Sāveh, Iran
Region: Markazi Province
Geographic Coordinates: 35.021400, 50.356700
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 30.0°C (41°F to 86°F)
Climate: Dry and arid with hot summers and cool winters.
Population: 220762
Language: Persian
Sāveh is a stunning city located in the Markazi Province of Iran. The city sits at an altitude of 1, 430 meters above sea level and covers an area of roughly 2, 400 square kilometers. With a population of approximately 80, 000 people, Sāveh is renowned for its rich history, Culture, And natural beauty. One of the most notable landmarks in Sāveh is an ancient castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. This castle dates back to the Sassanid era and was once used as a military stronghold to defend against invading armies.
Today it’s a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore its ruins and learn about its fascinating history. Another must-see destination in Sāveh is the remarkable Imamzadeh Mosque complex. This stunning mosque showcases intricate tile work and architecture that reflects traditional Iranian design elements. The mosque also houses several tombs of famous religious figures from the region. For nature enthusiasts, Sāveh offers plenty of opportunities to explore its breathtaking natural landscapes. One popular destination for outdoor lovers is Mount Karkas which stands at an elevation over 3, 800 meters above sea level.
Visitors can hike up this mountain to enjoy awe-inspiring views from its summit or explore nearby valleys filled with lush greenery. In addition to its natural beauty and historical landmarks, Sāveh also boasts a vibrant cultural scene that celebrates local traditions through music, Dance performances, And art exhibitions throughout the year. One such festival called Tirgan takes place during July when locals celebrate their Persian heritage by dancing under waterfalls while wearing traditional clothing. Overall, Sāveh offers visitors an exceptional blend of ancient history, Culture, Nature, And modernity.
Its rich heritage combined with friendly locals make it one-of-a-kind destination worth exploring for anyone interested in experiencing Iranian culture firsthand!
Important Landmarks
- Imamzadeh Mahruq Shrine: a famous holy shrine dedicated to the grandson of Imam Musa al-Kadhim.
- Golestan Palace: a historical palace built during the Qajar dynasty that is now open to visitors as a museum.
- Sāveh Dam: a large dam located on the Jajrood River that provides water for irrigation and electricity generation.
- Cheshmeh Ali Hill: a scenic hill offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Khorheh Ancient City: an archaeological site dating back to prehistoric times with ruins of ancient buildings and structures.
- Bagh-e Shahzadeh Park: a beautiful park with lush gardens, fountains, and pavilions built during the Safavid era.
- Jame Mosque of Sāveh: one of the oldest mosques in Iran with intricate tilework and architecture from different periods throughout history.
- Darband Cave: a natural cave located near Sāveh with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations inside it.
- Gavkhouni Wetland Reserve: an important wetland area home to various bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, ducks, etc., located just outside Sāveh city limits.
- Rudkhan Castle: An ancient castle situated on top of Rudkhan mountain which dates back to Sassanid era (224 AD-651 AD).
Primary Industries
- Agriculture: Sāveh is known for its fertile soil and agricultural products such as wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables.
- Textile manufacturing: There are several textile factories in Sāveh that produce fabrics, carpets, and rugs.
- Cement production: The city has a large cement plant that produces cement for construction purposes.
- Mineral extraction: Sāveh has several mines that extract minerals such as iron ore and coal.
- Food processing: There are many food processing companies in the city that produce dairy products, canned foods, and sweets.
- Construction industry: Due to the growth of the city’s population over recent years there has been an increase in construction activities like building houses or commercial buildings.
- Additionally there are some small businesses such as shops or restaurants which provide services to locals or tourists visiting the area.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Saveh: In 1836, the Persian forces defeated a Russian army in the Battle of Saveh, which was one of the major battles during the Russo-Persian War.
- Sheikh Fazlollah Noori: A prominent Shia cleric who was born in Saveh and played an important role in Iran’s Constitutional Revolution.
- Shah Abbas I: The Safavid king who built a palace complex called Chehel Sotoun in Saveh during his reign from 1588 to 1629.
- Amir Kabir: The prime minister of Iran under Naser al-Din Shah Qajar who was exiled to Saveh before being assassinated by order of the shah.
- Hassan Sabbah: The founder of the Nizari Ismaili state known as Alamut, which had its headquarters near Saveh in the 11th century.
- Imam Khomeini: The leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution who spent some time studying and teaching at a seminary school in Saveh during his youth.
- Ali Akbar Dehkhoda: A prominent linguist and lexicographer who compiled one of the most comprehensive Persian dictionaries called Dehkhoda Dictionary, which has its roots in his hometown, Saveh.
- Tughril Beg: The founder and first ruler of Seljuk Empire who is believed to have died near Saveh while on his way to Baghdad for pilgrimage purposes.
Note that this list is not exhaustive but highlights some significant events/people associated with Saveh throughout history.
Museums and Things To See
- Jameh Mosque of Saveh
- Imamzadeh Seyyed Ali Akbar Shrine
- Saveh Museum
- Shazdeh Hosein Shrine
- Soltani Mosque of Saveh
- Narin Castle
- Khorheh Ancient City
- Aliabad Tower
- Ganj Nameh Inscriptions
- Qasr-e Bahram Caravanserai
Cultural Events
- Tirgan Festival: This festival is dedicated to the ancient Iranian goddess of rainwater, Tir and is celebrated on July 1st.
- Sadeh Festival: Celebrated on January 30th, this festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
- Nowruz Festival: This festival celebrates Persian New Year and is observed on March 21st.
- Mehregan Festival: Held in October, this festival commemorates friendship, love, and kindness among people.
- Yalda Night: Marking the birth of Mithra (the sun god) in ancient Persian mythology, this festival falls on December 21st or 22nd (the longest night of the year).
- Ashura Day: Observed by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for Imam Hussein’s death at Karbala in Iraq in AD 680; this day falls either in September or October depending upon Islamic calendar.
Please note that these dates may vary from year to year as they follow different calendars such as Gregorian or Islamic calendar etc.
Cuisine
- Kabab-e-Soltani: This is a traditional Iranian dish made with grilled lamb or beef and served with rice.
- Tahchin: This is a delicious rice dish made with saffron, yogurt, and chicken or lamb.
- Lavashak: This is a type of fruit leather that is popular as a snack in Iran.
- Shandiz Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Iranian dishes like kababs, stews, and rice dishes.
- Kebab Mahi Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes like grilled fish and shrimp kebabs.
- Haji Firouz Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Iranian dishes like tahchin, stews, and grilled meats.
- Safron Coffee Shop & Restaurant: This cafe serves coffee and tea along with traditional Iranian snacks like lavashak and pastries.
- Golha Cafe & Restaurant: This cafe serves breakfast items like omelets along with traditional Iranian dishes for lunch and dinner.
Parks and Recreation
- Shahid Rajaee Park: Located in the heart of the city, this park offers a range of recreational activities such as walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas and sports facilities.
- Ab-e Garm Hot Springs: These hot springs are situated just outside the city and provide visitors with an opportunity to relax in natural thermal waters.
- Karkas Mountain: This mountain is located near Sāveh and has hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Imamzadeh Jafar ibn Ali Shrine: A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, this shrine boasts beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
- Lake Tashk: Situated about 30 km from Sāveh, this lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities.
- Bagh-e Golshan Park: Known for its beautiful gardens filled with flowers and trees native to Iran.
- Qal’eh Dokhtar Castle: An ancient castle dating back to the Sassanid era (224-651 AD) that gives visitors a glimpse into Iran’s rich history.
- Gavkhouni Wetland Reserve: This wetland reserve is home to various species of birds and other wildlife making it an ideal spot for birdwatching or nature photography.