The history of Hamedan Province is attributed to the Medes. Hamedan accommodates various ethnic groups scattered throughout the province. Fars and Turk peoples reside in the northern half, while Lur and Lak populations inhabit the southern half. Part of the Kurdish population of the country also lives in the western and northwestern parts of Hamedan Province.
Geography
Hamedan Province is located in a mountainous region. It is bordered by the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Zanjan, Lorestan, and Markazi. The Gamasiyab River - one of the tallest rivers in Iran - flows through it, and Mount Alvand, which is registered in the list of Iran's natural heritage, is the most famous mountain in Hamedan. Hamedan, Tuyserkan, Malayer, Kabudarahang, Bahar, Nahavand, and Razan are important cities in the province.
Climate
Cold, snowy winters and moderate summers are characteristic of the seasons in this province, and there is a significant temperature difference between two seasons of summer and winter in Hamedan. The proximity of the plains to the high mountains causes strong winds in this region.
If you are looking to escape the cold, the best time to travel to Hamedan is from Ordibehesht to the end of Shahrivar. Hamedan is spectacular in all seasons, so take advantage of it and plan a trip.
Hamedan City
The city of Hamedan, known locally as Hemedan, is located at the foothills of Mount Alvand and has a cool climate. Its ancient history led to its selection as the capital of Iran's history and civilization in 2006. The people of this city speak Persian with a Hamedani accent.
According to existing traditions, the Ecbatana Hill, where the historical city of Ecbatana was located, was part of the Median Empire. Herodotus, the Greek historian, wrote that this place was chosen as the capital by the Median king and later used as a summer capital by the Achaemenids. Located on the Silk Road, Hamedan connected the main roads of the western regions, and that is why it has always been of great commercial importance.
Ali Sadr Cave - Iran's most famous water cave - is also located in this city, in the village of Ali Sadr. This cave, registered in the list of Iran's natural heritage, has a cool climate in summers and is warm in winters. Visiting the cave by boat is possible and will leave you with an unforgettable memory.
The tombs of Baba Taher, Avicenna, Eyn al-Qozat, the Nazari Garden Mansion, and the Imam Square are some of the sights of Hamedan. Ganjnameh inscription near the city, Ghorban Tower, the Lion Statue, Gonbad-e Alaviyan, the Tomb of Esther and Mordekhai, and the village of Varkaneh should also be on your list of places to visit.
Malayer
Malayer is located in the southeastern part of Hamedan Province, and most of its residents are occupied with agriculture. A large part of the city's dried fruit products such as grapes and plums are exported.
Tourists visiting this city often visit places such as Mirfatah Ice Place, Samen Underground City, Nushijan Hill, Seyfiyeh Park and Malayer's Roof, Lotfalian House, and Seyf al-Dowleh Mausoleum.
Tuyserkan
Tuyserkan is one of the mountainous cities of Hamedan. It is said that "Tuy" and "Serkan" were two villages next to each other, about a mile apart. For this reason, this area became known as Tuyserkan. (Toy is used in many parts of Iran to mean near).
Some believe that the name Tuyserkan dates back to a tribe who lived in this area.
Some of the historical and natural attractions of this city include the Shahabbasi Caravanserai, Sarabi Mosque, Tomb of Heyquq the Prophet, Sheikh Ali Khan School, Masoudi House, Artimani Tomb, Serkan Valley, Artiman Valley, Sheikh Ali Khan Zanganeh Mosque, and a two-thousand-year-old tree.
Bahar
Bahar is one of the western cities of Hamedan Province. Most of the people in this city make a living from making and sale of handicrafts.
In ancient writings of the fifth and sixth centuries, this city has been mentioned by names such as Bahar, Chaman, Bahar Castle, and Marghzar-e Gharatkin. Be sure to visit Lalehjin - the pottery capital of Iran – in order to purchase souvenirs. In a trip to Bahar, you can also visit the Tajabad Caravanserai and Mohajeran Bridge.
Nahavand
Nahavand history dates back to the third millennium BC, with settlements by the Kassites. The city is now known for its pristine nature and lakes. The majority of Nahavand's population is made up of Lurs, with Kurdish and Turk peoples also living in the city.
The tomb of Babapir, Haj Agha Torab Bath, Jama Mosque, the tomb of Luqman ibn Muqren, Giyan Lake, Gamasiab Lake, and Farsban Lake are some of the tourist attractions of this city.
Accommodations
In addition to the many hotels that accommodate travelers, traditional and eco-friendly accommodations also active in this province. In these accommodations, you can also experience the local foods and beverages of each region. Mazdagard Eco-lodge, 21 kilometers away from Hamedan, Artina, Amadai, Varkaneh, 20 kilometers southeast of Hamedan, Aqbalagh Traditional Village and Lodge are some of the accommodations in Hamedan Province.
Local Foods
Dry Goods Aush (Ash-e Khoshkbar), a dish made from a combination of various dried fruits such as apricots, plums, and green vegetables, noodles, and legumes, is one of the local foods of Hamedan Province. Qormeh meat stew, Hamedan rice soup, Omaj stew, Malayer eggplant stew, Hamedan meatballs and Sardoosh, Hamedan carrot and barley stew, and Hamedan Kachi stew are some of the local dishes of this province.
Sumac stew, chickpea meatballs, and Kohlrabi Aush from Tuyserkan are also delicious and famous cuisines of the province.
Restaurants
As the name suggests, Ariaiyan Dizi Sara is a great place to eat dizi. Delta Restaurant is a place for Iranian and local food at a reasonable price and quality. Cactus Restaurant, Darius Ganjnameh Restaurant, Na’l Eshkeneh Garden Restaurant located on the way to Abbasabad Lake, Hammam Qaleh Museum and Traditional Restaurant, Misan Restaurant in Abbasabad Recreational Hill, and Pesar-e Khoob Beryankadeh Restaurant are some of the restaurants in this province.
Handicrafts
Pottery, leatherworking and leather tanning, felt sewing, wooded crafts such as marquetry, carving, and turning, stone cutting, Nahavand kilim and Giveh weaving, glassblowing, Malayer rug weaving, and woodcraft are some of the handicrafts of Hamedan Province.
Souvenirs
You can bring glassware or items made using traditional glassblowing techniques as souvenirs from Hamedan Province. In addition, Malayer carpets, sofas, and Giveh weaving, famous Nahavand kilims, copper and goldsmithing, and silver and wood items are among the other souvenirs of Hamedan Province. Leather goods, high-quality ceramic dishes, almond sweets, Hamedan sweets, nuts, Tuyserkan walnuts, grape syrup, Malayer’s Baslogh sweets, raisins, and dried herbs, Naan-e Chay, Angosht Pich and finally, Komaj bread can also be purchased as souvenirs from various cities in the province.
Customs and Traditions
Tuyserkan's needle fortune-telling, Chareh Gardan and Samanoo Pazan are among the traditions that the people of Hamedan Province perform in the spring. Shirwareh and Khermankubi rituals are performed in the summer, autumn, and winter. Chelleh Kuchak, Chelleh Bozorg, and Kuseh Galin are also held in the winter.
Rakhat Boraan is another tradition popular among the people in Hamedan Province; In this ceremony, female members of the family go to the newlywed's house to measure her dress size to prepare clothes for her. Of course, they do not go empty-handed and offer sweets as a gift to the bride.