Khonj facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Khonj
Persian: خنج
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City
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Dargah (gate) is an entrance to Shaykh Haji Mohammad complex, including the mosque and the shrine
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 Khonj
Location in Iran
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| Country | Iran |
| Province | Fars |
| County | Khonj |
| District | Central |
| Elevation | 670 m (2,200 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 19,217 |
| Time zone | UTC+3:30 (IRST) |
Khonj (pronounced Khonj, and written as Persian: خنج in Persian) is an interesting city located in the Fars province of Iran. It's the main city of Khonj County and sits about 670 meters (around 2,200 feet) above sea level. Long ago, Khonj was part of a region called Irahistan.
Contents
Who Lives in Khonj?
The People of Khonj
The people living in Khonj are originally Persian. Their ancestors followed an ancient religion called Zoroastrianism. Over time, they became followers of Sunni Islam.
How Many People Live Here?
In 2006, about 19,347 people lived in Khonj. By 2011, the number was 18,792. The latest count in 2016 showed the population was 19,217 people.
Discovering Khonj's Past
Khonj is located about 270 kilometers (168 miles) south of Shiraz, a famous city in Iran. This city has a very long history, going back about 2,000 years!
Ancient Roots and Names
People from Khonj were once followers of Zoroastrianism, an old religion. Today, many people from Khonj and nearby cities like Gerash, Lar, and Evaz call themselves "Khodmooni." This word means "part of ourselves" and shows they share a special language called Achomi language and culture. In the past, Khonj was known by names like Hong and Konj. The name "Konj" means "corner" in Persian.
A City of Traders and Scholars
Unlike most of Iran, the people of Khonj are mainly Sunni Muslims. They are well-known as skilled traders. Khonj is also important because it was home to many great Muslim scholars and architects, both before and after the arrival of Islam. Even Ibn Battuta, a famous explorer from Morocco, wrote in detail about his visits to Khonj.
Farming in Khonj
The main crops grown in Khonj are wheat, oats, and dates. Khonj gets less rainfall than most other parts of Fars province, making these crops especially important for the area.
Khonj's Weather and Location
Khonj is located in the southern part of the Zagros Mountains. It's about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the Persian Gulf.
Climate and Surroundings
Khonj usually has hot weather for most of the year. However, it is also one of the rainier areas in Fars province. The city is surrounded by other counties. To the south, you'll find Lamerd and Mohr counties. To the north are Qir, Kazerun, and Jahrom counties. Larestan county is to the northeast, and Evaz county is to the east.
Exploring Historical Sites
Khonj is considered one of the most important historical cities in Fars province. It has more than 20 historical sites that are officially registered on the Iran National Heritage List.
Traces of the Past
These historical sites show evidence of human activity from very old times, including the Neolithic period (Stone Age) and the first millennium BC. Some of these sites include Tel Khandaq, Kurde village, Tell Gap, Baghan village, Tell Korki, and six sites in Garmasht village. These places help us learn about the people who lived in Khonj many centuries ago.
