Hamadan

This page is about the city of Hamedan. For the province with this name, see Hamadan Province.

Avicenna's tomb in Hamedan

Hamadan or Hamedan ( Persian: همدان ) is the capital city of Hamadan Province of Iran. It had an estimated population of 550,284 in 2005. [1]

Hamadan is believed to be amongst the oldest Iranian cities and one of the oldest in the world.

Hamadan is a green mountainous area on the foothills of the 3574-meter Alwand Mountain,in the mid west of Iran. The city is 1850 meters above sea level.

The special nature of this old city and its historic sites attract tourists during the summer to this city, located approximately 400km southwest of Tehran.

History

Hamadan has a distinguished place among all historical cities of Iran and geographically located at 34°51′N 48°31′E / 34.850°N 48.517°E / 34.850; 48.517.Some historians believe that Hamadan's construction dates back to 3000 BC and according to an inscribtion from the first Assyrian king , it is aributed to 1100 BC.

Hamadan was established by the Medes, and was the capital of the Median empire. It became then one of the multiple capital cities of the Achaemenid Dynasty and it has been referred to by several name variations throughout its long history, namely: Ecbatana (Median), Ecbatana (classical Greek rendition of Hagmatana) and several corruptions or mispronunciations of the previous two in subsequent centuries.

During the Parthian era, Ctesiphon was the capital of the country, and Hamadan the summer capital and residence of the Parthian rulers. After the Parthians, the Sassanids constructed their summer palaces in Hamadan. In the year 633 the war of Nahavand took place and Hamadan came into the hands of the muslim Arabs, at times it thrived and at times it witnessed poverty.

During the Buwayhids , it suffered much damage. In the 11th century, the Seljuks shifted their capital from Baghdad to Hamadan.

The city of Hamadan which was always assaulted by the rise and fall of powers, was completely destroyed during the Timurid invasion. During the Safavid era the city thrived. Thereafter, in the year 18th century, Hamadan was surrendered to the Ottomans, but due to the courage and chivalry of Nadir Shah Afshar, Hamadan was cleared off the invaders and according to the peace treaty between Iran and the Ottomans , it was returned to Iran. The city of Hamadan lay on the Silk Road and even in the last centuries enjoyed good prospects in commerce and trade being on the main road network in the western region of the country.

Climate

Hamadan province lies in a temperate mountainous region to the east of Zagros. The vast plains of the north and northeast of the province are influenced by strong winds, that almost last throughout the year. The various air currents of this region are: the north and north west winds of the spring and winter seasons, which are usually humid and bring about rainfall. The west-east air currents that blow in the autumn, and the local winds that develop due to difference in air-pressure between the elevated areas and the plains, like the blind wind of the Asad Abad region. Hamadan being in the vicinity of the Alvand mountains has a cold, mountainous climate, with snowy winters. In fact it is one of the coldest cities in Iran. The temperature may drop below -30 °C on the coldest days. Heavy snowfalls are common during winter. Summer is short , and the weather is mild and pleasant and mostly sunny.

Culture

Hamadan is also home to many poets and cultural celebrities. The city is also said to be among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Handicrafts: Hamadan has always been well-known for handicrafts like leather and ceramic work as well as for its beautiful carpets.

Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization lists 207 sites of historical and cultural significance in the city of Hamedan alone.

Legend has it that the biblical Esther is buried in Hamedan.

The scientist and writer known in the west as Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina) is buried in Hamedan.

The 11th century Persian poet Baba Taher is also interred in Hamedan.

It is the birthplace of Badi` al-Zaman al-Hamadhani, author of the Maqamat.

Contemporary Culture

People of Hamedan are very proud of their old history. Another source of their pride is Avicenna (aka Bouali, Buali, Ebn-e-sina, Pur-e-Sina) who is buried in Hamedan. In Hamedan, you can find primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, colleges, and the main city's university names after him. Also, there are many shops and businesses named after him. The main street of Hamedan is also named Bouali. Bouali Street is a very busy one and in fact, a favorite pastime of Hamedanians is to troll up and down the street where they frequently bump into their acquaintances.

Attractions

Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina) Ibn Sina mausoleum
Baba Tahir Mausleum
Ali Sadr Cave
Gonbad-e Alavian
Ganj Nameh
Hamedan Stone Lion

Sister cities

File:Shir-sangi.jpg

The Stone Lion of Hamedan sits in the middle of a park today in Hamedan.

Kulyab, Tajikestan

Colleges and universities

Famous Hamedanis

Fazlollah Zahedi, military general
Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize.
Parviz Parastouee,famous Iranian actor
Abolhassan Banisadr,the first elected President of Iran