View source for Yazd

{{Short description|City in Yazd province, Iran}}

{{for multi|the administrative divisions|Yazd province|and|Yazd County|the village in Khuzestan province|Yazd-e Now}}

{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->| official_name                   = Yazd
| native_name                     = {{lang|fa|یزد}}
| settlement_type                 = [[List of cities in Iran by province|City]]
| other_name                      = Kath, Isatis
| image_skyline                   = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/2
|border = infobox
|total_width = 280
|image1 = Iran 1343 Yazd (8665215641).jpg
|caption1 = [[Amir Chakhmaq Complex]]
|image2 = Zoroastrian Fire Temple (8906007289).jpg
|caption2 = [[Fire Temple of Yazd|Zoroastrian Fire Temple]]
|image3 = 2017-04-06 12.44.27 Dolat Abad Garden.jpg
|caption3 = [[Dowlatabad Garden]]
|image4 = Jame mosque in yazd2.jpg
|caption4 = [[Jameh Mosque of Yazd|Jame Mosque]]
|image5 = Yazd-Mohsen salari- 20.jpg
|caption5 = [[Markar Clock Tower]]
|image6 = Moshir Caravansary 03.jpg
|caption6 = {{ill|Moshir Caravansary|fa|کاروانسرای مشیر}}
|image7 = Tomb of Seyed Roknildin -Negin Mohamadi Fard.jpg
|caption7 = [[Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din]]
}}
| image_seal                      =  Yazd government logo.svg
| image_shield                    =
| nickname                        =
| motto                           = <!-- images and maps  ----------->
| image_map                       =
| map_caption                     =
| pushpin_map                     = Iran
| pushpin_label_position          =
| pushpin_map_caption             = <!-- Location ------------------>
| coordinates                     = {{coord|31|52|56|N|54|20|23|E|dim:11km|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates_footnotes   = <ref>{{Cite map |author=((OpenStreetMap contributors)) |url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=31.882222&mlon=54.339722&zoom=12#map=12/31.8822/54.3397|website=[[OpenStreetMap]] |title=Yazd, Yazd County|date=14 November 2024|access-date=14 November 2024|lang=fa}}</ref>
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = [[Iran]]
| subdivision_type1               = [[Provinces of Iran|Province]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[Counties of Iran|County]]
| subdivision_type3               = [[Bakhsh (administrative division)|District]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Yazd province|Yazd]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Yazd County|Yazd]]
| subdivision_name3               = [[Central District (Yazd County)|Central]]
| established_title               = <!-- Settled -->
| established_date                =
| government_footnotes            =
| government_type                 = <!-- Politics ----------------->
| leader_title                    = [[List of mayors of Yazd|Mayor]]
| leader_name                     = Abolghasem Mohiodini Anari
| leader_title1                   = City Council Chairman
| leader_name1                    = Gholam Hossein Dashti
<!-- Area    --------------------->| unit_pref                       = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired-->
| area_footnotes                  =
| area_total_km2                  =
| area_land_km2                   =
| area_water_km2                  =
| area_water_percent              =
| elevation_footnotes             =
| elevation_m                     = 1216
<!-- Population   ----------------------->| population_urban                =
| population_total                = 529673
| population_as_of                = 2016
| population_footnotes            = <ref name="2016 Yazd Province"/>
| population_est                  =
| population_est_as_of            =
| population_blank1_title = Population Rank in Iran
| population_blank1  = [[List of Iran cities by population|15th]]
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_demonym              = Yazdi&nbsp;([[English language|en]])
<!-- General information  --------------->| population_note                 =
| postal_code_type                = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
| postal_code                     =
| area_code                       = 035
| website                         = {{URL|https://yazd.ir/}}
| timezone                        = [[Iran Standard Time|IRST]]
| utc_offset                      = +3:30
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->| blank_name                      = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info                      = [[Desert climate#Hot desert climates|BWh]]
| footnotes                       = {{designation list | embed=yes
  | designation1 = WHS
  | designation1_offname = Historic City of Yazd
  | designation1_date = 2017 <small>(41st [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small>
  | designation1_type =  Cultural
  | designation1_criteria = iii, v
  | designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1544 1544]
  | designation1_free1name = Region
  | designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Asia and Australasia|Asia and the Pacific]]
  }}
| name                            =
}}

'''Yazd''' ({{langx|fa|یزد}}; {{IPA|fa|jæzd||Yazd.ogg}})<ref>{{GEOnet3|-3088569}}</ref>{{efn|Formerly known as '''Yezd'''{{sfnp|''EB''|1888}}{{sfnp|''EB''|1911}}}} is a city in the [[Central District (Yazd County)|Central District]] of [[Yazd County]], [[Yazd province|Yazd]] province, Iran, serving as capital of the province, the county, and the district.<ref name="Yazd Province Structure">{{cite report|title=Approval of the organization and chain of citizenship of the elements and units of the national divisions of Yazd province centered on Yazd city|language=fa|website=lamtakam.com|via=Lam ta Kam|url=https://lamtakam.com/law/council_of_ministers/113035|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218190847/https://lamtakam.com/law/council_of_ministers/113035|publisher=Ministry of the Interior, Defense Political Commission of the Government Council|archive-date=18 December 2023|orig-date=Approved 21 June 1369|date=c. 2023|id=Proposal 3233.1.5.53; Letter 93808-907; Notification 82828/T127K|access-date=18 December 2023}}</ref> At the 2016 census, its population was 529,673.<ref name="2016 Yazd Province"/> Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/historical-city-yazd-inscribed-world-heritage-site/|title=Historical City of Yazd Inscribed as World Heritage Site|date=9 July 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref>

Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd is known for its [[Persian architecture]]. It is nicknamed the "City of [[Windcatcher]]s" ({{lang|fa|شهر بادگیرها}} ''Shahr-e Badgirha'') from its many examples. It is also very well known for its [[Zoroastrian]] [[fire temple]]s, [[ab anbar]]s (cisterns), [[qanat]]s (underground channels), [[yakhchal]]s (coolers), [[Persian handicrafts]], [[Termeh|handwoven cloth]] (''Persian termeh''), [[silk]] weaving, [[Pashmak|Persian cotton candy]], and its time-honored confectioneries. Yazd is also known as City of Bicycles, because of its early adoption of [[cycling]], and its boasting the highest number of bicycles per capita in Iran. It is reported that [[bicycle culture]] in Iran originated in Yazd as a result of contact with European visitors and tourists in the nineteenth century.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ghoolabad.com/index1.asp?id=5| title=Bicycle history in Yazd| date=11 February 2009| access-date=23 November 2018| archive-date=24 October 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024031155/http://ghoolabad.com/index1.asp?id=5| url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
''Yazd'' means "pure" and "holy"; Yazd City means "City of the Holy [One, ''i.&nbsp;e.'', God]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jadvalyab.ir/dehkhoda/یزد|title=یزد|author=JadvalYab.ir|website=JadvalYab.ir|access-date=2021-03-06|quote=با ایزد و یزدان همریشه است و معنی آن پاک و مقدس و درخور تحسین و آفریننده ٔ خوبیهاست و نام شهر یزداز آن است.&rlm;}}</ref> Former names of this city: Kath, Isatis.

== History ==
{{For timeline}}
Archeological evidence 12 kilometers north of Yazd suggests that the area has been populated since the period of the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (550 BC–330 BC).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222}} In his ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'', [[Pliny the Elder]] (died 79 AD) mentions a town in the [[Parthian Empire]] (247 BC–224 AD) named "Issatis", which is seemingly connected to the name of the [[Sagartians|Asagarta/Istachae/Sagartians]].{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=222–223}} As a result, some scholars have suggested that the name of Yazd was derived from Issatis (also transliterated as Isatichae, Ysatis, Yasatis), and that the latter name started to be used in the [[Medes|Median]] or Achaemenid eras.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=223}}

The area encompassing Yazd first started to gain prominence in the [[Late antiquity]], namely under the [[Sasanian Empire]] (224–651). Under [[Yazdegerd I]] ({{reign|399|420}}), a mint was established in Yazd (under the mint abbreviation of "YZ"), which demonstrates its increasing importance.{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=227}} According to the [[New Persian]] chronicle ''Tarikh-i Yazd'' ("History of Yazd") of 1441, Yazd was re-founded by "Yazdegerd, son of Bahram", i.e. [[Yazdegerd II]] ({{reign|438|457}}).{{sfn|Choksy|2020|p=225}} The word ''yazd'' means God.<ref>Steingass, Francis Joseph. [http://dsalsrv02.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/getobject.pl?c.7:1:7557.steingass A Comprehensive Persian-English dictionary, including the Arabic words and phrases to be met with in Persian literature]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1892.</ref> After the [[Muslim conquest of Persia|Muslim conquest]], many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd from neighboring provinces. By paying a levy, Yazd was allowed to remain Zoroastrian even after its conquest, and [[Islam]] only gradually became the dominant religion in the city.

Due to its secluded desert setting and challenging access, Yazd was mostly spared from major conflicts and the devastation and havoc of warfare. For instance, it was a haven for those fleeing from destruction in other parts of the [[Khwarazmian Empire]] during the [[Mongol invasions and conquests|Mongol invasion]]. In 1272 it was visited by [[Marco Polo]], who remarked on the city's fine [[Silk weaving|silk-weaving]] industry. In the book ''[[The Travels of Marco Polo]]'', he described Yazd in the following way:

{{Blockquote|It is a good and noble city, and has a great amount of trade. They weave there quantities of a certain silk tissue known as Yasdi, which merchants carry into many quarters to dispose of. When you leave this city to travel further, you ride for seven days over great plains, finding harbour to receive you at three places only. There are many fine woods producing dates upon the way, such as one can easily ride through; and in them there is great sport to be had in hunting and hawking, there being partridges and quails and abundance of other game, so that the merchants who pass that way have plenty of diversion. There are also wild asses, handsome creatures. At the end of those seven marches over the plain, you come to a fine kingdom which is called [[Kerman]].}}

Yazd briefly served as the capital of the [[Muzaffarids (Iran)|Muzaffarid Dynasty]] in the fourteenth century, and was unsuccessfully besieged in 1350–1351 by the [[Injuids]] under [[Abu Ishaq Inju]]. The [[Jameh Mosque of Yazd|Friday mosque]], arguably the city's greatest architectural landmark, as well as other important buildings, date to this period. During the [[Qajar Iran|Qajar Empire]] (18th century AD) it was ruled by the [[Bakhtiari people|Bakhtiari]] Khans.

Under the rule of the [[Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]] (16th century), some people migrated from Yazd and settled in an area that is today on the Iran-Afghanistan border. The settlement, which was named Yazdi, was located in what is now [[Farah, Afghanistan|Farah City]] in the [[Farah Province|province]] of the same name in [[Afghanistan]]. Even today, people from this area speak with an accent very similar to that of the people of Yazd.

One of the notable things about Yazd is its family-centered culture. According to official statistics from Iran's National Organization for Civil Registration, Yazd is among the three cities with the lowest divorce rates in Iran.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations|percentages = pagr |1986| 230,483|1991|275,298|1996|326,776|2006|432,194|2011|486,152|align=right|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.citypopulation.de/en/iran/cities/ Iran: Provinces and Cities population statistics]</ref>|2016|529,673}}

=== Language and ethnicity ===
The majority of the people of Yazd are [[Persians]]. They speak [[Persian language|Persian]] with a Yazdi accent, which is different from the Persian accent of [[Tehrani accent|Tehran]].

During the Pahlavi era, a large group of Kurds from the Gulbaghi tribe were moved from the north of [[Kurdistan province]] to the city of Yazd and the cities of Isfahan, Kashan, and Nayin. Today, the Gulbaghi tribe are mostly assimilated elements in the population of these cities.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://journal.sulicihan.edu.krd/index.php/sjcus/article/view/153 | doi=10.25098/6.3.21 | date=2022 | journal=The Scientific Journal of Cihan University – Sulaimanyia | volume=6 | issue=3 | title=سیاست های ایلیاتی پهلوی اول برابر گلباغی ها | pages=391–404 | last1=Ahmadi | first1=Mansur | doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://rojanpress.ir/main/1219-%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%81-%D9%88-%D8%B9%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1-%DA%AF%D9%87%E2%80%8C%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AE%DB%8C/-%D9%86%D9%87-%DA%AF%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%BA%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7-%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%87%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7.html | title=کینه رضا شاه از طوایف و عشایر گه‌لواخی/ نه گلباغی ماند اینجا نه همدانی آنجا | date=8 May 1402 }}</ref>

=== Religion ===
The majority of people in Yazd are [[Shia Muslim|Shia Muslims]]. Yazd is a strongly religious, traditionalist and conservative city.<ref>{{Cite book|title=[[Iran: From Religious Dispute to Revolution]]|author=Michael M. J. Fischer|year=2003|editor=University of Wisconsin Press|p=XV|ISBN=9780299184735}}</ref> Several city traditions are the Muslim parades and gatherings, which are mainly processions called [[Azadari]] held to commemorate the events experienced by the main Islamic martyrs and other important figures. These huge public gatherings created a series of spaces which, since most are near important urban monuments, are used at other times as hubs from which visitors can tour the main spots in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/details/192235 |title=همشهری آنلاین: آشنایی با برخی آئین‌‌های عزاداری در استان یزد |publisher=Hamshahrionline.ir |date=2013-12-04 |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>

There is also a sizable population of [[Zoroastrians]] in the city. In 2013, [[Sepanta Niknam]] was elected to the city council of Yazd and became the first Zoroastrian councillor in Iran.<ref>{{citation|title=Iran Suspends Zoroastrian Member of Yazd City Council|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/10/09/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iran-religious-minorities.html|access-date=9 October 2017|date=9 October 2017|work=The Associated Press|publisher=The New York Times}}</ref> The Pir-e-Naraki<ref>{{cite web|author=Ed Eduljee |url=http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/worship/setinaraki.htm |title=Pir-e Seti. Pir-e Naraki. Pilgrimage in Zoroastrianism |publisher=Heritageinstitute.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref> sanctuary is one of the important pilgrimage destinations for Zoroastrians, where an annual congregation is held and frequent visits are made during the year; it is now also a famous tourist spot. The story of the last Persian prince to come to Yazd before the arrival of [[Islam]] adds to its importance. Such a transformation has occurred several times.{{clarify|date=February 2015}}<!--What transformation? This last sentence is not clear.--><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yazdfarda.com/mehrizfarda/news/1392/03/69776.html |title=پیرنارکی مهریز در لیست مهمترین جاذبه‌های دینی جهان - سایت خبری یزدفردا |date=2 March 1392 |publisher=Yazdfarda.com |access-date=2013-12-09}}</ref>

There was once a relatively large Jewish-Yazdi community, however, after the creation of [[Israel]], many have moved there for varying reasons. Former president of Israel [[Moshe Katsav]] is an example. 

===Population===
At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 423,006 in 114,716 households.<ref name="2006 Yazd Province">{{cite report|title=Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1385 (2006): Yazd Province|language=fa|publisher=The Statistical Center of Iran|website=amar.org.ir|url=http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920085705/http://www.amar.org.ir/DesktopModules/FTPManager/upload/upload2360/newjkh/newjkh/21.xls|format=Excel|archive-date=20 September 2011}}</ref> The following census in 2011 counted 486,152 people in 141,572 households.<ref name="2011 Yazd Province">{{cite report|title=Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1390 (2011): Yazd Province|language=fa|publisher=The Statistical Center of Iran|website=irandataportal.syr.edu|via=Iran Data Portal, Syracuse University|url=https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120180437/https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/Yazd.xls|archive-date=20 January 2023|access-date=19 December 2022|format=Excel}}</ref> The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 529,673 people in 158,368 households.<ref name="2016 Yazd Province">{{cite report|title=Census of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1395 (2016): Yazd Province|language=fa|publisher=The Statistical Center of Iran|website=amar.org.ir|url=https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx|access-date=19 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118150108/https://www.amar.org.ir/Portals/0/census/1395/results/abadi/CN95_HouseholdPopulationVillage_21.xlsx|format=Excel|archive-date=18 November 2020}}</ref>

==Geography==
=== Climate ===
Yazd has a [[Desert climate#Hot desert climates|hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). It is the driest major city in Iran, with a yearly precipitation amount that is less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1}}, and has only 11.5 days of precipitation. Summer temperatures are frequently above {{convert|40|C|F}} in blazing sunshine with low humidity, on 35.3 days per year the maximum daily temperature reaches or exceeds {{convert|40|C|F}}.<ref name=NCEI/> Even at night the temperatures in summer are rather uncomfortable. In the winter, the days remain mild and sunny, but in the morning the thin air and low cloudiness cause cold temperatures, with 24.3 days per year in which the minimum temperature falls below {{convert|0|C|F}}.<ref name=NCEI/>

[[Dust]] events are not uncommon in Yazd, as they happen 52 days per year. [[Haze|Thick haze]] is much more common (135.8 days annually) and is more frequent in winter.<ref name =NCEI/>

{{Weather box|width=auto
| location = Yazd (normals 1991-2020, records 1952-present)
| metric first = Y
| single line  = Y
| Jan record high C = 27.0
| Feb record high C = 29.4
| Mar record high C = 35.2
| Apr record high C = 38.0
| May record high C = 41.4
| Jun record high C = 44.5
| Jul record high C = 46.1
| Aug record high C = 45.6
| Sep record high C = 42.0
| Oct record high C = 36.4
| Nov record high C = 32.6
| Dec record high C = 28.5
| Jan high C = 13.3
| Feb high C = 16.8
| Mar high C = 21.5
| Apr high C = 27.4
| May high C = 32.9
| Jun high C = 38.3
| Jul high C = 40.1
| Aug high C = 38.5
| Sep high C = 34.9
| Oct high C = 28.4
| Nov high C = 20.2
| Dec high C = 15.2
| Jan mean C = 6.6
| Feb mean C = 9.8
| Mar mean C = 14.7
| Apr mean C = 20.6
| May mean C = 26.1
| Jun mean C = 31.5
| Jul mean C = 33.5
| Aug mean C = 31.4
| Sep mean C = 27.4
| Oct mean C = 20.8
| Nov mean C = 12.9
| Dec mean C = 8.0
| Jan low C = 1.3
| Feb low C = 3.9
| Mar low C = 8.4
| Apr low C = 14.0
| May low C = 19.2
| Jun low C = 23.9
| Jul low C = 26.1
| Aug low C = 23.6
| Sep low C = 19.5
| Oct low C = 13.7
| Nov low C = 7.0
| Dec low C = 2.6
| Jan record low C = −14.0
| Feb record low C = −10.1
| Mar record low C = −7.0
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 2.0
| Jun record low C = 11.0
| Jul record low C = 16.0
| Aug record low C = 12.0
| Sep record low C = 2.0
| Oct record low C = −3.0
| Nov record low C = −10.0
| Dec record low C = −16.0

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 11.2
| Feb precipitation mm = 6.2
| Mar precipitation mm = 10.6
| Apr precipitation mm = 5.6
| May precipitation mm = 3.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 0.4
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.0
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.0
| Sep precipitation mm = 0.0
| Oct precipitation mm = 0.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 4.6
| Dec precipitation mm = 9.1
| Jan snow cm  = 3.1
| Feb snow cm  = 0.2
| Mar snow cm  = 0.0
| Apr snow cm  = 0.0
| May snow cm  = 0.0
| Jun snow cm  = 0.0
| Jul snow cm  = 0.0
| Aug snow cm  = 0.0
| Sep snow cm  = 0.0
| Oct snow cm  = 0.0
| Nov snow cm  = 0.0
| Dec snow cm  = 1.1
| Jan precipitation days = 2.5
| Feb precipitation days = 1.3
| Mar precipitation days = 1.9
| Apr precipitation days = 1.8
| May precipitation days = 0.9
| Jun precipitation days = 0.1
| Jul precipitation days = 0.0
| Aug precipitation days = 0.0
| Sep precipitation days = 0.0
| Oct precipitation days = 0.2
| Nov precipitation days = 1
| Dec precipitation days = 1.8
| Jan snow days  =2.1
| Feb snow days  =0.5
| Mar snow days  =0.2
| Apr snow days  =0
| May snow days  =0
| Jun snow days  =0
| Jul snow days  =0
| Aug snow days  =0
| Sep snow days  =0
| Oct snow days  =0
| Nov snow days  =0
| Dec snow days  =0.9
| year snow days =
| Jan humidity = 50
| Feb humidity = 39
| Mar humidity = 32
| Apr humidity = 28
| May humidity = 21
| Jun humidity = 14
| Jul humidity = 14
| Aug humidity = 14
| Sep humidity = 15
| Oct humidity = 24
| Nov humidity = 37
| Dec humidity = 47
| Jan dew point C =-5.1
| Feb dew point C =-5.5
| Mar dew point C =-4.6
| Apr dew point C =-1.0
| May dew point C =0.1
| Jun dew point C =-0.8
| Jul dew point C =0.7
| Aug dew point C =-0.8
| Sep dew point C =-2.8
| Oct dew point C =-2.3
| Nov dew point C =-3.2
| Dec dew point C =-4.3


| Jan sun = 215
| Feb sun = 220
| Mar sun = 246
| Apr sun = 260
| May sun = 315
| Jun sun = 353
| Jul sun = 355
| Aug sun = 357
| Sep sun = 320
| Oct sun = 294
| Nov sun = 230
| Dec sun = 216
|source 1=[[NCEI|NOAA NCEI]]<ref name=NCEI>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Iran/CSV/Yazd_40821.csv |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020: Yazd |access-date=31 January 2024|website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |format=CSV}}</ref> (snowfall and sleet/snow days 1981-2010<ref name=Clino81>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Iran/WMO_Normals_Excel_IRAN_060719.xls |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1981-2010: Yazd |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |format=XLS |page=1 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120051914/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-II/Iran/WMO_Normals_Excel_IRAN_060719.xls |url-status=dead }}</ref>)
|source 2=IRIMO(extremes<ref name=record>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/6.asp TEMPERATURE RECORDS LOWEST IN C. |title=Form 6:TEMPERATURE RECORDS LOWEST IN C. Station: Yazd (40821) |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Chaharmahalmet |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321112507/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/6.asp |archive-date=21 March 2016 |publisher=Iran Meteorological Organization}}
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/7.asp |title=Form 7: TEMPERATURE RECORDS HIGHEST IN C. Station: Yazd(40821) |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Chaharmahalmet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819065434/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/yaz/YAZD/7.asp |archive-date=19 August 2014 |url-status=unfit |publisher=IRIMO}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?ind=40821&ano=2025&mes=5&day=23&hora=9&min=0&ndays=30 |title=40821: Yazd (Iran) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 May 2025 |website=ogimet.com |publisher=OGIMET |access-date=21 August 2025 }}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box|width=auto |collapsed = yes
| location = Yazd (1951-2010, records and temperature normals 1951-2020)
| metric first = Y
| single line  = Y
| Jan record high C = 27.0
| Feb record high C = 29.4
| Mar record high C = 35.2
| Apr record high C = 38.0
| May record high C = 41.0
| Jun record high C = 44.1
| Jul record high C = 45.6
| Aug record high C = 45.6
| Sep record high C = 42.0
| Oct record high C = 36.4
| Nov record high C = 30.8
| Dec record high C = 28.5
| Jan high C = 12.7
| Feb high C = 16.0
| Mar high C = 21.0
| Apr high C = 26.9
| May high C = 32.5
| Jun high C = 38.1
| Jul high C = 39.6
| Aug high C = 38.0
| Sep high C = 34.5
| Oct high C = 27.8
| Nov high C = 19.9
| Dec high C = 14.5
| Jan mean C = 6.4
| Feb mean C = 9.3
| Mar mean C = 14.2
| Apr mean C = 19.9
| May mean C = 25.3
| Jun mean C = 30.5
| Jul mean C = 32.3
| Aug mean C = 30.2
| Sep mean C = 26.3
| Oct mean C = 19.9
| Nov mean C = 12.7
| Dec mean C = 7.8
| Jan low C = −0.0
| Feb low C = 2.6
| Mar low C = 7.4
| Apr low C = 12.9
| May low C = 18.0
| Jun low C = 22.8
| Jul low C = 24.9
| Aug low C = 22.3
| Sep low C = 18.1
| Oct low C = 12.0
| Nov low C = 5.5
| Dec low C = 1.1
| Jan record low C = −14.0
| Feb record low C = −10.1
| Mar record low C = −7.0
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 2.0
| Jun record low C = 11.0
| Jul record low C = 16.0
| Aug record low C = 12.0
| Sep record low C = 2.0
| Oct record low C = −3.0
| Nov record low C = −10.0
| Dec record low C = −16.0
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 12.2
| Feb precipitation mm = 7.6
| Mar precipitation mm = 12.5
| Apr precipitation mm = 7.3
| May precipitation mm = 3.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 0.3
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.2
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.1
| Sep precipitation mm = 0.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 1.2
| Nov precipitation mm = 4.1
| Dec precipitation mm = 10.0
| Jan precipitation days = 4.8
| Feb precipitation days = 3.5
| Mar precipitation days = 4.8
| Apr precipitation days = 4.3
| May precipitation days = 2.2
| Jun precipitation days = 0.3
| Jul precipitation days = 0.2
| Aug precipitation days = 0.1
| Sep precipitation days = 0.1
| Oct precipitation days = 0.8
| Nov precipitation days = 2.2
| Dec precipitation days = 3.7
| Jan snow days = 2.1
| Feb snow days = 0.8
| Mar snow days = 0.2
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.1
| Dec snow days = 0.8
| Jan humidity = 54
| Feb humidity = 44
| Mar humidity = 37
| Apr humidity = 32
| May humidity = 25
| Jun humidity = 18
| Jul humidity = 17
| Aug humidity = 17
| Sep humidity = 19
| Oct humidity = 27
| Nov humidity = 38
| Dec humidity = 50
| Jan sun = 194.1
| Feb sun = 210.3
| Mar sun = 225.4
| Apr sun = 246.2
| May sun = 302.7
| Jun sun = 343.1
| Jul sun = 347.2
| Aug sun = 346.1
| Sep sun = 316.4
| Oct sun = 286.9
| Nov sun = 226.2
| Dec sun = 200.3
| source 1 = [https://irimo.ir]
| source 2 = IRIMO (extremes, sun, humidity, 1952–2010)<ref name= NOAA>{{Cite FTP |url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/IR/40821.TXT
  |server = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
  |title = Yazd Climate Normals 1961–1990
  |access-date = December 29, 2012}}</ref>
}}

== Historical sites==
[[File:Early morning view of Yazd. many wind catchers and domes are visible.jpg|thumb|Wind towers and domes form part of the skyline of Yazd]]
Yazd is an important centre of [[Persian architecture|Iranian architecture]]. Because of its climate, it has one of the largest networks of ''[[qanat]]s'' (underground water supply systems) in the world, and Yazdi ''qanat'' makers are considered the most skilled in Iran.

To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings in Yazd have magnificent [[windcatcher|wind tower]]s and large underground areas.
[[File:Tower of Silence, Yazd 11.jpg|thumb|left|[[Yazd Tower of Silence]]]]
The city is also home to prime examples of ''[[yakhchal]]s'', which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains. Yazd is also one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of [[adobe]].

Yazd's heritage as a center of Zoroastrianism is also important. There is a [[Tower of Silence]] on the outskirts, and the city has an ''[[Fire temple|ateshkadeh]]'' which holds a fire that has been kept alight continuously since 470 AD. Zoroastrians make up a small minority of the population of Yazd, around 1,000 out of 600,000.
[[File:آتشکده یزد 2.jpg|thumb|[[Fire Temple of Yazd]]]]
The 11th-century brick mausoleum and shrine [[Davāzdah Imām]] is the oldest dated building in the city.<ref name="Anisi">{{Cite journal|last=Anisi|first=Alireza|title=The Davāzdah Imām Mausoleum at Yazd: A Re-Examination|date=2009|journal=Iran|volume=47|pages=57–68|doi=10.1080/05786967.2009.11864759|jstor=25651464|s2cid=193321386|issn=0578-6967}}</ref>

Built in 12th century and still in use, [[Jame Mosque of Yazd]] is an example of the finest Persian [[mosaic]]s and excellent architecture. Its minarets are the highest in the country. [[Tomb of Sayyed Rukn ad-Din]] is nearby the mosque.

== Economy ==
Always known for the quality of its silk and carpets, Yazd today is one of Iran's industrial centers for textiles. There is also a considerable ceramics and construction materials industry and unique confectionery and jewellery industries. A significant portion of the population is also employed in other industries including agriculture, dairy, metal works, and machine manufacturing. There are a number of companies involved in the growing information technology industry, mainly manufacturing primary materials such as cables and connectors. Currently Yazd is the home of the largest manufacturer of fibre optics in Iran.{{citation needed| date=August 2018}}

Yazd's confectioneries have a tremendous following throughout Iran and have been a source of tourism for the city. Confectioners workshops (''khalifehs'', or experts) keep their recipes a guarded secret, and there are many that have remained a private family business for many generations. [[Baklava]], [[ghotab]] and [[pashmak]] are the most popular sweets made in the city.

In 2000 the Yazd Water Museum opened;<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070626164909/http://www.qanat.info/en/museam.php]}}</ref> it features exhibits of water storage vessels and historical technologies related to water.

Yazd has expanded its industrial fields since the 1980s. With at least three main industrial areas each containing over 70 different factories, Yazd has become one of the most technologically advanced cities of Iran.

== Transportation ==
In addition to its connection with major Iranian cities via [[Islamic Republic of Iran Railways|Iranian Railways]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train Stations in Yazd {{!}} railcc |url=https://rail.cc/yazd/station/c |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=rail.cc}}</ref> Yazd is served by the [[Shahid Sadooghi Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tourist |first=Virtual |date=2017-02-23 |title=Yazd Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus, and Airport Tips |url=https://www.smartertravel.com/yazd-transportation-taxi-train-bus-airport-tips/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=SmarterTravel |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Politics==
{{hidden begin
|title = List of mayors of Yazd
|titlestyle = background:#F8F8FF;width:90%
}}
* Eskandar Aslani (circa 1979)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://yazd.ir/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84%DB%8C |language= fa |title= شهرداران يزد پس از انقلاب اسلامي |trans-title= Mayors of Yazd since 1979 |publisher= Municipality of Yazd |access-date= 18 February 2017 |archive-date= 14 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170314081201/http://yazd.ir/%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84%DB%8C |url-status= dead }}</ref>
* Muhammad-Ali Vahdati{{Chronology citation needed|date=February 2017}}
* Ali-Akbar Farshi
* Muhammad-Hassan Khorshidnam
* Hosseyn A'laii
* Muhammad-Mahdi Sherafat
* Ali-Akbar Aramun
* Morteza Shayeq
* Ali-Akbar Mirvakili
* Mohammad Azim Zadeh (circa 2017)<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url= http://yazd.ir/شهردار-یزد|language=fa |title=  شهـردار يــزد |trans-title= Mayor |publisher=Municipality of Yazd |access-date= 18 February 2017 }}</ref>
{{hidden end}}

== Famous residents ==
[[File:Mohammad Khatami - December 11, 2007.jpg|thumb|[[Mohammad Khatami]], former president of Iran; born in [[Ardakan]] of Yazd.]]
* [[Mohammad Khatami]], former president of Iran; born in [[Ardakan]]
* [[Mohammad Ali Jafari]], the commander of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution of Iran
* [[Mohammad Reza Aref]], Vice President of Iran from 2001 to 2005
* [[Mirza Mohammad Farrokhi Yazdi]], poet and politician
* [[Vahshi Bafghi]], poet
* [[Habibollah Bitaraf]], former Minister of Energy
* [[Moshe Katsav]], former President of Israel
* [[Mohammad-Ali Eslami Nodooshan]], Iranian author
* [[Mehdi Azar Yazdi]], author of children's stories
* [[Reza Amrollahi]], Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran 1981–1997
* [[Iraj Afshar]], bibliographer, historian, and an iconic figure in the field of Persian studies
* [[Ahmad Fardid]], prominent Iranian philosopher and an inspiring and dedicated professor
* [[Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi]], 15th-century Persian historian.
* [[Zia'eddin Tabatabaee]], Iranian politician and the Prime Minister of Iran
* [[Reza Ardakanian]], Iranian professor, politician and the former Minister of Energy of Iran
* [[Sems Kesmai]], poet

== Education ==
[[File:Yazd University.jpg|thumb|[[University of Yazd]]]]
The University of Yazd was established in 1988. It has a college of architecture specializing in [[Traditional Persian residential architecture|traditional Persian]] art and architecture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2021-11-24 |title=Yazd University Scholarship 2021 [Updated] |url=https://ghanadmission.com/yazd-university-scholarship-updated/ |access-date=2023-01-16 |website=Best Online Portal |language=en-us}}</ref> Yazd and its nearby towns contain the following institutes of higher education:
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* Yazd Science and Research
* Yazd University
* Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services
* Payam e Nour University of Yazd
* Yazd Institute of Higher Education (ACECR)
* Islamic Azad University of Bafq
* Islamic Azad University of Maybod
* Islamic Azad University of Yazd
* Yazd Sampad Information Center
* Yazd Science and Technology Park
* Applied Science University of Yazd
* Imam Java University College
* Barazande muqadam High School ([[SAMPAD|Tizhushan]])
* Shahid Sadoughi High School (Tizhushan)
* Shahid Sadoughi Middle School (Tizhushan)
* Farzanegan Middle School (Tizhushan)
* Bahadori High School
* Farzanegan High School (Tizhushan)
* [[Iranshahr High School]]
}}

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Iran}}
Yazd is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
*{{flagicon|CUB}} [[Holguín]], Cuba
*{{flagicon|SYR}} [[Homs]], Syria
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Jászberény]], Hungary<ref>{{cite web|title=Testvérvárosi kapcsolataink|url=http://jku.hu/2016/08/18/testvervarosi-kapcsolataink/|website=jku.hu|publisher=Berény Café|language=hu|date=2016-08-18|access-date=2020-06-18|archive-date=2020-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619023915/http://jku.hu/2016/08/18/testvervarosi-kapcsolataink/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|GEO}} [[Poti]], Georgia<ref>{{cite web|title=დამეგობრებული ქალაქები|url=http://poti.gov.ge/%e1%83%93%e1%83%90%e1%83%9b%e1%83%94%e1%83%92%e1%83%9d%e1%83%91%e1%83%a0%e1%83%94%e1%83%91%e1%83%a3%e1%83%9a%e1%83%98-%e1%83%a5%e1%83%90%e1%83%9a%e1%83%90%e1%83%a5%e1%83%94%e1%83%91%e1%83%98/|website=poti.gov.ge|publisher=Poti|language=ka|access-date=2020-06-18|archive-date=2020-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618143638/http://poti.gov.ge/%E1%83%93%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%94%E1%83%92%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A5%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%A5%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Yazd entrance.JPG|Yazd Entrance
File:Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Yazd.jpg|[[Amir Chakhmaq Complex]]
File:Mezquita del Viernes, Yazd, Irán, 2016-09-21, DD 11.jpg|Jameh Mosque
File:Dolat Abad Garden - Pavilion 01.jpg|[[Dowlatabad Garden]] pavilion with wind tower
File:Zurkhaneh, Yazd 01.jpg|A [[Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals|Zurkhaneh]] in Yazd
File:Casa Lari, Yazd, Irán, 2016-09-21, DD 19.jpg|Lari House in Yazd
File:971117-DadHotel-Yazd-Pan02.jpg|alt=Dad Hotel|Dad Hotel, Yazd, Iran
File:باغ خوشنویس.jpg|Khoshnevis Garden
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Commons-inline|یزد|Yazd}}

{{Wikivoyage-inline|Yazd}}

{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{See also|Timeline of Yazd#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Yazd}}
* {{citation |contribution=[[s:Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition/Yazd|Yazd]] |title=''Encyclopædia Britannica'', 9th ed., Vol.&nbsp;XXIV |editor-last=Baynes |editor-first=Thomas Spencer |editor2=William Robertson Smith |display-editors=0 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |location=New York |date=1888 |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1888}} |page=733 }}.
* {{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Yezd (city) |display=Yezd |volume=28 |page=919 |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1911}} }}
* {{cite book |last=Choksy |first=Jamsheed K. |title=Cities of Medieval Iran |publisher=Brill|year=2020 |isbn=978-90-04-43433-2|editor-last1=Durand-Guédy|editor-first1=David|editor-last2=Mottahedeh|editor-first2=Roy|editor-last3=Paul|editor-first3=Jürgen|pages=217–252|chapter=Yazd: a “Good and Noble City” and an “Abode of Worship”|url=https://brill.com/view/title/56495}}

== External links ==
* [http://iranian.com/posts/rare-photos-of-arak-yazd-kashan-35821 Rare Photos of Arak, Yazd, Kashan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420201115/http://iranian.com/posts/rare-photos-of-arak-yazd-kashan-35821 |date=2015-04-20 }} [[Iranian.com]]
* [http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/102911 Phototour of the desert city (Yazd)]

{{Authority control}}

{{Yazd Province|state=collapsed}}
{{Yazd County|state=collapsed}}
{{Provincial capitals of Iran}}
{{Iranian Architecture}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Iran}}
{{Zoroastrianism}}

[[Category:Yazd| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Yazd County]]
[[Category:Cities in Yazd province]]
[[Category:Iranian provincial capitals]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Iran]]