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Among the ancient
cities, Hamadan has a special place, some historians
believe that Hamadan’s construction dates back to
3000 B.C. and according to an inscription from the
first Assyrien king its date backs to 1100 BC. Thus
one of Iran’s oldest cities, located in the Central
Zagros Range, Hamadan was once the Median capital
Hagmatana (Greek form Ecbatana).
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Ganj Nameh |
As an important
Achaemenian capital Hamadan was graced with great
palaces and temples the remains of which now lie
beneath the modem town. Excavations now being
carried at the Hagmatana hills reveal remains of
Median and Achaemenian administrative buildings on
an extensive level. Ganj- Nameh (Treasure Book), the
oldest Achaemenian rock carving of the area is
located on the slopes of Mount Alvand. Hamadan also
was capital of several dynasties that have ruled
Iran through the ages. The world famous Iranian
physician and philosopher, Avicenna (10th AD.) lived
in this city for several years and his mausoleum is
located in this city. The tomb of a famous mystic
poet contemporary of Avicenna, Baba Taher, is here
too. The other attractions in Hamadan are: Gombad-e
Alavian, Shir-e Sangi (stone lion), Shrine of Esther
and Mardocai. |
