Kerman

Kerman (کرمان) is a city in Iran. It is the center of Kerman province. Located in a large and flat plain, this city is located 1,076 km (669 mi) south of Tehran, capital of Iran.

Kerman city had an estimated population of 533,799 in 2005.

The city's many districts are surrounded by mountains which bring variety to Kerman's year round weather pattern, thus the northern part of the city is located in an arid desert area, while the highland of the southern part of the city enjoys a more moderate climate.

There is ample archeological evidence which indicates that Kerman has had a long past. It was mentioned by the Greeks by the name "Karamani". The city was probably founded by the Sassanid king Ardashir I in the 3rd century, and for this reason it was called "Ardasheer Khoreh". The Muslim Arabs called this place "Bardeseer" or "Bardesheer" and the Iranians used to call it "Guasheer".

Kerman has traditionally been a center for the production of fine Persian rugs.

Politics in Kerman are influenced by the former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and the Vice President Hossein Marashi, both from the nearby Rafsanjan.

Kerman has numerous international attractions for tourists. The archeological ancient city of Jiroft is located south of Kerman.

Kerman also has a small Zoroastrian minority.