Qazvin

QAZVIN

Qazvin Province:

The city of Qazvin is said to be founded by the Sassanid king, Shapour I, known as Shad Shapour. He founded the city to prevent the invasions by Dialameh and set up castles and fortifications there.

He concentrated his army there. Gradually his military base expanded and created the main base of Qazvin city. It used to be an important gate of access to Tabarestan and Mazandaran (Khazar/Caspian) Lake.

Cultural and artistic features:

According to Greek historians, prior to the coming of Aryans to the Iranian plateau, there were people living in northern valleys of t he land, called Mard or Amard. They were brave fighters.

The language of the people of Qazvin was the language of eylami. It was the language of people in present Rudbar and Alamut. Today the people speak a language similar to Pahlavi. Gradually the language went into oblivion and substituted by present Persian. After rule of Seljuks, Turkish Language spread in parts of Iran. Today most parts of Qazvin speak in Turkish Language. There are also regions in the province who speak in the Persian language.

Geographical features

The province of Qazvin borders Gilan province on the north, Central Province on the south, Tehran Province on the east and the provinces of Zanjan and Hamedan on the west.

It is 1,304 meters above the sea. Geographically, it serves as a bridge, linking the country with northern and western regions as well as the Caucasus republics and Europe. Until 1997, it was part of Tehran but was later separated. It turned into a province along with the cities of Takestan. It has two towns, 10 districts, 12 cities, 37 villages and 936 small villages.

Historical/Geographical Features

Based on documents available, the province dates back to Medians 9th century before Christ. It was invaded by various tribes, including Dialameh tribes of Tabarestan.

It used to be inhabited in the fourth and fifth millenniums B.C.
Handicrafts: Tile making, engraved wood works, embossed plaster design works, carpet weaving, mirror making and calligraphy.