South Khorasan province (Persian: استان خراسان جنوبی) is one of the 31 provinces of Iran, located in the eastern part of the country. Its capital is the city of Birjand. In 2014, the province was placed in Region 5. This province is bordered to the north by Razavi Khorasan province, to the northwest by Semnan province, to the west by Isfahan and Yazd provinces, to the south by Kerman province, and to the southeast by Sistan and Baluchestan province.
South Khorasan's area is 151,913 square kilometers (58,654 square miles), making it the third-largest province in Iran after Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan. According to the 2016 census, South Khorasan's population is 768,898, making it the fourth least populous province in the country. With only about 5 inhabitants per square kilometre or 13 inhabitants per square mile, it is the most sparsely populated province in Iran.
South Khorasan province is split into two distinct regions: the "mountainous and elevated" areas in the north and northwest, and the "low and flat" central and southern plains. The tallest mountains in the province include Kamarak and Shah Kuh. It experiences a "dry and desert" climate, which can be further divided into "hot and dry" and "mild and dry" categories. The northern and northwestern parts are more fertile, while the southern and southwestern plains endure a dry and harsh climate. The rivers in this region are seasonal, with no permanent rivers present.
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History
Greater Khorasan has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and governments in its territory throughout history. Various tribes of the Arabs, Turks, Kurds and Turkmens brought changes to the region time and time again. Ancient geographers of Iran divided Iran ("Iran-Shahr") into eight segments, of which the most flourishing and largest was the territory of Greater Khorasan. Esfarayen, among other cities of the province, was one of the focal points for the residence of the Aryan tribes after entering Iran.
The Parthian empire was based near Merv in Khorasan for many years. At Parthians times, Esfarayen was one of the important villages of Nishapur.
During the Sassanid dynasty, the province was governed by a Spahbod (Lieutenant General) called "Padgoosban" and four margraves, each commander of one of the four parts of the province.
Khorasan was divided into four parts during the Muslim conquest of Persia, each section being named after the four largest cities, Nishapur, Merv, Herat, and Balkh.
In the year 651, the army of Islamic Arabs invaded Khorasan. The territory remained in the hands of the Abbasid clan until 820, followed by the rule of the Iranian Taherid clan in the year 896 and the Samanid dynasty in 900.
Mahmud of Ghazni conquered Khorasan in 994 and in the year 1037 Toghrül, the first of the Seljuq empire rulers conquered Nishapur.
Mahmud of Ghazni retaliated against the invaders several times, and finally the Ghaznavids defeated Sultan Sanjar. But there was more to come, as in 1157 Khorasan was conquered by the Khwarazmids and because of simultaneous attacks by the Mongols, Khorasan was annexed to the territories of the Mongol Ilkhanate.
In the 14th century, a flag of independence was hoisted by the Sarbedaran movement in Sabzevar, and in 1468, Khorasan came into the hands of Tamerlane and the city of Herat was declared as the capital.
Demographics
Population
At the time of the 2006 National Census, the province's population was 600,568 in 159,255 households. The following census in 2011 counted 662,534 people in 183,114 households. The 2016 census measured the population of the province as 768,898 in 223,984 households. It is the least densely populated province.
Administrative divisions
The population history and structural changes of South Khorasan province's administrative divisions over three consecutive censuses are shown in the following table.
Cities
According to the 2016 census, 448,147 people (over 58% of the population of South Khorasan province) live in the following cities:
Most populous cities
The following sorted table lists the most populous cities in South Khorasan province.
South Khorasan today
The major ethnic group in this region are the Persians. South Khorasan is known for its famous rugs as well as its saffron, barberry which is produced in almost all parts of the province.
Historic and natural attractions
South Khorasan has many historic and natural attractions, but besides these, South Khorasan encompasses various religious buildings and places of pilgrimage as well.
The Cultural Heritage of Iran lists 1179 sites of historical and cultural significance in all three provinces of Khorasan.
Some of the popular attractions of South Khorasan are:
Birjand castle
Deragon cave
Furg Citadel
Ferdows Religious School
Ferdows Hole-in-the-Rock
Ferdows Hot Spring
Ghal'eh Paeen-Shahr
Jameh Mosque of Ferdows
Kurit Dam
Kushk Complex
Nehbandan Citadel
Polond Desert
Qanats of Baladeh Ferdows
Higher education
Academy of Amuzesh-e Aly
Academy of Amuzesh-e Modiriat Dolaty
Academy of Tarbiat-e Moalem
Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Birjand University of Technology
Islamic Azad University of Birjand
Islamic Azad University of Ferdows
Payame Noor University
University of Applied Science and Technology (south khorasan branch)
University of Birjand