Nickname: The Cradle of Civilization
Capital
Hamadan
Population
~1.74 million
Hamadan claims to be among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Iran, founded as Ecbatana, capital of the Median empire, and later a Seljuk and early Islamic centre. Ganjnameh's carved inscriptions and the tomb of the poet-philosopher Avicenna sit alongside cooler air drawn from the slopes of Alvand.
Culture & people
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities (ancient Ecbatana); Persian-speaking, with strong ties to Avicenna and Esther and Mordecai's tomb.
Notable cities
Hamadan
The provincial capital and one of the oldest cities in Iran, believed to sit on the site of ancient Ecbatana, the Median capital. It also holds the tombs of the philosopher Avicenna and, traditionally, the biblical Esther and Mordechai.
Malayer
A town known nationally for grape and raisin production, set among vineyards in the province's south. Its orchards make it a pleasant stop during the autumn harvest.
Nahavand
An ancient town on the site of a decisive 7th-century battle that opened Persia to Islamic conquest. Its old core and surrounding farmland reflect a long agricultural history.
Highlights
- Ganjnameh, trilingual Achaemenid rock inscriptions
- Avicenna's mausoleum and museum
- Ecbatana archaeological mound
- Alisadr, a vast navigable water cave
- Baba Taher's tomb and Alvand foothills
Best time to visit
June to September suits the mountain air well, while spring offers mild days for exploring the archaeological sites.
Getting there
Hamadan Airport has short flights from Tehran, under an hour, or a straightforward three-and-a-half-hour drive.
The province's location, highlighted on the map of Iran.
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