Radkan, Razavi Khorasan
Radkan is a city in, and the capital of, Radkan District of Chenaran County, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. As a village it was the capital of Radkan Rural District until its capital was transferred to the village of Marichgan.
Radkan is known for its well-preserved traditional mud-brick houses and historical monuments, including a castle and caravanserai. The city is surrounded by mountains and is a destination for nature-lovers, hikers and photographers. Additionally, the city is known for its natural hot springs and mineral water.
History
Early history
The city was once an important center of trade and commerce along the ancient Silk Road. It was a key stopover point for merchants and travelers making their way across the region and was known for its thriving marketplaces and caravanserais. During the Sassanian era, the city was the site of several battles between the local population and invading forces. In more recent times, the city has been a center of resistance against colonial powers and has been the site of several important uprisings and revolts.Demographics
Ethnicity
The local population is primarily made up of ethnic Persians, and the majority of the population is Muslim.Population
The city has a relatively low population density and is not as urbanized as some of the larger cities in the region.At the time of the 2006 National Census, Radkan's population was 2,268 in 624 households, when it was a village in Radkan Rural District of the Central District. The following census in 2011 counted 3,734 people in 1,004 households. The 2016 census measured the population as 2,609 people in 784 households.
In 2019, the rural district was separated from the district in the formation of Radkan District, and Radkan was elevated to the status of a city.