[5] Greater Khorasan has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and governments in its territory throughout history.

Esfarayen, among other cities of the province, was one of the focal points for settlement by Aryan tribes entering Iran.

Khorasan was divided into four parts during the Muslim conquest of Persia, each section being named after the four largest cities; Nishapur, Merv, Herat, and Balkh.

[citation needed] In the 14th century, a flag of independence was hoisted by the Sarbedaran movement in Sabzevar, and in 1368, Khorasan came into the hands of Tamerlane.

In 1856, the Persians launched another invasion, and briefly managed to recapture the city; it led directly to the Anglo-Persian War.

However, by 1875 they had intermarried so extensively with Persians and Turks that they were indistinguishable, having largely abandoned the Arab language and culture in favour of the local one.

The population history and structural changes of North Khorasan province's administrative divisions over three consecutive censuses are shown in the following table.

According to the 2016 census, 484,346 people (over 56% of the population of North Khorasan province) live in the following cities:[2] This province contains many historical and natural attractions, such as mineral water springs, small lakes, recreational areas, caves, and protected regions, and various hiking areas.