Neyshabur

Neyshabur, also spelled Nishapur or Neyshabur, is a city in Razavi Khorasan Province in northeastern Iran. It is the capital of Nishapur County and a regional commercial and cultural center with a long history along the Silk Road.

Historically, Neyshabur developed as a major urban hub on the eastern Silk Road, known for crafts, learning, and trade. The city endured substantial destruction during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century and was subsequently rebuilt, continuing to influence Persian culture and scholarship.

The city is associated with notable figures such as Omar Khayyam, the 11th-century polymath and poet, who is widely regarded as a native son of Nishapur, and Farid ud-Din Attar, the Sufi poet sometimes linked with Nishapur. The tomb of Khayyam is a landmark, and the city preserves a memory of its literary heritage. Neyshabur has long been linked with turquoise mining and lapidary crafts, and its surrounding region remains important for agriculture and artisanal trades.

The landmarks include the Omar Khayyam Mausoleum and historic bazaars and mosques. The local economy is based on a mix of agriculture—grain, fruit, and horticulture—along with crafts, trade, and light manufacturing. The city remains a gateway to the historic Nishapur valley, serving as a regional hub in the broader landscape of eastern Iran.