Hamadan

Hamadan is a city in western Iran and the capital of Hamadan Province. It lies in the Zagros Mountains at an elevation of about 1,850 meters above sea level, giving it a cold, continental climate with hot summers and snowy winters. The city is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Iran and serves as an important regional center for culture and education.

Historically, Hamadan is identified with Ecbatana, the ancient Median capital mentioned by classical authors. The area contains archaeological remains from the Median and Achaemenid periods, and the nearby Ganjnameh Inscriptions record royal decrees from Darius the Great and his successors. The modern city grew through the Islamic period and into the contemporary era.

Prominent sights include the Tomb of Avicenna (Ibn Sina) Mausoleum, a major monument dedicated to the Persian polymath who died in the city, and the nearby ruins associated with Ecbatana. The area around Mount Alvand features the Ganjnameh inscriptions. These sites attract researchers and visitors interested in ancient Iran.

Hamadan functions as an administrative and educational hub. It hosts the University of Hamadan and several colleges and research centers. The local economy blends government services, trade, manufacturing, and handicrafts such as carpet weaving and pottery. The city is connected by road to Tehran and other major centers, and it hosts Hamadan International Airport, providing domestic flights.

Population figures vary, but the city has hundreds of thousands of residents.