shamas

Shamas is a small rural settlement located in the western part of Iran, within the administrative boundaries of Hamadan Province. The village forms part of the Malayer County’s Jowkar District and is incorporated into the Jowkar Rural District. According to the national census conducted in 2006, Shamas had a population of approximately 1,150 residents distributed among 280 families, reflecting a modest population density typical of the region’s agrarian communities.

Geographically, Shamas lies on the foothills of the Zagros mountain range, benefitting from a temperate climate marked by cool winters and mild, wet summers. The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture and animal husbandry; wheat, barley, and various legumes constitute the primary crops, while residents also raise sheep and goats for meat, milk, and wool. Small-scale trade and craft production, particularly carpet weaving and pottery, contribute additional income for households.

Culturally, the village’s inhabitants are primarily ethnic Persians who speak a local dialect of Persian. Traditional customs revolve around seasonal agricultural cycles, with festivals such as Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and harvest celebrations observed in communal gatherings. Educational facilities include a primary school that serves the village and neighboring hamlets, while secondary education is typically pursued in larger towns within Malayer County.

Infrastructure in Shamas has gradually improved over recent decades, with paved roads connecting it to the county capital, access to electricity, and a basic health clinic providing primary medical services. Nonetheless, challenges remain in areas such as water management, modern sanitation, and retaining younger populations, who often migrate to urban centers for employment and higher education.