Qom

Qom is a city in north-central Iran, the capital of Qom Province, located on the Qom River about 125 kilometers south of Tehran. It is one of Iran’s holiest Shia sites and a major center of religious learning, drawing students and pilgrims from across the country and beyond.

The city's religious significance centers on the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh, a major pilgrimage site. The shrine and its surrounding complex have made Qom a focal point of Shia scholarship since the medieval period. The Qom Hawzah, a network of religious seminaries, is among the most influential in Iran, educating many clerics and scholars who participate in domestic religious and political life.

In addition to religious education, Qom hosts universities and vocational institutes, supporting science and engineering alongside humanities. The city’s economy blends religious tourism with traditional craft shops, bookstores, and service sectors. Qom preserves historic mosques, madrasas, and cultural sites that reflect its long-standing role as a spiritual and educational center.

The city is connected by highway and rail links to Tehran and other major cities, supporting both daily commerce and pilgrimage traffic. It remains a focal point of Shia scholarship and Iranian religious culture.