Markazi Province in Iran
About Markazi Province
Markazi province is approximately located at the center of Iran (hence the name in the Persian language which means central province). The center of the province, which is also the biggest city in the province, is Arak city. This province is known as the industrial capital of Iran. It’s quite rich in cultural terms and it’s also considered to be one of the important provinces of Iran in terms of history and tourism.
The province borders with Tehran and Ghazvin Provinces northwards, Hamedan Province eastwards, Lorestan and Isfahan Provinces southwards, and Tehran, Qom, and Isfahan Provinces eastwards. Markazi Province has 29,126 square kilometers area and also has always been one of the reliable centers of spreading science, knowledge, and culture. Markazi province, regarding cultural and religious aspects, is one of the main centers for the cultivation of intellectuals, poets, mystics, politicians, and scholars of Shiite religion, so that countless scholars, scientists, poets, and politicians of this land are introduced to the scientific, literary, cultural, and political society of Iran and the world.
The Beating Heart of Iranian Industry
Markazi province is located between the Alborz and the Zagros Mountains on the edge of the central desert of Iran. The weather conditions differ a lot according to the height of the land. The pomegranate and the cantaloupe of this province are exported to many countries of the world. Among the natives of this province are some famous scientists and politicians. Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Amir Kabir, the Iranian chancellor of the Qajar dynasty, and Professor Mahmud Hesabi, the father of modern science in Iran, come from this province.
Teymareh Carved Rocks
In the Teymareh region, there are between 2500 to 3000 carvings on the rocks which bear the carvings of hunters and hunting tools of the pre-historic era.
Khorheh Soluki Temple
The Khorheh temple is located in the west of one of the villages of Mahallat town. The columns of this temple are 6 meters high and their architecture is similar to greek architecture. It seems that this temple was built during the greeks’ domination in Iran in the Solukid era.
Four Seasons Bathroom
Four Seasons Bathroom is one of the ancient relics of Arak City from the late Qajar period. The building of the bathroom is one of the most beautiful architectural and tile works in Iran in recent centuries that is considered a unique monument in Iranian architecture for its special decorations.
This bathroom is the only bathroom in the country that has a specific section for religious minorities. This invaluable monument was registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments and was reopened as the museum of archeology and anthropology in Arak after the repairing and reconstruction operations. It receives many aficionados and tourists at the moment.
Congregational Mosque of Saveh
This mosque which is one of the Seljuk era structures dates back to 6th-century CE. The altar of this mosque contains tablets in Kufic and Thulth writing system. The decorations of this mosque are mainly paintings, plasterwork, and tile work.
Sepahsalar School
This Qajar structure looks like the buildings of the Safavid era. It consists of a mosque, classrooms, water reservoir, and other necessary facilities. It is the first theology school of Arak City with beautiful tile- work.
Saint Mesrop Church
Mesrop Church is related to the Qajar period and is located on Chamran Martyr Street (Nisanian Street) in Arak and was registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments. The building was built in a large area and has four buildings of the school, amphitheater, priest house, and church. Moreover, a great cross is installed on the southwestern side of the yard in the memorandum of Armenian martyrs throughout history like Armenian martyrs during the imposed war.
Flower Gardens of Mahallat
Mahallat Flower Garden consists of approximately 300 greenhouses and is one of the tourist areas. Mahallat Town is full of yellow carnations and wild red poppies. Mahallat is in Markazi Province and because of being famous for growing ornamental plants, it is also known as “The Holland of Iran”.
It is also known as “The Legendary Paradise” to foreign tourists since it is located in the mountainside, contains many gardens and fields to cultivate ornamental plants, and lies far away from factories and centers polluting the air. Due to having a pleasant climate and capability of growing flowers and plants, Mahallat is an ideal position for export and attracting global markets of flowers and plants.
Petroglyphs of Domsiah Village
Petroglyphs of the ancient village of Domsiah are forgotten ancient relics that have backgrounds older than seven thousand years. These petroglyphs are among the ancient relics of ancient Iran in Markazi province which were registered in the list of national relics, however, they are still ignored. You can visit these petroglyphs by traveling to Khomeyn town.
Dr. Hesabi’s Memorial
Dr. Mahmud Hesabi is the father of physics in Iran. He was one of the students of Albert Einstein. For many years, he lectured at famous European universities. His tomb is now located near the university of Tafresh.
Chal Nakhjir Cave
This cave is located 8 km distance to the north of the town of Delijan. It has been formed due to corrosion and tectonic factors of geology and is mainly crystallized. This cave contains a large number of decorative stones. The height of this cave is almost 20 meters. At the end of this cave, there is a pool of water which makes it one of the most beautiful caves in the world.
Naragh Bazaar
The bazaar was created in the Qajar era. The building is mostly made of brick. The architecture of the bazaar, commercial offices, covered parts, and domes are very fine and exquisite.
Mahallat Thermal Spring
This thermal spring is located in the northeast of the city of Mahallat. The spring’s water is believed effective for the treatment of various diseases such as gout, liver, bile, kidney, and digesting problems. It is mainly used during the spring and summer seasons.
Historical Attractions:
Saveh Friday-Prayer Mosque, red Mosque of Saveh, Shesh Nav Mosque of Tafresh, Friday-prayer mosque of Naragh, Sepahsalar Mosque and school in Arak, Haft Adodotan shrine of Sarough, Mohammad Tafresh shrine, Sahl Ibn Ali shrine in Arak, Pir Moradabad Mausoleum in Arak, hoy Masroup Church in Arak, Governmental Palace in Arak, Haj vakil Palace in Arak, Dodahak and Shah Abbasi Caravanserais, Dodahak, and Do Ab bridges, Chahar Fasl bathhouse in Arak, Bazar-e Feragh Complex, house of Imam Khomeini, Aveh historical site, Khurheh historical site, and Teimareh stone Tablets.
Natural Attractions:
Haftad Gholleh Preserved zone, Mighan lake, hot springs of Mahallat, Chal Nakhjabir cave.