Khorason, especially in the north, is characterized by a large ethnic diversity. Over a surface of 15,444 square miles, all the ethnic groups that compose the population of contemporary Iran can be found: Kurds, Balouchis, Lors, Turks, Turkmens, Sistanis, Afghanis, Arabs, etc...

The existence of this mosaic of people is due to historical reasons. The presence of several of these ethnic groups such as the Turks goes far back in time. On the other hand, others, like the Kurds, have been forcefully settled. The Kurds were deported from their homeland during the reign of the Safavids in order to reinforce the defense line of the north eastern border.

Security forces arrested 154 people for the riots that broke out on 29-30 August in Sabzevar after locals objected to their town not being selected as the capital of a newly-created province, according to official reports. During those riots, at least one person was killed and 37 others were wounded when the security forces opened fire. By 31 August, according to IRNA, "absolute calm" had returned to the city as Law Enforcement Forces and the Basij Resistance Forces patrolled the city. Yet at least 90 shops stayed closed on 2 September to protest the government’s actions. The unrest had spread, furthermore, and about 300 people held a demonstration in Qaem. They objected to the inclusion of their city in the southern one-third of what was formerly Khorasan Province. Local merchants promised to go on a sympathy strike. In Nishabur, locals protested against giving any privileges to Sabzevar, "Tehran Times" reported on 3 September. (Bill Samii)