INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
phrase is used in other Muslim countries but only in Iran does it designate this purpose.The main population centers of Semnan province lie
along the ancient Silk Road (and modern-day Imam Reza Expressway), linking Rey (Tehran) with Khorasan (Mashhad)
While few visitors spend much time in the area, driving through you can easily seek out several well-preserved caravanserais (notably
Dehnamak and Ahowan), cisterns (the Cafe Abenbar in Garmsar is a special treat), and ruined mud citadels (Padeh is lumpy but fascinating)
The large, bustling cities of Semnan, Damghan, and Shahrud (Bastam) all have a small selection of historic buildings and Semnan has a fine
old covered bazaar.ABU/AM
