Arāk, Iran
Region: Markazi Province
Geographic Coordinates: 34.091700, 49.689200
Climate: Dry and hot summers, cool winters with occasional snowfall.
Population: 520944
Language: Persian
Arāk is a stunning city located in the Markazi province of Iran, Situated on the western side of the Iranian plateau and surrounded by mountains and hills. The city has a rich history dating back to 4000 BC, With evidence of human settlement found in nearby caves. One of Arāk’s most significant landmarks is its impressive castle dating back to the Sassanian era. This fortress served as a military stronghold during various wars and conflicts over time, Including during the Mongol invasion. Today, It stands as a testament to Iran’s ancient history and attracts many tourists every year.
Arāk’s beautiful parks and gardens offer breathtaking views of nature. Sarbandan Park features a large artificial lake surrounded by trees and greenery where visitors can enjoy boating or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty around them. The city boasts several museums showcasing its rich cultural heritage, Including artifacts from different periods of Iranian history displayed at Markazi Museum. For an authentic shopping experience, Tourists must visit Arak’s bazaar where they can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern clothing stores offering fashionable items at affordable prices.
Arak’s cuisine offers visitors an opportunity to sample some delicious dishes unique to this region of Iran such as Abgoosht made with lamb meat cooked with chickpeas and potatoes in a tomato-based broth served with bread or rice. Overall, Arak offers visitors an opportunity to experience authentic Iranian culture while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty along with historical sites that are sure to leave lasting impressions on anyone who visits this amazing city!
- Soltan Abad Castle: A historical castle built during the Seljuk era.
- Imamzadeh Hossein Shrine: A beautiful shrine dedicated to Imam Hossein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
- Arak Bazaar: A traditional market selling various products such as spices, clothes, and handicrafts.
- Shazdeh Garden: A stunning garden built during the Qajar era with fountains, pools, and beautiful trees.
- Chahar Fasl Museum: A museum displaying artifacts from different periods of Iranian history.
- Mount Khoshakhan: A popular hiking destination with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mahallat Hot Springs: Natural hot springs located near Arāk that are believed to have healing properties.
- Khorheh Ancient City: An ancient city dating back to the Sassanid era with ruins of a palace and temple complex.
- Gavkhouni Wetland Park: An ecological park with diverse flora and fauna species located near Arāk city center.
- Tappeh Hessar Archaeological Site: An ancient site containing ruins from prehistoric times until Parthian period which is considered as one of most important archaeological sites in Iran.
- Steel production: Arāk is home to the largest steel production facility in Iran, the Arak Steel Complex.
- Petrochemicals: There are numerous petrochemical plants in the city that produce various chemicals like methanol, ammonia, urea, and other products.
- Cement: The city houses several cement factories that manufacture different types of cement for construction purposes.
- Textile manufacturing: Several textile factories in Arāk produce a wide range of textiles such as cotton fabrics and yarns.
- Food processing: The city has a number of food processing facilities that manufacture dairy products, canned foods, snacks, and other food items.
- Automotive industry: Many automotive companies have established their plants in Arāk to manufacture cars and auto parts.
- Construction materials: Multiple companies produce construction materials like bricks, tiles, ceramics etc., which are used in building projects throughout Iran.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Various pharmaceutical companies operate from the city producing medicines for local consumption as well as export purposes.
Overall these industries play an essential role in driving economic growth within the region by providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to GDP growth of Iran.
- The Battle of Arak occurred in 1730 between Nader Shah’s forces and the Safavid Empire.
- Mirza Kuchik Khan, a revolutionary against foreign influence in Iran during the early 20th century, was born in Arak.
- Reza Shah Pahlavi, founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and former king of Iran, ordered the construction of a major railway line passing through Arak.
- Members of the Qajar dynasty frequently visited or resided in Arak from 1785 to 1925 due to its location along important trade routes.
- Arak has been associated with Iran’s nuclear program due to its heavy water production plant which is subject to international scrutiny and negotiations.
- The Soltan Hosein Mosque is a famous historical landmark dating back to the Safavid era with unique architectural elements such as intricate tilework and calligraphy.
- Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a prominent politician who served as president of Iran from 1989-1997, was born near Arak and spent much time there during his youth before rising to national prominence.
- Abbas Abad Garden Palace is a historic palace complex built by members of the Qajar dynasty featuring stunning architecture including intricate stonework and lush gardens.
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s father lived for many years in this city before moving on towards Karachi where he had his son Mohammad Ali Jinnah who later became founder Of Pakistan.
- Arak University of Medical Sciences is one of Iran’s most prestigious universities that has produced many notable doctors and medical researchers over the years.
- Arak Museum of Natural History
- Arak Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography
- Arak City Park
- Imamzadeh Seyyed Mohammad Shrine
- Chahar Fasl Museum Complex
- Soltani Mosque (also known as the Friday Mosque)
- Khomeini House of Culture and Art Center
- Amir Kabir Dam
- Shazdeh Garden
- Gavkhouni Wetland National Park
- Arak F.C: Founded in 1946, Arak Football Club is one of the oldest football clubs in Iran. The club has participated in various domestic leagues and tournaments over the years.
- Sanat Naft Abadan F.C.: Established by National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) employees in 1973, Sanat Naft Abadan Football Club played its home games at Takhti Stadium until it moved to Shahid Beheshti Stadium in 2014.
- Saba Qom F.C.: Saba Qom Football Club was founded in 2001 and played its home games at Imam Khomeini Stadium until it was demolished for reconstruction purposes.
- Shahrdari Arak Volleyball Club: Representing the city of Arak since its establishment, Shahrdari Arak Volleyball Club participates in Iranian volleyball leagues.
- Arman Gahar Sirjan Handball club: This team from Sirjan, a small town near Arak was promoted to super league for the first time last year.
- Arak International Film Festival: This annual festival showcases films from various countries.
- Arak Traditional Music Festival: Musicians from all over Iran gather to celebrate traditional Iranian music at this festival.
- Arak Book Fair: Local publishers and those from other parts of Iran display their books at this event.
- Arak Carpet Exhibition: A diverse array of Persian carpets made by local weavers is exhibited at this event.
- Norouz (Iranian New Year): Celebrated throughout Iran, Norouz includes activities such as spring cleaning and family gatherings.
- Ashura: A religious festival commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein that takes place on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar (usually in September or October).
- Shahr-e Sorkh Park is a spacious public park that offers visitors walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Arak Zoo is a well-liked attraction for families as it houses a wide variety of animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and monkeys.
- Choghazanbil Recreation Center is an excellent location for sports enthusiasts with its facilities for swimming, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
- Khurramabad Park is another public park in Arak that boasts of beautiful gardens and fountains.
- Khorheh Historical Site provides visitors with an opportunity to explore ancient archaeological sites through hiking trails and tours of the ruins.
- Gavkhouni Wetland Reserve is a protected area where birdwatching enthusiasts can spot various species of birds while enjoying photography opportunities.
- Sefid Ab Park’s scenic location near the Zayandeh Rud River makes it ideal for picnics and outdoor activities like fishing and boating.
- Mahyar Recreational Complex features indoor waterparks along with other entertainment options like bowling alleys, arcade games, cinema screens etc.,
- The Arak Grand Bazaar has been around since the Safavid era (1501-1736)
- Imamzadeh Saleh Shrine’s stunning garden surroundings make it an excellent place to relax or have a picnic.
