Climate : Cold
OldName : Hegmataneh
Area : 19368
Population : 1758268
Hamedan Province is one of the 31 provinces of
Iran. Its center is
Hamedan city. The province of
Hamedan covers an area of 19,546 km². In the year 2008,
Hamedan province had a population of approximately 1,820,000 million people.
...see more (As of 2008) The province is divided into 8 Shahrestans (≈counties), which in turn are divided into 23 Bakhshs (≈districts) in total. These divisions are shown on the map as well as the center of each county and the neighbor provinces.
Other major cities of Hamedan province are: Hamadan, Toyserkan, Nahavand, Malayer, Asad Abad, Bahar, Famenin, Razan and Kabudrahang.
The province lies in an elevated region, with the 'Alvand' mountains, running from the north west to the south west. Hamedan enjoys temperate warm summers and relatively cold winters.
Hamedan province is one of the most ancient parts of Iran and its civilization. Relics of this area confirm this fact. Today's Hamedan is what is left of Ecbatana, The Medes' capital before they formed a union with the Persians.
The poet Ferdowsi says that Ecbatana was built by King Jamshid.
According to historical records, there was once a castle in this city by the name of Haft Hessar (Seven Walls) which had a thousand rooms and its grandeur equalled that of the Babylon Tower.
The structures of city are related to Diya Aku, a King of the Medes from 700 BC. According to Greek records, this territory was called 'Ekbatan' and 'Hegmataneh' by this King, thus transformed into a huge capital.
During the Parthian era, Ctesiphon became capital of Persia, and Hamedan became the summer capital and residence of the Parthian rulers. After the Parthians, the Sassanids constructed their summer palaces in Hamedan as well.
According to local Jewish traditions, the City of Hamedan is mentioned in the Bible, as the capital of Ancient Persia in the days of King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther.
It was then known as Shushan. The Tombs of Mordecai and Esther are located in modern-day Hamedan.
The Cultural Heritage of Iran lists 442 sites of historical and cultural significance located in Hamedan, thus making the province a rich one in terms of historical attractions.
Reference : wikipedia.org
