Qom

Fatima È Massummeh Shrine Qom (Persian: قم) is a holy city between Tehran and Isfahan. Qom is 120 kilometre from Tehran.. Understand Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran and the middle East and is entrenched in centuries of history. The famous thing about Qom is the Fatima È Massummeh Shrine which is a highly respected shrine and a very clean place. Non-Muslims are allowed entry to the city , but they are not allowed entry in the holy shrine unless with a Muslim companion or guide. Qom is the main city for religous studies in Iran for long. Hozeye-Elmiye-Qom is the largest Theology school in Iran. Right now many Senior ranking 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 (IATA: IKA, ICAO: OIIE), which is due to replace the older Mehrabad International Airport (IATA: THR, ICAO: OIII). 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 (+98/(0)251/4417151).  edit 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: 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 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 1,000 years past his birth, and although he lives anonymously, occasionally he introduces himself to highly virtuous, trusted followers. The Jamkaran Mosque is believed to be constructed following his advice, given on one of these occasions. Jamkaran Mosque, [1]. The mosque is reserved for Muslims only.  edit Mar'ashi Najafi Library. Library has over 500,000 handwritten texts  edit 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.  edit 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, [2]. 0:20. 1500.  edit Do Religion University Buy Qom has many carpet and sweet shops. Qom is famous for it's "sohan," 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 which are famous worldwide for their unique silk and patterns. Naturally, 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 in good quality of food and environmental conditions are in Mohamad Amin Blv. which is recognisable by its tall compact trees. Ranking from top, you can find Alborz, Madain, Morvarid, Jam, Markazi. You can find Kabab, grilled chicken and fried fish there. Dizi baar (to eat Abgoosht)and lebanese (to eat labanese food)restaurants are in Ghadir Blv. that is along the Amin Blv. 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 (Chai) are available. Sleep 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.  edit 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. The Kawsar had decent rooms, with hot shower. Toilet on the hallway. IR150.000 -100,000. 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. Get out 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. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!