Khorasan

Khorasan (or Khorassan) (خراسان in Persian) is an old Persian province, located in the Northeastern part of nowadays Iran and its name means "where the sun rises". The ancient Khorasan included parts which are today in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Four of the main historical cities of Persia are located in Khorasan: Nishapur, Merv, Herat and Balkh. In its long history, Khorasan knew many conquerors and empires: Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Seldjuk Turks, Safavid Turks, etc.

Mashhad is the capital of Khorasan province. Khorasan is also known for its famous rugs.