Tucked away in the foothills of Iran’s Alvand Mountains, Hamadan is no ordinary city. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places, with roots reaching back around 3,000 years.
Central Square (Hamadan)/Arpourabedin/Wikimedia Commons
This city has seen empires rise and fall, yet it remains a vibrant, living testament to Iran’s layered past.
A capital of empires
Hamadan once served as the capital of the ancient Median Empire, a role that set it at the crossroads of political power and cultural exchange. Over time, it became a key city for the mighty Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian dynasties—each leaving behind traces of their influence.
Tested by time
History hasn’t always been kind to Hamadan. It endured the fury of Alexander the Great’s conquests, survived the devastation of Mongol invasions, and weathered countless regional conflicts. Yet its strategic location along ancient trade routes helped it bounce back again and again. Merchants, scholars, and settlers were drawn to its fertile plains, abundant fresh water, and status as a cultural and administrative centre.
A modern city with an ancient soul
Tomb of Avicenna/Mohammad Pourghorbanali/Wikimedia Commons
Today’s Hamadan offers the buzz of modern life set against a backdrop of deep heritage. Its distinctive star-shaped layout, introduced during the reign of Reza Shah in the 20th century, overlays a much older urban footprint. Visitors can explore its tree-lined boulevards and bustling bazaars, knowing they walk the same paths as countless generations before them.
One of the city’s most striking landmarks is the Tomb of Avicenna—a monument to the Persian polymath whose works in philosophy and medicine influenced both Eastern and Western thought. The tomb’s museum houses manuscripts, artifacts, and an insight into the mind of one of history’s great thinkers.
Why visit Hamadan
For travellers seeking more than just a postcard-perfect destination, Hamadan offers an experience steeped in authenticity. You can stand in the remnants of ancient Ecbatana, browse centuries-old markets, and breathe in crisp mountain air as you trace the footsteps of kings, scholars, and traders.
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