📖 About Qom

Qom is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, located in central Iran about 150 kilometers south of Tehran. With approximately 1.3 million residents, this major pilgrimage destination houses the shrine of Fatimah al-Masumah (sister of Imam Reza) and serves as the center of Shia religious scholarship. The city is one of Iran's most conservative.

Qom's seminaries (hawzahs) have trained generations of Shia clergy, including Iran's revolutionary leaders. The city plays a central role in Iranian religious and political life. Religious tourism and scholarship drive the economy. The golden-domed Fatima Masumeh Shrine dominates the skyline. Qom represents the spiritual heart of Shia Iran and its religious scholarly tradition.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Qom's economy centers on religious pilgrimage and education—millions visit annually, supporting hospitality and religious goods industries. The seminaries attract students from across the Shia world. Carpet weaving is traditional. Some manufacturing and commerce exist. The economy is less diversified than other Iranian cities; religious significance drives activity.

Qom's culture is intensely religious—Islamic law and custom govern daily life strictly. Persian is spoken; Arabic is studied religiously. The city is conservative by Iranian standards; modest dress is enforced rigorously. Religious mourning ceremonies (especially Muharram) are major events. Scholarship and piety are valued. The culture centers entirely on Shia Islamic devotion, scholarship, and pilgrimage traditions.

📜 History

Qom has pre-Islamic origins but gained religious importance after Fatimah al-Masumah died here in 816 AD while traveling to visit her brother. Her shrine became a pilgrimage site. The city developed as a center of Shia learning and devotion over centuries.

The 20th century brought political significance—Ayatollah Khomeini taught and was exiled from Qom's seminaries. The 1979 Islamic Revolution elevated Qom's importance. Today the city remains Iran's religious scholarly center—training clergy, hosting pilgrims, and serving as the spiritual heart of the Islamic Republic's theocratic system.