Yazd: a desert city of mud brick and wind

Yazd is a city built of earth. In a hot, dry region, builders used sun-dried bricks, thick walls, shaded alleys and courtyards. The old town, a maze of narrow lanes and domed roofs, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017.

Wind and water

The most distinctive feature is the badgir, a tower rising above the roof that catches breezes and sends air down into the house, often over a pool or a water store. Water came through qanats, underground channels carrying groundwater from the hills. These technologies shaped how houses, gardens and neighbourhoods were designed.

What to see

The old town. Wander the alleys and look at doors, domes and rooftop views. Many old houses have been turned into guesthouses and cafés.

The Jameh Mosque. A congregational mosque with a very high entrance portal and a blue-tiled courtyard.

Amir Chakhmaq complex. A large façade of tiered arches, facing a square, which glows at dusk.

Zoroastrian heritage. Yazd has been an important centre for Iran’s Zoroastrian community. The fire temple holds a flame that its keepers say has been kept burning for generations; visitors may be able to see it from outside the sanctuary according to the rules of the community. Our article on Zoroastrian heritage has the background.

Dowlat Abad Garden. An 18th-century garden with a famously tall windcatcher, part of the UNESCO “Persian Garden” group.

Food

Yazd is known for sweets such as baklava yazdi and qottab, often with saffron, cardamom and rosewater, and for local variants of stews and breads.

Good to know

Summers are very hot, so most visitors come in spring or autumn. Dress and behave respectfully when visiting religious sites, and ask permission before photographing people.

Before you go

Check your own government’s current travel advice for Iran before planning a trip, as it can change quickly and differs between countries.