Sistan facts for kids

The gates of Haozdar, a historic site in Sistan.

Sistan (which is spelled Sīstān and pronounced see-stahn) is a special area that sits right on the border between eastern Iran and southern Afghanistan. In Iran, it's part of the Sistan and Baluchestan Province. In Afghanistan, it includes parts of the Nimruz, Kandahar, and Zabul provinces.

This region has a long and interesting history, being a crossroads for different cultures and empires for thousands of years.

A Look at Sistan's History

Sistan has been home to many different groups of people throughout history. It's a place where ancient stories and important events happened.

The Saka People

Long ago, Sistan was the homeland of the Sakas. The Sakas were a group of people known as a Scythian tribe. They were originally from a larger group of people called Iranic peoples. These ancient tribes were often nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place, and were skilled horse riders and warriors.

The Saffarid Dynasty

Later, Sistan became the starting point for an important group called the Saffarids. This was one of the first Iranian ruling families to emerge after the Islamic era began. They were powerful and helped shape the history of the region, showing how important Sistan was as a center of power and culture.

Images for kids

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  A coin from the Sakaurakae ruler Tanlesmos, who lived around 80-40 BC in Sakastan (an old name for Sistan).

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  This coin shows Tanlismaidates, a Parthian governor of Sakastan, with Rangodeme. He ruled around 80-40 BC.

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  A coin from Narseh (Narsē), who ruled from 293 to 303 AD. This coin was made in the Sakastan mint.

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  A map showing Sakastan when it was part of the Sasanian Empire.

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  A coin from Ubayd Allah ibn Abi Bakra, who was a governor of Sijistan (another name for Sistan) during the time of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (647–705 CE). This coin is from 685-705 CE.

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  A map of the Safavid dynasty around 1720. Sistan was one of its important provinces.

See also

In Spanish: Sistán para niños