Capital of the immense Province of Khorasan. Located in an altitude of 985 m above see level, Mashad as the country’s second largest town, has for centuries been an important trade center and junction point on caravan routes and highways from India to Iran. Mashad grew around the legendary martyrdom of Imam Reza, and the city’s history is inextricably linked with that of his Shrine. However, the Shrine of Imam Reza and the surrounding buildings do together compromise one of the marvels of the Islamic world. Perhaps there is no other group of buildings in the world which give such an effect of opulence. A gold dome, two gold minarets, two huge gold ivans, massive silver and gilt doors.