Khuzestan

Main Townships: Abadan, Ahvaz, Dezful, Khoram Shahr, Masjed Soleiman, Shoosh, Shooshtar, etc. Main Attractions: Acropol (Shoosh) Castle, Choqazanbil Temple (Ziggurat), Danial-e-Nabi Mausoleum, Karoon River Banks, Shaoor (Ardeshir) Palace, Shoosh Museum, etc.

Townships, Khuzestan

Abadan

The township of Abadan is located to the southwest of the province, and experiences short winters and long warm summers, along with a high percentage of humidity. Abadan is a delta shaped island, with its base facing towards the Persian Gulf and its head towards Khoram Shahr. Previously it was supposed to be called "Khezr Island" but later on it was known as "Ebadan". In 1935 "Ebadan" changed to "Abadan". Its center is the city of Abadan, which lies at a distance of 1,000 km. from Tehran.

At the end of the 13th century AH, due to the presence of the oil industry, Abadan developed and expanded. In the year 1909, the refinery factories were erected, which unfortunately suffered heavy damage during the imposed war between Iran and Iraq. After which it is gradually regaining its former status. This refinery is one of the attractive sites of the city of Abadan, and is one of the oldest and largest refineries in the world.

Ahvaz

The township of Ahvaz is situated in the central portion of the province and has a warm and humid climate. Ahvaz is the center and largest city of the province and is located 874 km. from Tehran. In ancient times it was called "Hormozd Ardeshir" and then "Soq-ol-Ahvaz". Later on it was known as "Naseri". Some historians have mentioned it as "Algeenis".

There is a strong possibility that the city of Ahvaz is located on the site of the old city of "Taryana". Ardeshir Sassanide I rebuilt Taryana and named it "Hormozd Ardeshir". During his reign and that of his successors, the city prospered, and instead of Susa became the capital of "Suziana" (Khuzestan). At the time that the Arabs gained control of Suziana, Hormozd Ardeshir was re-named to Soq-ol-Ahvaz , meaning the market of Khuzis or Hoories.

During the period of Omavi and Abbasides Caliphs, Ahvaz city flourished and became the center for the cultivation of sugar-cane. But at the end of the 3rd century AH due to upheavvals of Saheb-ol-Zanj it witnessed a decline. Later on efforts were put for recapturing its fame, but in the mid 9th century AH, the destruction of its large dam further more intensified the decline of the city from the former position that it was used to enjoy.

The construction of the Suez Canal, improved trade and shipping on Karoon River, and reformation of Bandar-e-Naseri as a port during the Qajar era, once again caused flourishing of Ahvaz, and its name was changed to Naseriyeh. During Pahlavi period, the city was re-gained its old name,i.e.,'Ahvaz'. At present it plays an important role regarding the cultural, economical and industrial fields in Iran as well as being one of the highly populated areas of the province.

Andimeshk

The township of Andimeshk is located to the north of the Khuzestan province, on the southern slopes of Zagross mountains and at a distance of 726 km from Tehran. It has common borders with Lurestan.

The city of Andimeshk was constructed near the ruins of the ancient city of "Lur" (Aritareen). "Lur" was a flourishing city, and its name is mentioned in the records of ancient geographers,i.e., Estakhry and Moqadasi. "Lur" continued florishing till mid ages, since then it was demolished and turned into a ruin. In the Qajar era, Andimeshk gained further glory and importance due to construction of a castle by "Haj Saleh Khan Mokri", and thereby came to be known as "Saleh Abad", and thence Andimeshk.

Baq-e-Malek

This township is situated to the east of the province, and has common borders with Kohkiluyeh Va Boyer Ahmad province. The city of Baq-e-Malek is located at a distance of 1,024 km. from Tehran. This vicinity has a ancient historical background. The elevated regions, forests, natural landscapes and rivers have provided a great opportunity for development and florishing of this territory.

Behbahan

The township of Behbahan has a semi-desert like climate, with hot scorching summers and rainy winters. Its center is Behbahan city, which is located at a distance of 1,105 km. from Tehran. The ruling center of ancient times was known as "Qobad Foreh" and "Arkan". Qobad Ebne Firooz was the first person responsible for constructing "Arrehjan" (Behbahan) city.

During the Sassanian era, the city of Arrehjan which is located at a distance of 12 km. from the current city of Behbahan, was erected. After the destruction of Arrehjan city, the inhabitants flocked to Behbahan. In the 4th century BC the city of Arrehjan was fully populated, but in the second half of the 8th century, not a trace of Arrehjan remained, and in a short period the current city of Behbahan replaced the former.

Dasht-e-Azadegan

The said township is situated to the west of the province and it has a common border with Iraq. Its center is Sosangerd which is located at a distance of 941 km. from Tehran. It has warm and dry climate. Originally, Dasht-e-Azadehgan was known as "Bani Taraf" and in the year 1935, was changed to "Dasht-e-Mishan", and thence after the Islamic revolution, was re-named as "Dasht-e-Azadegan". The inhabitants of this vicinity are Arab tribes.

Till the year 1944, this area was a part of the Ahvaz township, later on it joined the Bostan district, and turned into the township of Dasht-e-Mishan (Dasht-e-Azadegan).

Dezful

The township of Dezful lies at a distance of 721 km. from Tehran, and is located to the north of Khuzestan province. Generally, it has a desert like and comparatively dry weather with hot summers and moderate winters. The word Dezful has been derived from the words 'Dejpol' or 'Despool', and in local language it is known as 'Dezpeel'. It is said that the people who constructed the bridge, erected a fort or "Dej" right at the beginning of the same to protect the bridge. Since then the name of "Dejpol" (fort bridge) has remained on this city.

Alike the city of Shooshtar, Dezful surpassed the city of Jondishahpur. On destruction of the latter, Dezful progressed to a greater extent. later on due to the devastating state of its water network, which was from the Sassanide period, the city and its surroundings were subject to heavy damages. Although, Dezful remained safe from the Mongol attacks, but later on came under the Ilkhanan jurisdiction, and did not show any resistance against the attacks of Amir Teimoor.

Nader Shah was responsible for safeguarding this vicinity against the Lors, and thereby erected a castle called Dej Shah a few kilometers to the northeast of Behbahan. Presently Dezful is one of the thriving and important cities of Khuzestan province.

Eazeh

The township of Eazeh has cold winters and moderate summers, with the city of Eazeh as its center. Eazeh lies at a distance of 1,082 km. from Tehran. This land was one of the old centers of civilization, even so during the Elamite period, and was considered as one of the prospering areas. The ancient "Anzan" or "Anshan" was also located close to the city of Eazeh.

The Greeks florished here during the time of the Selooki or Seleucidians. Even during the Sassanian period the old city of Eazeh existed. During the early Islamic period, this city proved to be one of the important cities of Khuzestan, and had an independent ruler. In the Attabak period, the city was called Malmir (Mal-e-Amir means belonging to Amir). Later on the name of Eazeh was completely forgotten, and it was during the Pahlavi reign that it was re-focused on. Till the year 1953, Eazeh was a district of Ahvaz and it was only in 1958 that it was claimed to be a township.

Khoram Shahr

The township of Khoram Shahr experiences extremely hot and humid weather, and the Port of Khoram Shahr (Bandar-e-Khoram Shahr), is located 994 km. from Tehran. In the 12th century AH, Khoram Shahr was nothing more than a small village, and it was only in the beginning of the 13th century that it changed into a reputed sea port. It was under interest due to its strategic position, and therefore suffered repeated foreign attacks. The Ottoman Empire in the year 1883 AD, Britain in the year 1857 AD, and finally Iraq in the year 1980, surrounded Khoram Shahr respectively.

Discovery of oil in 19th century and proximity to the oil refinery factory of Abadan frequently added to its importance. The old name of Khoram Shahr under the influence of the red color of the Karoon River was "Mohammarreh". During the imposed war of Iraq, this city suffered heavy damages and loss, besides being occupied by the enemy for a period of 575 days. Ultimately regaining its freedom on May 23, 1982.

Mah Shahr

The township of Mah Shahr lies at a distance of 1,025 km. from Tehran, and is located to the south of the province and along the coast of the Persian Gulf. It was formerly called "Bandar-e-Ma'shoor", and even long before that it was known as "Mahruyan" and "Machuleh". In the year 1965, its name was changed to "Bandar-e-Mah Shahr". The said had been one of the most important ports for export of oil from Iran, before Kharq was facilitated.

Today Mah Shahr is the focal point for export of gas and refinery products in Abadan. Most of the citizens of Mah Shahr mainly has been dwelled in the old sector of city which is located at a distance of 3 km. from the new site.

Masjed Soleiman

The said township is situated to the north of the province, and has common borders with Esfahan and Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari provinces. It accounts for being an important area as the 'winter residing quarter' for the Bakhtiyari tribes. This township is located in the mountainous areas as well as the plains, with moderate winters and warm summers. Its center being the city of Masjed Soleiman which lies at a distance of 1,030 km. from Tehran. Masjed Soleiman is one of the important cities of Khuzestan province regarding the oil industry.

According to archeological discoveries, evidences relative to the pre-historic ages and cavemen have been observed here. Furthermore, it is believed that Hushang Pishdadi by means of two flints (stones) discovered fire in this area. Masjed Soleiman held importance during the various reigns such as, the Elamites, Medes, Parsees, Seleucidians, Parthians and the Sassanids. This vicinity was the birthplace of Chish Pesh Parsi. Near the current city of Masjed Soleiman is the great fire-temple from the Parthian and Sassanide periods.

In the ancient times, this area was known as 'Tolqor', but in 1924 after the visit of Pahlavi I, and on his suggestion to the parliament, this vicinity was assigned Masjed Soleiman in the year 1926 by parliament, and today is one of the thriving and industrial cities of the province.

Ramhormoz

The township of Ramhormoz is situated to the east of the province and experiences a warm climate. Its center is Ramhormoz city, and lies at a distance of 1,008 km. from Tehran. It has common border with the province of Kohkiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad. Ramhormoz is a historical city and the founder is said to be Hormoz Sassani. Previousely it was known as "Samangan".

In spite of being a historical city, it remained under developed. The historical territory of Ramsheer is in this township, and the ruins of the ancient site of Ramsheer is at the vicinity of 3 km. The importance of Ramshir is more due to existance of the large bridge of Ramshir, built on Jarahi (Maroon) River, which acts as a link connecting the southern sea ports with Ramshir city. In recent years, Ramhormoz has regained its importance and is considered to be one of the fast developing and important townships of Khuzestan province.

Shadegan

Shadegan is one of the southern townships of Khuzestan province. Its center is the city of Shadegan which is located at 971 km. from Tehran. It experiences a warm and desert like climate. The old name of Shadegan was "Soroq" and its central government city was known as "Dowraq". Soroq is one of the townships of Khuzestan and the name of a river around which by the order of Ardeshir, the son of Bahman Esfandiyar some cities were excavated. Currently the city of Shadegan has expanded and is famous for its woven sleeveless cloaks (aba).

Shoosh (Susa)

The township of Shoosh is located to the northwest of the province, and has common borders with the Ilam province. Its center is the city of Shoosh which is at a distance of 1,010 km. from Tehran. It experiences a hot climate. Susa is considered to be one of the oldest centers of civilization throughout the globe. In archeological excavations, relics related to the pre-historic era have been discovered here. The Elamites were the first clans who were responsible for its flourishment.

During this reign Susa was proclaimed as a capital. Even after the Achaemenians gained control over Susa, the latter sustained its splendor and was selected as the winter capital by Dariush the Achaemenide. Till the beginning of the control by the moslems, Shoosh continued to thrive. In the year 1898 AD, the famous castle of Shoosh was constructed by "Morgan" on the northern part of the Acropol hill. The ancient name of Shoosh was 'Soos' or 'Dasht-e-Soosiana', and later on was changed to Shoosh.

Shooshtar

The township of Shooshtar is located at a distance of 831 km. from Tehran and has cold winters, but is warm for the rest of the year. Shooshtar lies to the north of Ahvaz. According to the Iranian mythology, the founder of this city is supposed to be Hushang Pishdadi. The conquest of Shooshtar by the moslems took place in the Omar caliphate period. Shooshtar at the times of Bani Omayeh, was in hands of "Khavarej" (those who had turned against religion).

In the year 820 AH, Amir Teimoor conquered this area and thereafter it became the center of the Shiite sect. In 1165-1167 AH. Nader Shah continously attacked this vicinity and in these battles many were killed. During the reign of Fathali Shah Qajar, the cities of Shooshtar, Dezful and Hoveyzeh, became a part of the Kermanshah province. In the reign of Mozzafar-edin-Shah, segregation among the two groups of "Heydari" and "Ne'mati" increased to its upmost level, and Khaz'al Khan encouraged the Arabs to assault Shooshtar. In Pahlavi era, after repeated unrest, the region ultimately gained peace, and today is considered to be one of the important cities of Khuzestan province.

Temples, Khuzestan

Bard Neshandeh Temple, Masjed Soleiman

Bard Neshandeh is one of the places of worship in ancient Iran where religious rituals were held in an open area. The structure of this relic belongs to the Parsee and Achaemenian periods, while the embossment works on stones dates back to the Parthian era. The statue of "Heraclitus" or "Hercules", with the hight of more than 2 m. was excavated from this temple. This vicinity consists of three distinctly seperated areas,i.e., the palace, a worship place of to the east of the palace and the residential areas placed to the north.

Valuable and historical relics have been discovered here, these are displayed and kept in local and museums abroad. The most important of these vestiges are, ancient statues, coins and earthenware.

Choqazanbil Temple (Ziggurat), Shoosh

Choqazanbil is situated at a distance of 45 km. south east of Shoosh, and is the only remnant of an ancient city, that was constructed approximately in 1300 BC. This city which was at the vicinity of 2 km. from Dez river, was known as "Ontashgal". The same is a reminder of the new Elamite civilization. It was surrounded by three interconnected sun brick made ramparts with the main entrance situated in the eastern side of the largest rampart.

The palaces and tombs of the Elamite monarchs are situated between the first and second ramparts. Between the second and the third ramparts, the remnants of the water supply and purification system for city is observed. The water purification system of Choqazanbil was to provide drinking water for citizens which is obviously accounted as one of the most ancient water supply systems. In the center of the third rampart, the main temple (Ziggurat) is placed. This square shaped structure is constructed at the dimensions of 105x105 sq.m., along four main directions.

This temple was constructed by means of millions of bricks, in five floors. At present only two floors have been remained. Except for the first and fifth floors, the rest have been filled with sun baked bricks. The fifth floor which is considered to be the most highest one, was used to be the place where idols were kept., The main idol was called "Inshushinak" which was considered to be the most famous deity of Shoosh city. On the brick walls of the temple, same inscriptions designating the name of the king in the Cuneiform script can be observed which reveals the aim of the monarch in the construction of this temple. Near the temple, on the main ground there are two circular platforms. Some believe this to be a place where sacrifices were carried out, and the other version is that, this was an area for astrology.

The aggregate of this city along with Elamite civilisation in the vicinity of Haft Tappeh, was demolished in 640 BC as a result of Assyrian conquests, under the command of 'Ashur Banipal', thence terminating the Elamite jurisdiction after a period of more than a millennium.

Castles and Forts, Khuzestan

Acropol (Shoosh) Castle, Shoosh

The Acropol or Shoosh castle was constructed by a group of French archeologists in the year 1897 AD in the highest region of the city. The same is very similar to the Bastille in France. This castle has been constructed by Dezful artists and by means of bricks obtained from Darius (Dariush) castle and some engraved bricks in the Kific script from Choqazanbil. This castle was in the hands of the French authorities before the Islamic revolution, after which it was utilised as the archeological center of Shoosh.

Valuable and important relics such as the famous statue of Queen Napirasustoon, Hamurabi Code and famed buff earthenware glass of Shoosh with a wild goat drawing have been discovered from the Acropol Hill. It took a period of 15 years to build this structure which stood as a defense fort against the attack of local clans and tribes. During Iran-Iraq war this castle was under the bombardment of Iraqi troops, and later on came under re-construction and repair.

Arjan Castle, Behbahan

The Arjan Castle in Behbahan township has been constructed at the top of Sanglakh Mountain stuck to a colossal slab of stone. Rain water was used to be collected in water reservoirs of this castle through this slab of stone. The structural architecture of towers is of roman style,i.e., cubic in shape. The castle has a comparatively large courtyard, with chambers in three floors having roman styled ceilings.

Bardi Castle, Masjed Soleiman

This castle is accounted as the first permanent settlement place for Parsee tribes, as well as the birthplace of Koorush the Achaemenian. It is located in the Andika sector of Masjed Soleiman. The Bardi castle is a huge structure which was built during the Elamite period and made of large slabs of stones (without mortar). At present the untouched walls of the castle has been remained.

Dokhtar Castle, Ramhormoz

This castle is located to the north of Ramhormoz. The spherical structure denotes the style of Roman architecture. This castle was most probably constructed in the Sassanide reign for protection and safety of commercial, trade and military route between Shoosh, Vajar and Esfahan. Another theory is that the same was used to guard the treasury and palace of Ramhormoz, and Romans also participated in building this structure.

Rostam Gotvand Castle, Shooshtar

This castle is located to the north of Gotvand Village and was erected on the top of a hillock. The walls which have been constructed by cobbled stone with a mixture of gypsum and ... have been remained. In the past, this castle was used for military purposes, and among local people it was known as Rostam palace or prison.

Simband (Taqa) Castle, Masjed Soleiman

The same is a little tower or turret with one room, located on a hill in a part of Andika in Masjed Soleiman. It was in this vicinity that the Elamite captured a number of Anzanis or ( Bakhtiyari tribes), and imprisoned them. From this point of view it is of great historical value.

Yazdgerd (Tashary) Castle, Ramhormoz

This castle is located near the village of Shurdin, in the township of Ramhormoz. Close to this vicinity is a rocky castle called 'Zard Bordiyeh', which has large and small crevices similar to pre-historic shelters. Besides which there are other numerous remnants such as, shelters of stone, dwellings, rooms, streets, troughs and a temple. Circular shaped castles are constructed on a foundation, and a water supply system can still be observed here.

Other Castles and Forts, Khuzestan

These are named as: The Shahpur Sassanide Castle, Salasel, the Rostam Aqili Castle in Shooshtar, the Tol Castle in Andimeshk, the Tork Dez Castle in Masjed Soleiman, the Khajeh Castle, Leit (Reyt) castle in Andika of Masjed Soleiman, the Dizeh Varaz Castle of Faramarz-e-Ashkani, the Ark or Arkh Castle, Qolla Golab, Gel va Dah Mard to the east of Sardasht, the Ancient Castle of Baba Saif to the east of the Hindijan road.

Museums, Khuzestan

Abadan Museum, Abadan

The said museum is located in Ahmad Abad Avenue of Abadan. It is a single storeyed building with a dome similar to that of the Danial-e-Nabi Mausoleum. This museum was inaugurated in 1959 and was prone to damage during the imposed Iran - Iraq war. Its relics are being housed in a safe place for the time being till repairs are completed in the museum.

Haft Tappeh Museum, Dezful

The said is a single storeyed building, which was inaugurated in the year 1973. The building has a cement skeleton with a brick and stone facade. This museum is equipped with a library, archive, laboratory and a printing press. Its relics are temporarily being safeguarded in Tehran till repairs to the damages it suffered during the imposed Iran - Iraq war are completed.

Shoosh Museum, Shoosh

The Shoosh Museum is situated amidst a garden near the ancient Shoosh Castle, and opposite the Danial-e-Nabi Mausoleum. The construction of this museum coincided with the excavations at Shoosh. Thereby the bricks discovered there and in Choqazanbil were utilized in construction of this building. Some other part have been also added to the museum in the following years. The museum was inaugurated in the year 1966 and displays remnants from the pre-Elamite to the Islamic period. The Shoosh Museum has six exhibition halls in which all the vestiges discovered during excavations made in Shoosh and Choqazanbil are on display.