Located in central Iran, Kashan is an oasis city lying in a desert at the eastern foot of the Central Iranian Range. In the past it served as a stopping point on an important caravan route between Kerman and Isfahan, today its economy is based on the production of some of the finest carpets in the country and also woollen goods, brass and copper work and jewellery.

Kashan has several ancient monuments. Most famous are the mausoleum of Shah Abbas I, the 12th century Friday Mosque and the Safavid royal buildings south-west of the city centre. Also interesting are the Agha Bozorg Mosque which has a theological school and the beautiful Fin Gardens.