Human has used to state his/her resistance, emotions and eternity by the cemeteries. "Before the emergence of human-residing cities, we had cemeteries" and before cities to be formed like today, cemeteries were used as a place for gathering people. It could be said that the first sparkles for formation of cities is the meeting of people for pilgrimage.
Since pilgrimage of the Shiite imams is one of the minor worshipping traditions of Muslims, Shiites think that coming to Mashhad, is the same as visiting God’s house in Mecca. Like other tombs, visiting the tomb of Imam Riza, is considered to be very helpful for Muslims in the hereafter, and it is accepted as visiting the house of God.
Although the number of tourists who come to Mashhad, is not known, but its star shines as an international and national tourism center. All roads and streets have been designed to end in tomb of Imam Riza in the city. “Among some religious people there is an expression like this; For Sunnis Medina and for Shiites, Mashhad is very important.”
Ruh-u Sis
Is Air, Water and Land Better Without Us?