Reviving the Khorasan Highway under Shah ‘Abbas I: Preparing a Route for Pilgrimage on Foot

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.22108/jhr.2026.148218.2912

Abstract

Shah Abbas I held a profound devotion to the pilgrimage of Imam al-Rida. In 1010 AH (1601 CE), he traversed the distance from Isfahan to Mashhad on foot to fulfill a religious vow. Contrary to the perspective of some scholars who regard this journey primarily as a symbolic gesture serving military and political objectives, the present article argues that the event was rooted in the Shah’s genuine religious convictions. Furthermore, it posits that this pilgrimage served as a catalyst for the revival of the ancient Khurasan Road and the enhancement of its significance as a major pilgrimage route. its stopping places, and their facilities—measures that facilitated and promoted pilgrimage among the broader population. The reconstruction of the shah’s route and the examination of the stopping places show that after this journey, Isfahan was connected to the old Khurasan highway through a shorter and safer road, enabling easier access to Mashhad, especially for the Shiʿis of the central regions of the Safavid realm. The findings also indicate that, in line with the daily walking capacity of pilgrims, new stopping places were established or reinforced at suitable intervals. At each station, basic facilities were provided for the rest of travelers. In this way, during the reign of Shah ʿAbbas I, the Khurasan road was transformed from a mainly communicative or military route into a setting for pilgrimage, laying the groundwork for the consolidation of Mashhad’s position as the leading pilgrimage center of the Safavid era.

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Historical Researches

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 June 2026

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