Hamedan

About Hamedan

Hamedan, with more than 3,500 years of culture and civilization, is the most ancient city in Iran and is among the most ancient cities in the world. Hamedan had been the first capital city of the first Iranian kingdom, Medes. Hamedan was first mentioned in Assyrian scriptures in 1100 BC, and the city was named before Amadaneh, Hamdana, Hegmataneh, and Ekbatan. Now, Hamedan has historical and beautiful places and is known as the fifth cultural and tourist city in Iran and also is one of the academic canons. Avecinna tomb is the symbol of Hamedan and also one of the Iranian background symbols in the world's culture, science, and knowledge. Among tourist areas of the city, Alisadr cave, Ganjnameh, and beautiful gardens and valleys can be pointed out.

About the Climate of Hamedan

Hamedan is located in a temperate mountainous region to the east of Zagros. Due to the strong winds that almost last throughout the year, the vast plains of the north and northeast of the province are influenced. Which makes Hamedan one of the coldest cities in Iran. Heavy snowfall is expected during winter which may last for up to two months. Also, the short summertime has mild, pleasant, and mostly sunny weather.

Hamedan World Heritage Sites

Ali-Sadr Cave

Ali Saadr or Ali Sard (meaning cold) is the world’s largest water cave which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Tours of the cave are available by pedalos.

Ecbatana

Ecbatana was an ancient city located in Hagmatana Hill (Tappe-ye Hagmatāna), an archaeological mound in Hamedan. Ecbatana was chosen as the Medes capital in the late 8th century BC. The wealth and importance of the city in the Persian Empire are attributed to its location on a crucial crossroads that made it a staging post on the main east-west highway.

Attractions of Hamedan

There are many attractions to visit in Hamedan. Hamedan is also the home of the most important pottery production center, Lalejin. Lalin pottery has a worldwide reputation, it is the capital of Iran's pottery. Lalejin is one of the northern cities in Hamedan province. Ali Sadr Cave, also a UNESCO world heritage site is the world’s largest water cave. Hamedan’s attractions to visit include:

Tomb of Baba Taher

The tomb of Baba Taher Oryan is a memorial building of the contemporary era. Baba Taher lived in the 11th century. He was one of the greatest poets of his time. 

Ibn-e Sina (Avicenna) Tomb

Avicenna, a Persian polymath, is regarded as one of the most significant thinkers and writers of the Islamic Golden Age. It has been said that he has 450 written works, of which around 240 have survived, 150 on philosophy, and 40 on medicine.

Gonbad-e Alavian

Ganjnameh, the ancient inscription, has been carved in granite, composed of two sections. This is a unique example of post-Islam Iranian architecture, located in Alavian Chaharbagh (four-garden), near the Imamzadeh Abdullah Square, in Hamedan. 

Hamadan Stone Lion

The relic of the Stone Lion statue is an interesting piece that remains from ancient times. It is in a quadrangular square where a lion-shaped statue is placed on a pedestal.

Hamedan Medical View

Hamedan has activities in all medical areas. Hamedan is important because of specialists and proper treatment centers, especially in urology. 3000 plant species in Hamedan are used in traditional and industrial medicine. Hamedan is also the 4th center for Nuclear Medicinal Treatments in Iran.