to travel by private buses.
Get around
There is a pretty impressive bus and taxi system, which has many bus routes to Tehran and other cities. It is very cheap to travel by local buses in Qom. Private tour buses are generally much more expensive.
See
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The Mahdi Shi'a Muslims believe the Islamic redeemer, known as Imam Mahdi, the twelfth great grand son of Imam Ali, will come to save humanity along with Jesus (also known as Isa) one day. Shia Muslims believe that he is alive by miracle after more than 1000 years past his birth, and although he lives anonymously, occasionally he introduces himself to highly virtuous, trusted followers. The Jamkarân Mosque is believed to be constructed following his advice, given on one of these occasions. |
- Jamkarân Mosque. The mosque is reserved for Muslims only.
- Mar'ashi Najafi Library. Library has over 500,000 handwritten texts
- Shrine of Fatima-al-Massumeh. The Holy Shrine is the burial place of "Fatema È Massumeh". Also buried within the shrine are three daughters of ninth, Twelver Shī‘ah Imām, Muhammad at-Taqī. Women must wear a chador to enter.
- Howzeh lake: Rich in natural spring water which is said to purify the heart.
- Feyze seminary: The place which devout Muslims gather up to meet and hear speeches from the religious leaders.
- Religion University (Qom, Pardisan) (Shahrak Pardisan), ☏ 2802610. 0:20. 1500.
Do
Religion University
Buy
Qom has many carpet and sweet shops. Qom is famous for it's "sohân," a flat sweet biscuit made of pistachios and saffron. "Gaz", a nougat sweet is also available. Qom is also known for the unique and beautiful silk rugs. As one of Islam's holy cities there are numerous religious shops which sell religious books, versions of the Koran and compact discs.
Eat
There are lots of places to eat in Qom which range from old-style Persian restaurants to international restaurants. Persian restaurants offer a more authentic cultural atmosphere than international restaurants. Most of the restaurants with good quality of food and environmental conditions are in Mohamad Amin Blv. which is recognizable by its tall compact trees. Places include Alborz, Madain, Morvârid, Jam and Markazi. You can find kabâb, grilled chicken and fried fish there. Dizi Baar (serving âbgusht) and Lebanese restaurants are located on Al-Qadir Boulevard and Mohamad Amin Boulevard.
Drink
In Qom, there are various cafes and fruit juice shops. Pomegranate juice is popular and is said to heal the sick. In the winter when it snows, hot chocolate and Persian tea (châi) are available.
Sleep
- 1 Qom International Hotel, Helal Ahmar Street (Motahary SQ). Qom International Hotel is a four star hotel and is one of Qom's more well-known hotels. It is situated right next to the shrine complex. It features a decent restaurant inside and a kebab eatery outside its premises. Internet only in the lobby. expect 2.5 million Rials for double occupation. Discounts available outside the main season..
- Kawsar hotel, in the same alley as the Negin hotel is the Kawsar, a two-star which is fine for 1 or 2 nights. Hefty bargaining possible among the neighbouring hotels. Decent rooms, with hot shower. Toilet on the hallway. Cost IR900,000 to IR1,900,000; haggling can get the lower price.
Respect
Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran and the Middle East, and as such be aware that Islamic customs and values are more likely to be important here than elsewhere in Iran. Don't let this worry you at all, just ensure that you are respectful of religious and cultural practices and that you are dressed appropriately and modestly.
Go next
If you feel like visiting another quintessential Persian city, a few hundred kilometres away, you can visit Yazd which is an beautiful ancient city. Isfahan is another option and is a very beautiful city and is considered to be one of the oldest and most historic cities in the world.