Deyhuk 2,959, Eresk 2,955, Esfeden 3,598, Eshqabad 3,965, Eslamiyeh 7,108, Ferdows 28,695, Gazik 2,294, Hajjiabad 6,168, Khusf 5,716, Mohammadshahr 3,590, Mud 3,477, Nehbandan 18,304, Nimbeluk 4,762, Qaen 42,323, Qohestan 2,322, Sarayan 13,795, Sarbisheh 8,715, Seh Qaleh 4,436, Shusef 3,181, Tabas 39,676, Tabas-e Masina 4,596, and Zohan 1,118. Most populous cities The following sorted table lists the most populous cities in South Khorasan province. South Khorasan today The major ethnic groups in this region are the Persians, as well as sizeable ethnic Baloch and Pashtun populations. South Khorasan is known for its famous rugs as well as its saffron, barberry which is produced in almost all parts of the province. Historic and natural attractions South Khorasan has many historic and natural attractions, but besides these, South Khorasan encompasses various religious buildings and places of pilgrimage as well. The Cultural Heritage of Iran lists 1179 sites of historical and cultural significance in all three provinces of Khorasan. Some of the popular attractions of South Khorasan are: Birjand castle Deragon Cave Furg Citadel Ferdows Religious School Ferdows Hole-in-the-Rock Ferdows Hot Spring Ghal'eh Paeen-Shahr Jameh Mosque of Ferdows Kurit Dam Kushk Complex Qanats of Baladeh Ferdows Nehbandan Citadel Polond Desert Higher Education University of Birjand Birjand University of Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University of Birjand Islamic Azad University of Ferdows Birjand University of Technology Payame Noor University University of Applied Science and Technology (south khorasan branch) Academy of Tarbiat-e Moalem Academy of Amuzesh-e Aly Academy of Amuzesh-e Modiriat Dolaty Gallery See also Khorasan Razavi Khorasan North Khorasan References External links The text of the law for division of Khorasan into three provinces (in Persian) Cultural Heritage Foundation of Khorasan Provinces of Iran