Qom is the capital of Qom Province. It is located 140 km (87 mi) to the south of Tehran. At the 2016 census, its population was 1,201,158. Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran and the Middle East, and has a very long history. A famous site is the “Fatima Massummeh” Shrine, the sister of Imam “Ali ibn Musa Rida” in Mashhad. 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 has for a long time been the main city for religious studies in Iran. This city is one of the largest centers for Shi’a scholarship in the world. Hozeye-Elmiye-Qom is the largest theology school in Iran. Many senior clerics of Shia Islam live in Qom.

Qom is a significant destination of pilgrimage, with around twenty million pilgrims visiting the city every year, the majority being Iranians and also other Shi’a Muslims from all around the world. Qom is also famous for a Persian brittle toffee known as sohan , considered a souvenir of the city and sold by 2,000 to 2,500 “sohan” shops.

Also there is a historical Timche in the old bazaar of Qom which is located in the old texture of Qom City. This historical Timche is a large arcade which belongs to Qajar period located in the bazzar. It was registered in the list of Iran’s National Heritage August 2, 1997 under the registration number of 1902. This arcade is considered as the largest Zarbi Arch in Iran. This monument was designed and built by Master Hasan Qomi, also known as Memarbashi, in 1882 AD.  

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