Bahār, Iran
Region: Hamadan
Geographic Coordinates: 34.907200, 48.441400
Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild winters with occasional snowfall.
Population: 673405
Language: Persian
Bahār is a charming small city located in the Markazi province of Iran. It is situated approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Tehran and has a population of around 45, 000 people. The city’s altitude is at 1, 700 meters above sea level and it boasts beautiful mountains and valleys that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Bahār gets its name from the Persian word for spring which reflects the abundance of water sources in the area. The Bahār River provides irrigation for agriculture in the region and serves as a recreational spot for locals and tourists alike.
One of Bahār’s most prominent landmarks is Qal’eh Haji or Haji Castle which dates back to the Seljuk era (11th-14th century). This castle served as a military fortress to protect against invasions from neighboring regions. Today, It stands as an impressive testament to Iran’s rich history and architecture. The traditional bazaar or market in Bahār dates back to the Qajar era (18th-19th century) and features various shops selling local handicrafts such as pottery, Carpets, Textiles, And jewelry. Visitors can immerse themselves in Iranian culture by exploring this bustling marketplace.
Apart from historical landmarks, Bahār offers plenty of outdoor activities for adventure seekers such as hiking or trekking through mountains with breathtaking views. There are also several caves worth exploring like Ali Sadr Cave which features underground lakes that visitors can explore by boat. Bahāri cuisine includes local specialties such as ash-e reshteh (a hearty soup made with beans and noodles), Kebab koobideh (grilled minced meat), Fesenjan (a stew made with pomegranate paste and chicken), Sangak bread, Lavash bread among others.
Overall, Bahār offers a unique blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty making it an excellent destination worth exploring while visiting Iran.
- Khorramabad Castle: A historical castle located on a hill overlooking the city.
- Ganjnameh Inscriptions: Ancient inscriptions carved into rocks that date back to the Achaemenid Empire.
- Shapouri House: A traditional Persian mansion built in the early 20th century that features beautiful architecture and gardens.
- Laleh Park: A large public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Bisheh Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located in a scenic valley outside of Bahār.
- Imamzadeh Mohammad Mahrooq Shrine: An important religious site that attracts many pilgrims each year.
- Gahar Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains that offers boating and fishing opportunities.
- Bishapur City Ruins: The ruins of an ancient city founded by the Sassanian Empire in the 3rd century AD.
It is important to check travel advisories before planning any trip to Iran or any other country for safety reasons due to political tensions between Iran and some countries.
- Agriculture
- Wheat
- Barley
- Cotton
- Animal husbandry
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Goats
- Handicrafts
- Pottery
- Carpet weaving
- Textile manufacturing
- Fabrics for clothing and other applications
- Food processing
- Dairy products
- Canned fruits
- Construction materials production
- Brick making
- Transportation services
- Trucking companies
- Taxi operators
- Retail trade
- Businesses offering goods to consumers
- Healthcare services
- Hospitals
- Clinics providing medical care to the community
- Education services
- Schools at all levels from primary through tertiary education institutions
Historical Events in Bahār
- The Battle of Nahāvand: This battle took place in 642 CE near Bahār and marked the end of the Sassanian Empire.
- The Mongol invasion: In the 13th century, Bahār was invaded by the Mongols who destroyed much of the city.
- The Constitutional Revolution: During this period (1905-1911), Bahār played an important role in supporting constitutionalists who sought to establish a democratic system in Iran.
- The Iran-Iraq War: In the 1980s, Bahār was located near the front lines of this devastating conflict that lasted for eight years.
Notable People Associated with Bahār
- Mirza Kuchak Khan: A prominent figure during the Constitutional Revolution, he led a successful rebellion against foreign powers and established an independent state in northern Iran.
- Ali Shariati: A famous Iranian philosopher and sociologist who was born in Mazinan village near Bahar (1933-1977).
- Ahmad Kasravi: An Iranian historian and linguist known for his critical approach to Islam and traditional Persian culture (1890-1946).
- Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf : An Iranian conservative politician who served as mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017, he was born in Bam village near Bahar (1961).
- Bahar Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
- Bahar Cultural Center
- The Tomb of Sheikh Ali Asghar
- Soltani Mosque
- The Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Mohammad
- Ashraf Hall
- Jahan Nama Garden
- The House of Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali
- Shohada Park
- The Tower of Aliabad
- Nowruz: Persian New Year celebrated on March 21st every year.
- Eid al-Fitr: Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan.
- Yalda Night: Longest night of the year celebrated on December 21st with family gatherings, food and drink.
- Chaharshanbe Suri: Festival held on last Wednesday before Nowruz where people light bonfires and jump over them to ward off evil spirits.
- Ashura: Shia Muslim holiday commemorating martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
- Mehregan Festival: Celebration of autumn held in October or November with music, dance, and traditional foods.
- Sizdah Bedar: National day for outdoor picnics on April 2nd after celebrating Nowruz for thirteen days indoors.
- Tirgan Festival : Ancient Iranian water festival held annually during summer solstice (June 22nd).
Note that this list is not exhaustive as there may be other local celebrations or events specific to Bahār or its surrounding areas that are not listed here but widely observed by locals.
- Kabab-e-koobideh: A traditional dish consisting of seasoned ground beef or lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal.
- Tahchin: A layered rice dish with chicken or meat filling.
- Mirza Ghasemi: A smoked eggplant dip mixed with tomatoes and garlic.
- Sholeh Zard: A sweet saffron rice pudding dessert topped with cinnamon and almonds.
- Khoresht-e-Gheymeh: A stew made with yellow split peas, tomato paste, diced meat (usually lamb), and dried limes.
Some popular restaurants in Bahār that serve these dishes include:
- Arman Restaurant
- Kebabchi Restaurant
- Golha Restaurant
- Behrooz Kababi Restaurant
- Sabzi Polow Mahi Shirazi Restaurant
- Bagh-e-Shahr Park: This is a large public park located in the heart of Bahār. It has beautiful gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Eram Park: Another popular park in Bahār with lush greenery and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, sports facilities, and a lake for boating.
- Bahār Sports Complex: This complex has facilities for various sports like football, volleyball, basketball etc., making it a great spot for sports enthusiasts.
- Ski Resort: Located just outside of Bahār city limits is the Shemshak Ski Resort which offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities during winter months.
- Hiking Trails: The surrounding mountains offer several hiking trails that provide stunning views of the valley below.
- Horseback Riding: There are several stables that offer horseback riding tours through the countryside around Bahār.
- Cycling Tours: Visitors can rent bicycles or join cycling tours to explore the city’s surroundings while enjoying nature at its best.
- Paragliding & Hang Gliding : For those who love adventure sports , there are options for paragliding & hang gliding from nearby mountains with professional instructors.
