Malāyer, Iran
Region: Malayer is located in the Hamadan province of Iran
Geographic Coordinates: 34.296900, 48.823600
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild and rainy winters.
Population: 170237
Language: Persian
Malāyer is a city in the Hamadan province of western Iran that boasts a rich history and culture dating back to ancient times. The city is situated between two mountain ranges, Alvand and Abbasabad, Which offer picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking. One of Malāyer’s main attractions is the Ganjnameh Inscriptions, Which are etched into rocks on Mount Alvand and date back to the Achaemenid Empire. These inscriptions contain texts written in Old Persian, Elamite, And Babylonian languages that document King Darius I’s accomplishments during his reign. Another historical site worth visiting is Hegmataneh Hill.
This hill was home to an ancient city called Hegmataneh that was destroyed by Alexander the Great during his conquests. Visitors can explore ruins from this period as well as artifacts from other periods of Iranian history at a nearby museum. In addition to its historical significance, Malāyer is known for its handicrafts like carpet weaving and pottery making. There’s an annual handicrafts festival where visitors can see artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs. For those interested in religion, There are several mosques located throughout Malāyer showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture.
One notable mosque is Jame Mosque with its intricate tile work and ornate minarets. Foodies will appreciate Malāyer’s cuisine including dishes like khorak-e loobia sabz (green bean stew), Ash-e reshteh (noodle soup), Fesenjan (pomegranate walnut stew), Kebabs, And rice pilaf served up in local restaurants alongside traditional Iranian favorites. Overall, Malāyer offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature artistry, And cuisine all within one small city, Making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iran.
- Hegmataneh Hill: This ancient hill was once the capital of the Medes Empire.
- Ganjnameh Inscriptions: A set of two cuneiform inscriptions located on a rockface near Hamadan.
- Baba Taher Tomb: The tomb of Baba Taher, a Persian poet and mystic from the 11th century.
- Malayer Bazaar: A traditional bazaar with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Imamzadeh Hossein Shrine: A Shia shrine dedicated to Hossein ibn Ali’s son, Imam Hussein.
- Malayer Clock Tower: A clock tower built in the early 20th century during the Qajar dynasty.
- Ali Sadr Cave: One of Iran’s largest caves located near Hamadan with underground lakes and boat rides available for visitors to explore its beauty.
- Alavian Dome: An octagonal brick structure that was once part of a mosque built during Seljuk era in 12th century AD.
- Agriculture
- Wheat
- Barley
- Fruits
- Livestock farming
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Poultry
- Textile manufacturing
- Carpets and rugs
- Construction materials production
- Bricks
- Tiles
- Cement
- Food processing
- Dairy products
- Canned foods
- Tourism
- Historical sites such as the ancient city of Hegmataneh
- Small-scale handicrafts
- Small businesses related to trade transportation and services
- Malayer witnessed a significant conflict between the Persian army and Alexander the Great in 330 BC.
- Zoroastrianism held great importance during ancient times in Malayer, with many renowned priests hailing from the city.
- The Islamic conquest of Persia saw numerous battles fought in and around Malayer, cementing its role in history.
- Ferdowsi, a celebrated Persian poet, resided in Malayer for some time during his life.
- During the Safavid era, Malayer emerged as a crucial hub for carpet weaving and continues to produce exquisite rugs even today.
- Many notable Iranian politicians have hailed from Malayer over the years, including former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and current Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri.
- The city boasts several cultural landmarks of significance including historic mosques and shrines dedicated to prominent figures from Islamic history.
- Hegmataneh Hill Archaeological Site
- Ganjnameh Inscriptions
- Malayer Grand Mosque
- Malayer Bazaar
- Imamzadeh Ibrahim Shrine
- Khodabandehloo Mansion Museum
- Tappe-ye Hessar Historical Site
- Haj Ali Darvish Bathhouse Museum
- Imamzadeh Abdollah Shrine
- Soltaniyeh Dome (located nearby in Zanjan province)
- Malayer Carpet Festival: This festival celebrates the art of carpet weaving, which is a significant industry in Malāyer. Visitors can see various types of carpets and rugs on display, as well as watch demonstrations of the weaving process.
- Nowruz: Nowruz is the Persian New Year, celebrated on March 21st each year. In Malāyer, people celebrate with traditional food, music, and dancing.
- Saffron Harvest Festival: Saffron is another important industry in Malāyer, and this festival celebrates the harvest season. Visitors can learn about saffron cultivation and processing techniques while enjoying traditional food and music.
- Qashqai Nomad Festival: The Qashqai are a nomadic tribe that has lived in Iran for centuries. This festival celebrates their culture with traditional music, dance performances, and handicrafts.
- Grape Harvest Festival: Grape cultivation is an important industry in Malāyer, and this festival celebrates the grape harvest season with wine tastings and cultural performances.
- Imamzadeh Hossein Shrine Ceremony: This religious ceremony takes place at the Imamzadeh Hossein Shrine in Malāyer every year during Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar). It involves mourning rituals to commemorate the death of Imam Hossein (a grandson of Prophet Muhammad) at Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
- Traditional Music Festival: This festival features performances by local musicians playing traditional Iranian instruments such as tar (a stringed instrument), daf (a type of drum), santur (a hammered dulcimer),and ney(a flute).
- Kebab Malayeri: A local specialty dish of grilled lamb or beef served with rice and herbs.
- Dizi: A traditional Iranian stew made with lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
- Baghlava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and honey syrup.
- Shater Abbas Restaurant: Serves traditional Iranian cuisine including kebabs, stews, and rice dishes.
- Golha Restaurant: Offers a variety of Iranian dishes including kebabs, stews, soups, and salads.
- Cafe Bistoon: Serves coffee and tea along with light meals such as sandwiches and pastries.
- Haji Firouz Traditional House Restaurant: Located in an old traditional house serving authentic Persian cuisine including kebabs and stews cooked over open fire pits.
- Malayer Park: A large park with walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a lake.
- Shahid Beheshti Park: A popular park with a variety of recreational activities including tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skatepark.
- Golestan-e-Shohada Park: A peaceful park with beautiful gardens and a small pond.
- Hafez Abad Forest Park: A forested area with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Khorramabad Waterfall: A scenic waterfall located just outside of Malāyer that is popular for hiking and picnicking.
- Ab Anbar Water Reservoir: An historic water reservoir that has been converted into a public park with walking paths and picnic areas.
- Golshahr Recreational Complex: An amusement park with rides, games, and other attractions for families to enjoy.
- Malayer Ski Resort: A small ski resort located in the nearby mountains that offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
