Happy TravellerWelcome to Hamadan, a city with a rich history and culture located in the Hamadan Province of Iran. Hamadan is believed to be one of the oldest Iranian cities, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Assyrians in 1100 BCE. The city is situated in a green mountainous area in the foothills of the 3,574-meter Alvand Mountain, and is 1,850 meters above sea level. Hamadan is known for its historic sites, attracting tourists during the summer months. The major sights of the city include the Ganj Nameh inscription, the Avicenna monument, and the Baba Taher monument. The city is home to a majority of ethnic Kurds and Persians, with Persian being the main language spoken.
Hamadan has a fascinating history, having been established by the Medes and later becoming one of several capital cities of the Achaemenid Dynasty. The city is mentioned in the biblical book of Ezra as the place where a scroll was found giving the Jews permission from King Darius to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. During the Parthian era, Hamadan was the summer capital and residence of the Parthian rulers, and later the Sassanids constructed their summer palaces in the city. In 642, the Battle of Nahavand took place and Hamadan fell into the hands of the Muslim Arabs. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, including during the Timurid invasions and the Mongol invasions of Georgia.
Hamadan has a hot-summer Mediterranean continental climate, in transition with a cold semi-arid climate, with snowy winters. It is one of the coldest cities in Iran, with temperatures dropping below -30°C on the coldest days. Heavy snowfall is common during winter and can persist for up to two months. During the short summer, the weather is mild, pleasant, and mostly sunny.
Hamadan is home to many poets and writers, including Badi al-Zaman al-Hamadani, author of the Maqamat, and the 11th-century Iranian poet Baba Taher, who is interred in the city. Avicenna, the scientist and writer, once lived and worked in Hamadan, and the Avicenna Mausoleum was constructed in his honor in 1952. The city is also well-known for its handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, and carpets.
Hamadan is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and the Irans Cultural Heritage Organization lists 207 sites of historical and cultural significance in the city. The Tomb of Esther and Mordechai in Hamadan is believed by some to hold the remains of the biblical Esther and her uncle Mordechai. The city is also home to several universities, including Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan Medical University, and Hamadan University of Technology.
Come and explore the wonders of Hamadan, a city with a fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant culture that is sure to captivate every traveler’s heart.
