Kashan is an city of some 397,000 in north central Iran's Isfahan Province, some two hours south of capital Teheran, known for its rose water, silks/textiles, and rugs. Its history stretches back into ancient times, as one of the main places settled by the Aryan tribe as far back as 7,500 years ago. Over the course of its history it became one of the Middle East's most prestigious cities but also faced its share of challenges, such as destruction by the Mongols in 1256 and a devastating earthqu