Damghan (Damgan)

Damghan is the capital of Damghan County, Semnan Province,   History It is one of the oldest cities on the Iranian plateau, stretching back 7000 years, and boasts many sites of historic interest. The oldest of these is Tappeh Hessar, lying to the southeast of the city, which holds the ruins of a castle dating from the Sassanid period. The Tarikhaneh is one of the oldest mosques in Iran, built as a fire temple during the Sassanid dynasty it was converted into a mosque after the advent of Islam. There are also many other historical buildings belonging to Seljuks and other periods. Apart from its historical interest, the city today is mainly known for pistachios and paper almonds (kaghazi) with very thin shells. Walls or fortifications and battlements have survived in many parts in Damghan. As mentioned in the history the wall was very wide and enabled chariots to drive over it. The remains of that wall can be seen north and south of Damghan. Location It is situated 342 kilometres (213 mi) east of Tehran on the high-road to Mashad, at an elevation of 1,250 m (4,101 ft).