Natanz

At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 12,060 in 3,411 households.^[5] The following census in 2011 counted 12,281 people in 3,829 households.^[6] The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 14,122 people in 4,564 households.^[2]

The Natanz nuclear facility, located some 33 km NNW from the town (33°43′N 51°43′E / 33.717°N 51.717°E / 33.717; 51.717) near a major highway, is generally recognized as Iran's central facility for uranium enrichment.^[7]

Natanz is located 120 km northeast of Isfahan and on the main north-south highway of Iran. Its altitude is 1666 meters above sea level. The distance between Tehran and Natanz is 326 km, and it takes about 4 hours by car.^{[citation needed]} The Karkas mountain chain (Kuh-e Karkas) (meaning mountain of vultures), at an elevation of 3,899 meters, rises above the town.^[8]

The average temperature of the city is 15.5 degrees Celsius and the average annual rainfall is 195 mm.^[9][10]

Agriculture is Natanz' major industry. Local produce includes beets, walnuts, and pomegranates.^[16] The city is noted for its pears^[17] and its saffron, most of which is exported.^[18] Natanz' climate is well-suited for saffron, and the city has produced as much as 1,600 kg of dry saffron in a year.^[19]

It is known as the shrine of Abd as-Samad.^[17] Elements in the present complex date from 1304 with subsequent additions and restorations, such as the Khaneqah and Muqarnas vault. The tomb honors the Sufi Sheikh Abd al-Samad, and was built by the Sheikh's disciple, the Ilkhanid vizier Zain al-Din Mastari.^{[citation needed]}

• 
  Anti-aircraft guns guarding Natanz nuclear facility
• 
  Natanz Stone Fortress
• 
  Natanz mosque next to the old Chenar
• 
  Ancient tree of Natanz
• 
  Portal of Abd al-Samad complex

• Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant
• Nuclear facilities in Iran
• Stuxnet computer worm

Media related to Natanz at Wikimedia Commons