Khuzestan Province has a variety of tourist landmarks, from snowy villages to warm beaches, from waterfalls and plains to historical houses.
History
The history of human settlement in Khuzestan Province dates back to 2700 BC. and the Elamite civilization. Remarkable monuments from the Elamite and Achaemenid periods have remained in this area, witnessing the history of this region. This southern province also embraces abundant oil and gas resources.
Geography
Khuzestan borders Lorestan and Ilam to the north, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari and Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad to the east. Its southern neighbor is Bushehr province, and Iraq is situated to the west of this area. Khuzestan has snow-capped mountains in the north which reaches the waters of the Persian Gulf in the south. Significant cities of Khuzestan province include Ahvaz, the center of the province, Abadan, Khorramshahr, Dezful, Shushtar, Masjed Soleyman, Izeh, Andimeshk, Behbahan, Ramhormoz, Bandar-e Imam Khomeini, Mahshahr, Susa, Shadegan, Omidiyeh, Lali, Haftkel, Minoo Shahr, Arvandkenar, and Howeyzeh. Khuzestan is divided into two plains and mountainous regions. The largest river in Iran, the Karun, flows in this province. Dez River, Jaraahi River, Karkheh River, and the Zohreh River are also running in this area.
Climate
Some cities in Khuzestan province enjoy a semi-desert climate, while others have a warm steppe climate. Early autumn to late Farvardin (April-May) seems to be a proper time to travel to this province. During the Nowruz holidays, cities in this province also host a large number of Nowruz guests.
Cities and Attractions of Khuzestan Province
Ahvaz
Ahvaz is the center of Khuzestan province with a history dating back to the Elamite civilization, when it was called Aoxin. Most travelers to Ahvaz spend a lot of time by the Karun River and its bridges. The coastal park built along the Karun River provides the opportunity for walking and picnicking. The Karun River beach, Siyah Bridge, Kabli Bridge with its famous rainbow waterfall, and the restaurants along the coast are recreational areas for the people. Nature Bridge and White Bridge are also astonishing choices for walking. The Moein Al-Tojar Mansion, Māpār House, the Three-Sided University Building, the Mausoleum of the Polish, Ghoo Hotel, the Mausoleum of Ali Ibn Mahziar, the old Kaveh Bazaar, falafel shops in Lashkar Abad, and the Marble Clock located in the Clock Square are among the places you must see in your trip to Ahvaz. Laleh Park, Karun River Coastal Park, Jazireh Park, and Citizen and Gomboue Parks are spectacular parks in Ahvaz. The old bazaars of Imam Khomeini Street, Kianpars, and Zeytoon Alley are recommended for shopping.
Susa
Susa is one of the oldest cities in the world, attracting many tourists with its significant historical monuments and ancient sites. The Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat is survived from the Elamite civilization. The historical Susa Castle or Acropolis, along with the remains of the Apadana Palace, the Mausoleum of Daniel the Prophet, the Susa Museum, the Haft Tappeh Museum, the Jaraahi River, and the Ivan Karkheh, the Karkheh National Park, the Shawur River and the Bamdezh Wetland are other attractions of Susa. The historical site of Susa and the Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat have been inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran.
Dezful
Formerly known as Dezhpol, Dezful has a history of several thousand years. The fertile soil and pleasant climate of Dezful, and of course its oranges, has gained a worldwide reputation. The Dez River and its recreational areas such as the Ra'na Coastal Park and Ali Kala are popular among tourists. The 1700-year-old Dezful Bridge, the Karnasion Bathhouse converted into an ethnology museum, the Tizno House, the Souzangar House, the Qolambar House, the old bazaar, the Dezful Grand Mosque, the Safar Bathhouse, the Mian Doreh Mosque and Bathhouse, the Labkhand Mosque, water mills, the Water Museum, the Mausoleum of Yaqub Laith Safari, the ancient hills of Choghamish, the Dez National Park, the Ladan Forest Park, the Milad Forest Park, and the Laleh Forest Park are among the attractions of Dezful. The natural attractions of Dezful are reputed among nature lovers, including the Shoy Waterfall, Abbasabad Forest, Kohsar Hall, Shahyoun Lake, Shadab Castle, Kool Khersoon, Chal Kandi, Shahyoun Lake, Dez Dam Lake, Tobiron Valley, Mianeh Lake, Shaghayegh Waterfall, and the villages of Pamenar, Shahioun, and Noorabad. The Green Dome Sanctuary, the Mausoleum of Mohammad ibn Jafar Tayyar, the Imamzadeh Roodband, and the Mausoleum of Hazqil the Prophet are among the religious attractions of Dezful.
Abadan
Abadan has experienced many firsts. The first intra-city bus, the first open-air cinema, and the first taxi call center, which are examples of its modern achievements. After going through the war era, life is now flowing in it again. One of the well-known sights of Abadan is its bustling markets; including Amiriyeh Bazaar, Central Bazaar, Kuwaiti Bazaar, Kenz Al-Mall, Tahlenjiha Bazaar, and Fish Market. The Ranguneh Mosque, the Armenian Mausoleum, the Abadan Museum, the Seyyed Abbas Mausoleum, and the Surat Karapet Church are other attractions of Abadan.
Shushtar
The City of Water Mills, which was once the capital of Khuzestan province, is famous for its ancient hydraulic structures and waterfalls, attracting many tourists every year. However, it also has other attractions, such as Aminzadeh House, Maraashi House, Salasel Castle, Mostofi Historical Complex, Shushtar Grand Mosque, Kolah Farangi Tower, Band-e-Lashkar Bridge, Shadorvan Bridge or Band-e-Qaisar, Band-e-Mizan, and Gazor House.
Baghmalek
Located in the east of the province, has a moderate and cool climate compared to coastal cities. The village of Mal Agha in Baghmalek, belonging to Qaleh Tal district, is considered a mountainous and cool attraction. The best time for travel to Mal Agha is spring and summer.
Izeh
Izeh history dates back to the Elamite civilization. Its ancient name was Malamir, and it was once considered the capital of the Atabakan government. Eshkoft-e-Salman, which has four prominent rock reliefs and inscriptions, Shavand Waterfall, Tang-e Beta Inscriptions in Andika County, Zaras Recreational Village, Sussan Plain near Izeh with a lion statue and ancient hill, and Balut Boland Village belonging to Dehdasht are among the attractions of Izeh.
Lali
Located north of Masjed Soleyman, used to be a village until 1368 SH. The Pabdeh Limestone Cave near Lali and the Arpanah Waterfalls in its north are among the attractions of this county.
Khorramshahr
Khorramshahr has severely suffered from the war era, but its rivers still flow, and its palm groves remain green. In this city you can see the river's edge at the point where Arvand and Karun rivers meet, War Museum, Old Bridge, New Bridge or Jahan Ara Bridge, Riverside Park, Khorramshahr Grand Mosque, Shalamcheh Martyrs' Memorial, Arvand Small Warship, Traditional Guesthouse of Hajj Abdullah, Fish Markets, and Minoo Island Palm Groves.
Behbahan
Behbahan used to be known as Arrajan. In this city, remnants from the second millennium BC have been discovered which indicates its antiquity. The beautiful Narcissus Gardens of Behbahan are its most famous tourist attraction, but the city and its surroundings also have other attractions. The remains of the Sasanian-era bridge called Bekaan, the Behbahan Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum, Tang-e Takab, and the recreational beach of Marun are among them.
Masjed Soleyman
Formerly known as Parsomash, Masjed Soleyman has a history dating back to the Elamite civilization. A city where once housed the first oil well in the Middle East is now famous for its natural attractions. Sites like Koushk Recreation Island behind the Shahid Abbaspur Dam, Fire Temple or Javidan Temple, which is also called the SarMasjed, the Achaemenid Temple of Bard Neshandeh, the ancient hill of Kalgeh Zari, the Ab Meshki Dashat Golgir Spring, and Tembi Forest Park are among its attractions.
Ramhormoz
Located in the east of Khuzestan, Ramhormoz is crossed by the Jaraahi River. Bagh-o-Emarat-e Samimi, Tar Springs in Mamatin Village, Ethnography Museum, Da-o-Dokhtar Sassanid Castle, Ab Mahak Waterfall, Tohf-e-Noori Waterfall, Sargach Waterfall near Dasht-e Dena Village, Deymeh Protected Area, Sar Cheshmeh Tourism Village, Jareh Dam, Dezh Goli, Shire Plain, and Gol Zard Plain are some of Ramhormoz's attractions.
Andimeshk
Located in the north of the province, Andimeshk is called Hendi Meshk in Persian. In Andimeshk, you can visit the Mongarreh Tourist Area with its spring and gardens, Dez Dam and Dez Beach, Raze Castle, Karkheh Dam, and the ancient bridge called Siheh or Abareh Abbas Khan.
Hendijan
Formerly known as Mahruyan Port, Hendijan has both oil reserves and a river from which various fish and shrimp are caught. Hendijan's attractions include Zohreh River Beach, the remains of the ancient city of Ask, the fishing and recreational pier, the fish market, Dehno Village, and Sirim Beach.
Mahshahr
Mahshahr is located in the south of the province. It includes two parts, Old Mahshahr and the Industrial Area. Khur Musa, the shrine of Prince Hamzeh, Ghorbat and Jahannam Springs, Bune Island, Khur Ghazaleh, Khur Majidiyeh, Khur Se Mileh, Khur Sif, and Khur Taymour are among the attractions of Mahshahr.
There are also other natural sights recommended to nature lovers in Khuzestan province, including Shadegan Wetland, Bahman Dam, Salt Waterfall in Dasht-e Golgir Village, Shimbareh Plain in the vicinity of Masjed Soleyman, and Hoor al-Azim Wetland in Azadegan Plain
Accommodations
You can find a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget options in Ahvaz and other cities of Khuzestan province. Alongside these hotels, there has been a trend of eco-lodges offering traditional atmospheres, such as Alima Eco-Lodge and Sard Castle Eco-Lodge in Izeh, Mazif-e Diravi in the village of Ruy-e-Sar Minoo Shahar, Lamerdoun Eco-Lodge in Gotvand, and Abu Ali Eco-Lodge located in the village of Khamat in Haft Tapeh. Traditional hotels like Emarat-e Afzal and Sarabi in Shushtar are also noteworthy.
Local Foods
Seafood is a constant presence in Khuzestan kitchens. Despite the availability of fresh fish and shrimp, Mahi Saboor Kababi, a barbecued fish dish with a popular filling, is a favorite. Additionally, Nan-e Charbi, Khoresht-e Bamieh, Gonjeshk Kababi, Saar Kababi, Ranginak, Ash-e Ghelghel, Dal Adas, Sambooseh, Falafel, Pakoreh, Kobeh, Ab Baghla, and Ash-e Tuleh are among the local dishes of Khuzestan province.
Restaurants
In Ahvaz, restaurants like Riverside, Konjed, Kababi Omid, Kabab Sara, Bazil Cafe Restaurant, Khorram, Khaneh Mapar, and Kababi Mehman offer a variety of Iranian and international dishes. Italian restaurants like Caesar, Shambama, Pizza Wers, and fast-food Mizban are also popular. To try falafel, find Anoosheh Street in Lashkar Abad, Falafeli Pat va Mat or East 7th Street in Kianpars.
In Shushtar, tourists can visit Khan-e Mostofi Restaurant, Dizi Firouzeh, Baghshah Restaurant, or Sofreh Khaneh Lashkar.
Travelers to Dezful are recommended to see Delnavazan, Ali Koleh, Shovadon, Toranj, Bagh-e Felahat, Ziggurat, and Dez restaurants.
In Minoo Shahar, Haj Abdullah's Moein Restaurant is popular among locals and guests. Restaurants like 15 Khordad, Aquarium, and Ilya have a reputation in Khorramshahr. Pakistani Restaurant and Kentucky House in Abadan, Nakhle Talaii Restaurant in Mahshahr, and Biston Restaurant in Mahshahr are also among the province's renowned restaurants.
Handicrafts
Gabeh, various straw products, enamel work on gold, silver, and pen, Gelim weaving, Kapu weaving, local clothing, marquetry, Borya weaving, stone carving, and local carpets are among the handicrafts of this province.
Souvenirs
Tourists traveling to Khuzestan province find a variety of edible souvenirs, such as dates, Rotab, Kharak, fresh southern fish, and shrimp, date syrup, and Ardeh. Various sweets, including Ardeh halva, sesame halva, and traditional cookies like salty and date cookies, as well as the seven-color spice, are also among the local souvenirs.
Customs and Traditions
Yalda Night holds a special place in this province. On this night, people wait for a mythical character, Gharun, dressed as a firewood breaker, to visit their homes and bring firewood. The tradition of Shahnameh recitation on days like Nowruz and Yalda, especially among the Bakhtiari people, is common and still prevalent.
Coffee drinking is another custom in Khuzestan, flourishing among the Arabs. Guests are highly esteemed in this land. The host brews coffee in a vessel called Delah and pours it into special coffee cups for guests. This coffee has a unique flavor.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday is respected among the Arabs. The Eid al-Fitr breakfast can be Ferni or Halim. Then the visiting and receiving of guests begins, offering them nuts and sweets.
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