Mashhad (literally the place of martyrdom) is the second largest city in Iran and a holy city in the world. It is located 850 kilometers east of Tehran, at the center of the Razavi Khorasan Province close to the borders of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Mashhad has a population of almost 3 million consisting mainly of people of Iranian descent.

Geographically, the city is located in the valley of the Kashaf River near Turkmenistan, between the two mountain ranges of Binalood and Hezar-masjed. The city benefits from the proximity of the mountains, having very cold winters, pleasant springs, mild summers, and beautiful autumns.

One of the largest cities in Iran, Mashhad is an important transportation, commercial, manufacturing, and religious center situated in a productive region. Handwoven carpet is the traditional industry; other products include textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and processed food. The shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), regarded by Shia Muslims as one of Iran's holiest places, attracts more than 20 million tourists and pilgrims every year. Today the holy shrine and its museum hold one of the most extensive cultural and artistic treasuries of Iran, in particular manuscript books, jewelry, and paintings.

Mashhad is a city that abounds with academic institutions; namely, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Payame Noor University of Mashhad, Imam Reza University, Khayyam Institute of Higher Education, Sajjad Institute of Higher Education, and Razavi University of Islamic Studies.

Apart from Imam Reza (PBUH) shrine, there are a number of beautiful large parks, the tombs of historical sites in nearby Tus and Neyshabour, the tomb of Nadir Shah, Kooh Sangi park and Mellat park which have modern attractions for children such as the biggest ferris wheel in Iran, and Koohestan Park-e-Shadi complex that includes a zoo which attracts many visitors to Mashhad.