Religious tourism is regarded as one of the largest branches of
tourism all over the world aiming at experiencing a spiritual journey.
Its history goes back to ancient times. pilgrimage is a main
subcategory of religious tourism undertaken for a spiritual purpose.
Religious attractions in Iran fall into the following categories:
A. Islam
1. Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Hazrat Masumeh Holy Shrine, Shah
Cheragh Shrine (the tomb of Hazrat Ahmad-ibn-Musa-al-Kadim) , Shāh
Abdol-Azīm Shrine, also known as Shabdolazim (the tomb of ‘Abdul
‘Adhim ibn ‘Abdillah al-Hasani) and other sacred mausoleums.
2. Mosques
3. Khanqahs (Sufi mausoleums)
According to the historical evidences and documents, 33 prophets were
buried in Iran due to the regional authority of the country and being
receptive and open to other religions and their prophets. The tomb of
Prophet Daniel (son of David living in the 7th century BC) is one of
the most popular burial sites visited by many people all over the
world.
Iran as the land of culture and literature, history and nature and the
home to many religious sites and sacred places attracts millions of
tourists from all over the world annually. Among the most significant
holy sites are the the Shrines of Imam Reza and His sister Masumeh
located in Mashhad and Qom respectively.
As Iran emerges as one of the world's top destinations for for
religious tourism, a committee was created to develop clear and
coherent policies on introducing pilgrimage destinations and providing
adequate services to the tourists especially in organizing and
facilitating pilgrimage to the visitors.