| Yazd or Yezd is the capital of Yazd province, one of the most ancient and historic cities in Iran and a centre of Zoroastrian culture. The city is located some 175 miles southeast of Isfahan. In 2005 it had an estimated population of 433,836 people. In 2006 it had an estimated population of 505,037.Because of generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, Yazd is an architecturally unique city. It is also known in Iran for the high quality handicrafts, especially silk weaving, and its sweets shops.
Yazd is situated at an oasis where the Dasht-e Kavir desert and the Dasht-e Lut desert meet (the city is sometimes called "the bride of the Kavir" because of its location), in a valley between Shir Kuh, the tallest mountain in the region at 4075 m. above sea level, and Kharaneq. The city itself is located at 1203 m. above sea-level, and covers 16,000 km².
According to the administrative division rules, the Yazd province is divided into 10 districts, each includes at least one town and a number of villages. These districts are: Abarkuh, Ardakan, Bafq, Khatam, Maybod, Mehriz, Tabas, Sadough, Taft and Yazd.
The climate is generally very dry, with cold winters and hot summers. The temperature tends to fluctuate dramatically, even between night and day, but especially summer to winter. Temperatures of 40 °C in the summer and -20 °C in the winter have been recorded.
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