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| image_map = Locator map Iran Mazandaran Province.png
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| map_alt = Map of Iran with Mâzandarân highlighted
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| map_caption = Location of Mâzandarân within Iran
| map_caption = Location of Mâzandarân within Iran
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Human habitation in the area dates back at least 75,000 years.<ref>[http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=44503&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs Mazandaran setting up Iran's first cave museum]; [[London]]; Saturday, July 22, 2006 by IranMania</ref><ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2717/html/focus.htm IRAN Daily Caspian Region]</ref> Recent excavations in Goher Tippe provide proof that the area has been urbanized for more than 5,000 years, and the area is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iran.<ref>[http://www.parthia.com/parthia_news_2005.htm#Jar_Burial Parthia News], November 6, 2005.</ref> It has played an important role in cultural and urban development of the region.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/07/aug/1067.html Payvand, 400 Historical Sites Discovered within 7 Days in Mazandaran]</ref>
Human habitation in the area dates back at least 75,000 years.<ref>[http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=44503&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs Mazandaran setting up Iran's first cave museum]; [[London]]; Saturday, July 22, 2006 by IranMania</ref><ref>[http://www.iran-daily.com/1385/2717/html/focus.htm IRAN Daily Caspian Region]</ref> Recent excavations in Goher Tippe provide proof that the area has been urbanized for more than 5,000 years, and the area is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iran.<ref>[http://www.parthia.com/parthia_news_2005.htm#Jar_Burial Parthia News], November 6, 2005.</ref> It has played an important role in cultural and urban development of the region.<ref>[http://www.payvand.com/news/07/aug/1067.html Payvand, 400 Historical Sites Discovered within 7 Days in Mazandaran]</ref>


Indigenous peoples of the region include the ethnic [[Mazanderanis]],<ref>[http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/Mazandaran/ CHN Page for Mazandaran]</ref> who speak an [[Iranian language]] which most closely resembles [[Gilaki language|Gilaki]] and [[Sangiseri language]], but also has phono typical similarities to several [[Caucasian languages]], reflecting the history of the region and its peoples.
Indigenous peoples of the region include the ethnic [[Mazanderanis]],<ref>[http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/Mazandaran/ CHN Page for Mazandaran]</ref> who speak an [[Iranian language]] which most closely resembles [[Gilaki language|Gilaki]] and [[Sangiseri language]], but also has phono typical similarities to several [[Caucasian languages]], reflecting the history of the region and its peoples. Mazandaran the oldest human settlements in the Caspian province.


[[File:Forestt.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Forest in Mazandaran]]
[[File:Forestt.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Forest in Mazandaran]]
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===Discoveries===
===Discoveries===
Scientific discoveries in the caves of Hutu and belt, a testament to the life of 75 thousand years ago have been found.
Scientific discoveries in the caves of Hutu and belt, a testament to the life of 75 thousand years ago have been found.
Mythical land Iran of Mazandaran is an nd dating life in the Medians have said. Mazandaran the oldest human settlements in the Caspian province.

====Amard====
Amardids were a tribe living along the mountainous region bordering the [[Caspian Sea]], including current day [[Amol]], [[Iran]]. The name is also seen as Amardi, Amardian, Amardae, etc. Amol is a city dating back to the Amard people. Amards lived in the area before the [[Aryan]]s. Many scholars believe that the city's name is rooted in the word ''Amard'' (''Amui'' in [[Middle Persian|Pahlavi]]). According to historical literature, Amol was the capital of [[Mazandaran]], at least in the period starting from [[Sassanid Empire]] to the [[Ilkhanate]] dynasty of [[Mongol Empire]]. Though they are a [[Medes|Median]] tribe, [[Herodotus]] names a tribe called Mardians as one of the ten to fifteen [[Persian people|Persian]] tribes in Persis. It is now known that the only distinction between the Median Amardians and the Persian Mardians is the "A" in the beginning of ''Amardians'', which would mean they are two.


===Pre-Islamic history===
===Pre-Islamic history===
The region is known to have been populated from early antiquity, and Mazandaran has changed hands among various dynasties from early in its history. There are several fortresses remaining from [[Parthia]]n and [[Sassanid]] times, and many older cemeteries scattered throughout the province. During this era, Mazandaran was part of Hyrcania Province which was one of important provinces.
Before the arrival of the Aryans to Iran, Mazandaran native people of this area were subsistence hunting and cattle. Archaeological studies in caves belt and Hutu man in Behshahr in the Mazandaran to approximately 9500 BC. Aryan migration from the north-eastern borders of modern Iran began around the third millennium BC, mixed with the natives. Amardids were a tribe living along the mountainous region bordering the [[Caspian Sea]], including current day [[Amol]], The Aryan people and Scythian tribes before the arrival of the next group, the Aryans, Medes, Persians, and Parthians lived in a part of the current Caspian. The region is known to have been populated from early antiquity, and Mazandaran has changed hands among various dynasties from early in its history. There are several fortresses remaining from [[Parthia]]n and [[Sassanid]] times, and many older cemeteries scattered throughout the province. During this era, Mazandaran was part of Hyrcania Province which was one of important provinces.


[[File:Gold cup kalardasht.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The [[Hyrcanian]] Golden Cup. Dated first half of first millennium. Excavated at [[Kalardasht]] in Mazandaran.]]
[[File:Gold cup kalardasht.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The Hyrcanian Golden Cup. Dated first half of first millennium. Excavated at [[Kalardasht]] in Mazandaran.]]


With the advent of the Sassanid dynasty, the King of Mazandaran (Tabaristan and [[Pâtišuvariš|Padashkhwargar]]) was Gushnasp,<ref name="EIS">Minorsky, V.; Vasmer, R. "Mazandaran" Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. Brill Online.</ref> whose ancestors had reigned in the area (under the Parthian empire) since the time of Alexander. In 529-536, Mazandarn was ruled by the Sassanid prince Kawus, son of Kawadh.<ref name="EIS"/> Anushirawan, the Sassanid king, defeated Zarmihr, who claimed his ancestry from the legendary blacksmith Kaveh.<ref name="EIS"/> This dynasty ruled till 645 A.D., when Gil Gilanshah (a descendant of the Sassanid king Jamasp and a son of Piruz) joined Mazandaran to Gilan.<ref name="EIS"/> These families had descendants who ruled during the Islamic period.
With the advent of the [[Sassanid dynasty]], the King of Mazandaran (Tabaristan and [[Pâtišuvariš|Padashkhwargar]]) was Gushnasp,<ref name="EIS">Minorsky, V.; Vasmer, R. "Mazandaran" Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. Brill Online.</ref> whose ancestors had reigned in the area (under the Parthian empire) since the time of Alexander. In 529-536, Mazandarn was ruled by the Sassanid prince Kawus, son of Kawadh.<ref name="EIS"/> Anushirawan, the Sassanid king, defeated Zarmihr, who claimed his ancestry from the legendary blacksmith Kaveh.<ref name="EIS"/> This dynasty ruled till 645 A.D., when Gil Gilanshah (a descendant of the Sassanid king Jamasp and a son of Piruz) joined Mazandaran to Gilan.<ref name="EIS"/> These families had descendants who ruled during the Islamic period.


[[Hyrcania]], now called Mazanderan, comprehends the largest and widest portion of the low plain along the shores of the [[Caspian Sea]]. It is one of the most fertile provinces of the Persian empire, whether the mountains or the plains are considered. Travellers passing through the forests of Mazanderan, pass through thickets of sweetbriar and honeysuckle ; and are surrounded with acacias, oaks, lindens, and chestnut trees. The summits of the mountains are crowned with cedars, cypresses, and various species of pines. So beautiful is this district, that in the hyperbolical language of the orientals it is styled, Belad-al-Irem, or, the Land of the Terrestrial Paradise. [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]] relates, that Kaikus, the Persian king, was fired with ambition to conquer so fine a country, through the influence of a minstrel, who exhausted all his powers of music and poetry in the praise of its beauties : his strains read thus :
Now called Mazanderan, comprehends the largest and widest portion of the low plain along the shores of the [[Caspian Sea]]. It is one of the most fertile provinces of the Persian empire, whether the mountains or the plains are considered. Travellers passing through the forests of Mazanderan, pass through thickets of sweetbriar and honeysuckle ; and are surrounded with acacias, oaks, lindens, and chestnut trees. The summits of the mountains are crowned with cedars, cypresses, and various species of pines. So beautiful is this district, that in the hyperbolical language of the orientals it is styled, Belad-al-Irem, or, the Land of the Terrestrial Paradise. [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]] relates, that Kaikus, the Persian king, was fired with ambition to conquer so fine a country, through the influence of a minstrel, who exhausted all his powers of music and poetry in the praise of its beauties : his strains read thus :
" Let the king consider the delights of Mazanderan, and may that country flourish during all eternity ; for in its gardens roses ever blow, and even its mountains are covered with hyacinths and tulips. Its land abounds in all the beauties of nature ; its climate is salubrious and temperate, neither too warm nor too cold ; it is a region of perpetual spring: there, in shady bowers, the nightingale ever sings ; there the fawn and antelope incessantly wander among the valleys ; every spot, throughout the whole year, is embellished and perfumed with flowers ; the very brooks of that country seem to be rivulets of rose water, so much does this exquisite fragrance delight the soul. During the winter months, as at all other seasons, the ground is enamelled, and the banks of murmuring streams smile with variegated flowers ; every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed ; all places abound with money, fine stuffs for garments, and every other article necessary for comfort or luxury. There all the attendants are lovely damsels, wearing golden coronets ; and all the men illustrious warriors, whose girdles are studded with gold ; and nothing but a wilful perversity of mind, or corporeal infirmity, can hinder a person from being cheerful and happy in Mazanderan."
" Let the king consider the delights of Mazanderan, and may that country flourish during all eternity ; for in its gardens roses ever blow, and even its mountains are covered with hyacinths and tulips. Its land abounds in all the beauties of nature ; its climate is salubrious and temperate, neither too warm nor too cold ; it is a region of perpetual spring: there, in shady bowers, the nightingale ever sings ; there the fawn and antelope incessantly wander among the valleys ; every spot, throughout the whole year, is embellished and perfumed with flowers ; the very brooks of that country seem to be rivulets of rose water, so much does this exquisite fragrance delight the soul. During the winter months, as at all other seasons, the ground is enamelled, and the banks of murmuring streams smile with variegated flowers ; every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed ; all places abound with money, fine stuffs for garments, and every other article necessary for comfort or luxury. There all the attendants are lovely damsels, wearing golden coronets ; and all the men illustrious warriors, whose girdles are studded with gold ; and nothing but a wilful perversity of mind, or corporeal infirmity, can hinder a person from being cheerful and happy in Mazanderan."


Such were the delights the oriental poet held out to his rulers in Mazanderan, in all the force of oriental exaggeration. The province of [[Hyrcania]] or Mazanderan was doubtless a delightful province ; but there appear to have been some .drawbacks upon its loveliness. Strictly speaking, [[Hyrcania]] comprehended the small tract denominated Gurgan in ancient Persia, which signifies, the land of wolves, from the superabundance of these animals. From this word D'Anville supposes the Greeks to have formed the name of [[Hyrcania]]. [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]] states that on entering Mazanderan, he was informed that he would find a babr, tiger ; a guraz, boar ; rubah, foxes ; shegkal, jackals ; and a gurg, or wolf. Accordingly, the very first thing that he saw, on entering a village of [[Hyrcania]], was the carcase of a, large wolf, which had been shofjust half an hour before his arrival, and which looked terrible in death, " grinning horribly a ghastly grin ;" thus proving the truth of the poet, that, " every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed," if such may be termed pleasures. In ancient times, [[Hyrcania]] was infested with [[Panthera|panther]]s and [[tiger]]s, so fierce and cruel, as to give rise to a proverb concerning fierce and unrelenting men, that they had sucked [[Caspian tiger|Hyrcanian tiger]]s. The poet [[Virgil]] refers to this in his [[Aeneid]]. Representing Dido chiding iEneas, he puts into her mouth these words:
Such were the delights the oriental poet held out to his rulers in Mazanderan, in all the force of oriental exaggeration. The province of Mazanderan was doubtless a delightful province ; but there appear to have been some .drawbacks upon its loveliness. [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]] states that on entering Mazanderan, he was informed that he would find a babr, tiger ; a guraz, boar ; rubah, foxes ; shegkal, jackals ; and a gurg, or wolf. Accordingly, the very first thing that he saw, on entering a village of [[Hyrcania]], was the carcase of a, large wolf, which had been shofjust half an hour before his arrival, and which looked terrible in death, " grinning horribly a ghastly grin ;" thus proving the truth of the poet, that, " every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed," if such may be termed pleasures. In ancient times, [[Hyrcania]] was infested with [[Panthera|panther]]s and [[tiger]]s, so fierce and cruel, as to give rise to a proverb concerning fierce and unrelenting men, that they had sucked [[Caspian tiger]]s. The poet [[Virgil]] refers to this in his [[Aeneid]]. Representing Dido chiding iEneas, he puts into her mouth these words:
" False as thou art, and more than false, forsworn, Not sprung from noble blood, nor goddess born, But hewn from harden'd entrails of a rock ! And rough [[Caspian tiger|Hyrcanian tiger]]s gave thee suck !"
" False as thou art, and more than false, forsworn, Not sprung from noble blood, nor goddess born, But hewn from harden'd entrails of a rock ! And rough [[Caspian tiger]]s gave thee suck !"

[[File:Caspian sea from namak abrood.jpg|thumb|200px|View of the Caspian coast from the [[Namak Abrood]] tourist resort.]]
[[File:Noor Caspian sea.jpg|thumb|Mazanderan Sea]]
Strabo, who extends Hyrcania as far north as the river Ochus, says from Aristobulus that was a woody region, producing oaks and pines, but not the pitch pine, which abounded in [[India]]. It has been mentioned as a curious circumstance, that in Mazanderan an axe used for cutting is called tabr. Now the Tapyri, or Tabari, inhabited a district in Hyrcania, and if this name be derived from tabr, an axe, it will signify hatchet-men, or wood-cutters, a name very appropriate to the inhabitants of a country covered with forests like Mazanderan and, though restricted by the Greeks to the western inhabitants of that province, is equally applicable to those of the eastern part. According to [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]], the name of the part in which the Tabari. lived, namely, Tabristan, or Tabaristan, signifies the country of wood.
[[File:چشمه کیله در برف.JPG|thumb|Cheshme Kile River & Kakaie Birds in Tonekabon City]]
Strabo, who extends [[Hyrcania]] as far north as the river Ochus, says from Aristobulus that [[Hyrcania]] was a woody region, producing oaks and pines, but not the pitch pine, which abounded in [[India]]. It has been mentioned as a curious circumstance, that in Mazanderan an axe used for cutting is called tabr. Now the Tapyri, or Tabari, inhabited a district in [[Hyrcania]], and if this name be derived from tabr, an axe, it will signify hatchet-men, or wood-cutters, a name very appropriate to the inhabitants of a country covered with forests like [[Hyrcania]], and, though restricted by the Greeks to the western inhabitants of that province, is equally applicable to those of the eastern part. According to [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]], the name of the part in which the Tabari. lived, namely, Tabristan, or Tabaristan, signifies the country of wood.


According to Morier, Mazanderan is a modern Persian phrase, signifying, " Within the boundary or limit of the mountain." This is confirmed by [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]], who says, from Hamdallah, an eminent Persian geographer, that Mazanderan was originally named Mawz-anderan, or within the mountain Mawz. He says, " The Coh-Alburz is an immense mountain adjacent to Bab-al-abwab, (Derbend), and many mountains are connected with Alburz ; so that from Turkestan to Hejas, it forms a range extending in length 1000 farsangs, about 130 miles, more or less ; and on this account some regard it as the mountain of Kaf, (Caucasus.) Its western side, connected with the mountains of Gurjestan, (Georgia,) is called the Coh Lagzi, (Daghestan,) and the Sur a lakaeim relates, that in the Coh Lagzi there are various races of people ; so that about seventy different languages or dialects are used among them ; and in that mountain are many wonderful objects ; and when it reaches Shemshat and Malatiah, (Samosata Melitene,) it is called Kali Kala. At Antakia and Sakeliah, ( Antioch and Seleucia,) it is called Lekam ; there it divides Sham (Syria) from Room, (Asia Minor.) When it reaches between Hems (Emesa) and Demishk, (Damascus,) it is called Lebnan, (Lebanon,) and near Mecca and Medina it is called Arish. Its eastern side, connected with the mountains of Arran (Eastern Armenia) and Aderbijan, it is called Keik, and when it reaches to Ghilan, (the Gelae and Cadusians,) and Iraq, (Media,) it takes the name of Terkel-diz-cuh ; it is called Mauz when it reaches Kurnish and Mazanderan ; and originally Mazanderan was named Mawz-enderan ; and when Alburz reaches Khorassan, it is called Lurry." From this it appears that Mazanderan signifies all the region within the mountain Mawz and the [[Caspian Sea]], which lies east of Ghilan and the Kizil Ozan.
According to Morier, Mazanderan is a modern Persian phrase, signifying, " Within the boundary or limit of the mountain." This is confirmed by [[William Ouseley|Sir W. Ouseley]], who says, from Hamdallah, an eminent Persian geographer, that Mazanderan was originally named Mawz-anderan, or within the mountain Mawz. He says, " The Coh-Alburz is an immense mountain adjacent to Bab-al-abwab, (Derbend), and many mountains are connected with Alburz ; so that from Turkestan to Hejas, it forms a range extending in length 1000 farsangs, about 130 miles, more or less ; and on this account some regard it as the mountain of Kaf, (Caucasus.) Its western side, connected with the mountains of Gurjestan, (Georgia,) is called the Coh Lagzi, (Daghestan,) and the Sur a lakaeim relates, that in the Coh Lagzi there are various races of people ; so that about seventy different languages or dialects are used among them ; and in that mountain are many wonderful objects ; and when it reaches Shemshat and Malatiah, (Samosata Melitene,) it is called Kali Kala. At Antakia and Sakeliah, ( Antioch and Seleucia,) it is called Lekam ; there it divides Sham (Syria) from Room, (Asia Minor.) When it reaches between Hems (Emesa) and Demishk, (Damascus,) it is called Lebnan, (Lebanon,) and near Mecca and Medina it is called Arish. Its eastern side, connected with the mountains of Arran (Eastern Armenia) and Aderbijan, it is called Keik, and when it reaches to Ghilan, (the Gelae and Cadusians,) and Iraq, (Media,) it takes the name of Terkel-diz-cuh ; it is called Mauz when it reaches Kurnish and Mazanderan ; and originally Mazanderan was named Mawz-enderan ; and when Alburz reaches Khorassan, it is called Lurry." From this it appears that Mazanderan signifies all the region within the mountain Mawz and the [[Caspian Sea]], which lies east of Ghilan and the Kizil Ozan.
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===Post-Islamic history===
===Post-Islamic history===
[[File:Tomb Mausoleum Mir sayyed Heydar Amuli (Seyyed 3 tan)fakhrul islam and rukn al din Amuli.JPG|thumb|Sayed Haydar Amoli (Seyyed Se Tan) shrine in [[Amol]], 15th century]]
[[File:Tomb Mausoleum Mir sayyed Heydar Amuli (Seyyed 3 tan)fakhrul islam and rukn al din Amuli.JPG|thumb|100px|Sayed Haydar Amoli (Seyyed Se Tan) shrine in [[Amol]], 15th century]]
[[File:Alavids-map.png|thumb|right|Map of the Mazandaran [[Alavid]] emirate (864-929 AD)]]
[[File:Alavids-map.png|thumb|right|Map of the Mazandaran [[Alavid]] emirate (864-929 AD)]]


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After the dissolution of the feudal government of [[Tabaristan]], Mazandaran was fully incorporated into the modern [[Persian Empire]] by [[Shah Abbas I]] in 1596.
After the dissolution of the feudal government of [[Tabaristan]], Mazandaran was fully incorporated into the modern [[Persian Empire]] by [[Shah Abbas I]] in 1596.


In the Safavid era Mazandaran was settled by very large amounts of [[Georgian people|Georgians]], [[Circassians]], [[Armenians]], and other [[Peoples of the Caucasus]] were settled in the region, whose descendants still live or linger across Mazandaran. Towns, villages and neighbourhoods in Mazandaran still bear the name "Gorji" (i.e. Georgian) in them, although most of the large amounts of [[Georgians]], and [[Circassians]] are already assimilated into the mainstream Mazandaranis. The history of Georgian settlement is described by [[Eskandar Beyg Monshi]], the author of the 17th century [[Tarikh-e Alam-Ara-ye Abbasi]], and the Circassian settlements by [[Pietro Della Valle]], among other authors.
In the Safavid era MazandaranIt was a magnificent area and was settled by very large amounts of [[Georgian people|Georgians]], [[Circassians]], [[Armenians]], and other [[Peoples of the Caucasus]] were settled in the region, whose descendants still live or linger across Mazandaran. Towns, villages and neighbourhoods in Mazandaran still bear the name "Gorji" (i.e. Georgian) in them, although most of the large amounts of [[Georgians]], and [[Circassians]] are already assimilated into the mainstream Mazandaranis. The history of Georgian settlement is described by [[Eskandar Beyg Monshi]], the author of the 17th century [[Tarikh-e Alam-Ara-ye Abbasi]], and the Circassian settlements by [[Pietro Della Valle]], among other authors.


Before the reign of [[Nadir Shah]], the province was briefly occupied by the Russian army in the aftermath of the [[Russo-Persian War, 1722-1723]] and returned to [[Persia]] in 1735. Following the outcomes of the [[Russo-Persian War (1804-1813)]] and the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–28)]] Russian influence in northern Iran, and especially Mazandaran and Gilan dramatically increased with most of it settled by [[Russians in Iran|Russians]], and occupied by Russian forces. Most major cities in the region had Russian schools and significant traces of [[Russian culture]] can still be found. This significant increase of Russian influence in the region would last all the way up to the [[Iran crisis of 1946|1946]] and had a major inpact on Iranian history, as it directly led to the [[Persian Constitutional Revolution]]. Several years after the revolution, the region saw another massive influx of Russian refugees (the so-called ''White émigrées'') who fled the [[Bolsheviks]]. Many of the descendants of these refugees still linger forth in the region.
Before the reign of [[Nadir Shah]], the province was briefly occupied by the Russian army in the aftermath of the [[Russo-Persian War, 1722-1723]] and returned to [[Persia]] in 1735. Following the outcomes of the [[Russo-Persian War (1804-1813)]] and the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–28)]] Russian influence in northern Iran, and especially Mazandaran and Gilan dramatically increased with most of it settled by [[Russians in Iran|Russians]], and occupied by Russian forces. Most major cities in the region had Russian schools and significant traces of [[Russian culture]] can still be found. This significant increase of Russian influence in the region would last all the way up to the [[Iran crisis of 1946|1946]] and had a major inpact on Iranian history, as it directly led to the [[Persian Constitutional Revolution]]. Several years after the revolution, the region saw another massive influx of Russian refugees (the so-called ''White émigrées'') who fled the [[Bolsheviks]]. Many of the descendants of these refugees still linger forth in the region.
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|Northwest = [[Caspian Sea]]
|Northwest = [[Caspian Sea]]
}}
}}

===Climate===
Given the climatic changes and varying rates of rainfall in different parts of Mazandaran province, this region has a variety of climates, including the mild and humid climate of Caspian shoreline and the moderate and cold climate of mountainous regions.
The western and central plains of the province, up to the northern foothills of [[Alborz]] Mountain Range, experience the mild climate of the Caspian region.
In the 1,500- to 3,000-meter altitudes, there is a moderate mountainous climate, with long, cold winters, and short, mild summers.
In this region, snow covers parts of the province even up to the middle of the warm season. In fact, snow can be observed in this region even in the warmest months of the year, which lends a touch of beauty to this region.
[[File:بابلرود 1.jpg|150px|thumbnail|left|Rivers Babol - Babolsar]]


===Demographics===
===Demographics===
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==Culture==
==Culture==
[[File:Caspian sea from namak abrood.jpg|thumb|200px|View of the Caspian coast from the [[Namak Abrood]] tourist resort.]]
The culture of Mazandaran is closely related to that of neighboring Gilan (or Guilan). The peoples of the two provinces are largely secular, and consequently women have had greater social freedom and independence than their Persian cousins. (Reference: "The Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran, 1920-1921: Birth of the Trauma" by Cosroe Chaqueri.)
Mazandaran is a center for Iranian culture and has produced a number of famous poets. Similar scholars political and philosopher. wool, felting, felt hat and mat weaving industry Cultural Mazandaran is. Barf Chal, Lochu Wrestling, Palm and Tiregān (Damavand national day) The local event will be Which is held each year.

The peoples of the two provinces are largely secular, and consequently women have had greater social freedom and independence than their Persian cousins. (Reference: "The Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran, 1920-1921: Birth of the Trauma" by Cosroe Chaqueri.
The [[Mazandarani cuisine|cuisine of the province]] is very rich in seafood due to its location by the Caspian Sea, and rice is present in virtually every meal. Indeed, the rest of Iran was introduced to rice through Gilan and Mazandaran. Before the 1800s, Persians, Kurds, and other Iranian ethnic groups used bread rather than rice as an accompaniment to their meals, though bread remains a prominent staple among them. While bread remains very popular among those groups, in Gilan and Mazandaran, rice remains the choice staple of the indigenous inhabitants.
The [[Mazandarani cuisine|cuisine of the province]] is very rich in seafood due to its location by the Caspian Sea, and rice is present in virtually every meal. Indeed, the rest of Iran was introduced to rice through Gilan and Mazandaran. Before the 1800s, Persians, Kurds, and other Iranian ethnic groups used bread rather than rice as an accompaniment to their meals, though bread remains a prominent staple among them. While bread remains very popular among those groups, in Gilan and Mazandaran, rice remains the choice staple of the indigenous inhabitants.


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In Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera,' one of the characters was formerly the daroga (chief of police) of Mazanderan.
In Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera,' one of the characters was formerly the daroga (chief of police) of Mazanderan.


Arash story of the [[Shahnameh]]:
== Transportation ==
از آن خوانند آرش را کمانگیر ..........که از آمل بمرو انداخت یک تیر
===Airport===
* [[Dasht-e Naz Airport]]
* [[Noshahr Airport]]
* [[Ramsar Airport]]


===Road===
* [[Road 77 (Iran)|Haraz Road]]
* [[Road 59 (Iran)|Chaloos Road]]
* [[Tehran-Shomal Freeway]]

===Railway===
* [[Railway|Railway Mazandaran]]
===Significant natives of Mazandaran===
[[File:Namakabrood.jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Namak Abrood]] Town]]
{{Main|List of Mazandaranis}}
Mazandaran has been home to many significant Iranian figures.


== Attractions Tourism and Historical and Natural ==
== Attractions Tourism and Historical and Natural ==
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* Museum of Babol Amol
* Museum of Babol Amol
* Hot water rineh - Larijan
* Hot water rineh - Larijan
* Shah Neshin Castle
* Lake Valasht
* Lake Valasht
* Lake Valasht Chalus
* Lake Valasht Chalus
Line 394: Line 386:
* Pahlavi Hotel Qaem Shahr
* Pahlavi Hotel Qaem Shahr
* Band-e Borideh River
* Band-e Borideh River


== Transportation ==
===Airport===
* [[Dasht-e Naz Airport]]
* [[Noshahr Airport]]
* [[Ramsar Airport]]

===Road===
*[[File:Road77.png|18px]] [[Road 77 (Iran)|Haraz Road]]
*[[File:Road59.png|18px]] [[Road 59 (Iran)|Chaloos Road]]
*[[File:Freeway in Iran.png|18px]] [[Tehran-Shomal Freeway]]

===Railway===
* [[Railway|Railway Mazandaran]]
[[File:Namakabrood.jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Namak Abrood]] Town]]

==Souvenir==
* [[Rice]] (''Berenj'')
* [[Tursu]] (''Torshi'')
* [[Vegetable]] (''Sabzi'')
* [[Kilim]] (''Gelim'')
* [[Pottery]] (''Sofalgari'')
* [[Juglans]] (''Gerdoo'')
* [[Orange (fruit)|Orange]] (''Porteghal'')
* [[Cherry]] (''Gilas'')
* [[Apple]] (''Sib'')
* [[Wood carving]] (''Monabat Kari'')
* [[Honey]] (''Asal'')
* [[Felt]] (''Namad'')
* [[Fruit preserves]] (''Murraba)
* Local Bread (''Nan Mahali'')
* Pastry Ab dandan
* Pastry Āqooz kenna
* Pastry Saghe aroos
* Naz Khatoon
* Robb e Narenj
* Tunsernun

===Food===
*[[Kateh]]
*[[Kabab torsh]]
*[[Tah Chin]]
*[[Halva]]
*Peshte zik
*Alu Mosema
*Morq-e Torsh
*Shami Goosht
*Ash-e-Doogh
*Khoresh Aloo
*Mahi Shekam Por (Stuffed Fish)
*Morgh Shekam Por (Stuffed Chicken)
*Ordak Shekam Por (Stuffed Duck)
*Ispina-Saek
*Sir-Enar
*Keahi-Ash
*Spinach Khorosh
*Qaz Kebab


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
Line 399: Line 449:
* [[Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari]] (838-923), was a [[Persian people|Persian]] world historian and [[theologian]] (the most famous and widely influential person called al-Tabari).
* [[Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari]] (838-923), was a [[Persian people|Persian]] world historian and [[theologian]] (the most famous and widely influential person called al-Tabari).
* [[Ibn Isfandiyar]]
* [[Ibn Isfandiyar]]
[[File:Antoin Sevruguin 48 12 SI.jpg|160px|thumbnail|right|[[Reza Shah Pahlavi]]]]

===Royalty===
===Royalty===
* [[Reza Shah Pahlavi]] was the Shah of the Kingdom of Iran from 15 December 1925 until he was forced to abdicate by the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran on 16 September 1941.
* [[Reza Shah Pahlavi]] was the Shah of the Kingdom of Iran from 15 December 1925 until he was forced to abdicate by the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran on 16 September 1941.

Revision as of 21:50, 26 October 2014

Māzandarān Province
استان مازندران
Map of Iran with Mâzandarân highlighted
Location of Mâzandarân within Iran
Country Iran
RegionONE 1 [1]
CapitalSari
Counties22
Area
 • Total23,842 km2 (9,205 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total3,073,943
 • Density130/km2 (330/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+03:30 (IRST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+04:30 (IRST)
Main language(s)Mazandarani(Tabari)[3]
Persian[3]

Mazandaran Province pronunciation (Persian: استان مازندران Ostān-e Māzandarān).[4]

The province was put as part of First Region upon the division of the provinces into 5 regions solely for coordination and development purposes on June 22, 2014.[1]

In the early 20th century, Reza Shah connected northern Elbourz to the southern slopes by constructing 7 new roads and railways, the provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan became known as Shomal by all Iranians (meaning "the North" in Persian & Arabic). It is a Caspian province in the north of Iran.[5] Located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, it is bordered clockwise by Russia (across the sea), Golestan, Semnan, Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin, and Gilan provinces. Sari is the largest city and the capital of Mazandaran province.

Mazandaran is one of the most densely populated provinces in Iran[6] and has diverse natural resources, especially large reservoirs of oil and natural gas.[7] The province's four largest counties are Saril, Amol, Nur, and Tonekabon .[8] Founded as province in 1937, Mazandaran was declared the second modern province after neighbouring Gilan.

The diverse nature of the province features plains, prairies, forests and rainforest [9] stretching from the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea to the rugged and snowcapped Alborz sierra,[10] including Mount Damavand, one of the highest peaks and volcanos in Asia,[11] which at the narrowest point (Nowshahr County) narrows to 5 miles.

Mazandaran is a major producer of farmed fish,[12] and aquaculture provides an important economic addition to traditional dominance of agriculture.[13] Another important contributor to the economy is the tourism industry, as people from all of Iran enjoy visiting the area.[14] Mazandaran is also a fast-growing centre for biotechnology[7] and civil engineering.

Human habitation in the area dates back at least 75,000 years.[15][16] Recent excavations in Goher Tippe provide proof that the area has been urbanized for more than 5,000 years, and the area is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iran.[17] It has played an important role in cultural and urban development of the region.[18]

Indigenous peoples of the region include the ethnic Mazanderanis,[19] who speak an Iranian language which most closely resembles Gilaki and Sangiseri language, but also has phono typical similarities to several Caucasian languages, reflecting the history of the region and its peoples. Mazandaran the oldest human settlements in the Caspian province.

Forest in Mazandaran
Veresk Bridge
Daryasar Weald & Siyalan Alp in Tonekabon City

History

Map of the Median Empire (600 BC) showing the relative locations of the Amardian tribe

Discoveries

Scientific discoveries in the caves of Hutu and belt, a testament to the life of 75 thousand years ago have been found. Mythical land Iran of Mazandaran is an nd dating life in the Medians have said. Mazandaran the oldest human settlements in the Caspian province.

Pre-Islamic history

Before the arrival of the Aryans to Iran, Mazandaran native people of this area were subsistence hunting and cattle. Archaeological studies in caves belt and Hutu man in Behshahr in the Mazandaran to approximately 9500 BC. Aryan migration from the north-eastern borders of modern Iran began around the third millennium BC, mixed with the natives. Amardids were a tribe living along the mountainous region bordering the Caspian Sea, including current day Amol, The Aryan people and Scythian tribes before the arrival of the next group, the Aryans, Medes, Persians, and Parthians lived in a part of the current Caspian. The region is known to have been populated from early antiquity, and Mazandaran has changed hands among various dynasties from early in its history. There are several fortresses remaining from Parthian and Sassanid times, and many older cemeteries scattered throughout the province. During this era, Mazandaran was part of Hyrcania Province which was one of important provinces.

The Hyrcanian Golden Cup. Dated first half of first millennium. Excavated at Kalardasht in Mazandaran.

With the advent of the Sassanid dynasty, the King of Mazandaran (Tabaristan and Padashkhwargar) was Gushnasp,[20] whose ancestors had reigned in the area (under the Parthian empire) since the time of Alexander. In 529-536, Mazandarn was ruled by the Sassanid prince Kawus, son of Kawadh.[20] Anushirawan, the Sassanid king, defeated Zarmihr, who claimed his ancestry from the legendary blacksmith Kaveh.[20] This dynasty ruled till 645 A.D., when Gil Gilanshah (a descendant of the Sassanid king Jamasp and a son of Piruz) joined Mazandaran to Gilan.[20] These families had descendants who ruled during the Islamic period.

Now called Mazanderan, comprehends the largest and widest portion of the low plain along the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is one of the most fertile provinces of the Persian empire, whether the mountains or the plains are considered. Travellers passing through the forests of Mazanderan, pass through thickets of sweetbriar and honeysuckle ; and are surrounded with acacias, oaks, lindens, and chestnut trees. The summits of the mountains are crowned with cedars, cypresses, and various species of pines. So beautiful is this district, that in the hyperbolical language of the orientals it is styled, Belad-al-Irem, or, the Land of the Terrestrial Paradise. Sir W. Ouseley relates, that Kaikus, the Persian king, was fired with ambition to conquer so fine a country, through the influence of a minstrel, who exhausted all his powers of music and poetry in the praise of its beauties : his strains read thus :

" Let the king consider the delights of Mazanderan, and may that country flourish during all eternity ; for in its gardens roses ever blow, and even its mountains are covered with hyacinths and tulips. Its land abounds in all the beauties of nature ; its climate is salubrious and temperate, neither too warm nor too cold ; it is a region of perpetual spring: there, in shady bowers, the nightingale ever sings ; there the fawn and antelope incessantly wander among the valleys ; every spot, throughout the whole year, is embellished and perfumed with flowers ; the very brooks of that country seem to be rivulets of rose water, so much does this exquisite fragrance delight the soul. During the winter months, as at all other seasons, the ground is enamelled, and the banks of murmuring streams smile with variegated flowers ; every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed ; all places abound with money, fine stuffs for garments, and every other article necessary for comfort or luxury. There all the attendants are lovely damsels, wearing golden coronets ; and all the men illustrious warriors, whose girdles are studded with gold ; and nothing but a wilful perversity of mind, or corporeal infirmity, can hinder a person from being cheerful and happy in Mazanderan."

Such were the delights the oriental poet held out to his rulers in Mazanderan, in all the force of oriental exaggeration. The province of Mazanderan was doubtless a delightful province ; but there appear to have been some .drawbacks upon its loveliness. Sir W. Ouseley states that on entering Mazanderan, he was informed that he would find a babr, tiger ; a guraz, boar ; rubah, foxes ; shegkal, jackals ; and a gurg, or wolf. Accordingly, the very first thing that he saw, on entering a village of Hyrcania, was the carcase of a, large wolf, which had been shofjust half an hour before his arrival, and which looked terrible in death, " grinning horribly a ghastly grin ;" thus proving the truth of the poet, that, " every where the pleasures of the chase may be enjoyed," if such may be termed pleasures. In ancient times, Hyrcania was infested with panthers and tigers, so fierce and cruel, as to give rise to a proverb concerning fierce and unrelenting men, that they had sucked Caspian tigers. The poet Virgil refers to this in his Aeneid. Representing Dido chiding iEneas, he puts into her mouth these words:

" False as thou art, and more than false, forsworn, Not sprung from noble blood, nor goddess born, But hewn from harden'd entrails of a rock ! And rough Caspian tigers gave thee suck !"

Mazanderan Sea

Strabo, who extends Hyrcania as far north as the river Ochus, says from Aristobulus that was a woody region, producing oaks and pines, but not the pitch pine, which abounded in India. It has been mentioned as a curious circumstance, that in Mazanderan an axe used for cutting is called tabr. Now the Tapyri, or Tabari, inhabited a district in Hyrcania, and if this name be derived from tabr, an axe, it will signify hatchet-men, or wood-cutters, a name very appropriate to the inhabitants of a country covered with forests like Mazanderan and, though restricted by the Greeks to the western inhabitants of that province, is equally applicable to those of the eastern part. According to Sir W. Ouseley, the name of the part in which the Tabari. lived, namely, Tabristan, or Tabaristan, signifies the country of wood.

According to Morier, Mazanderan is a modern Persian phrase, signifying, " Within the boundary or limit of the mountain." This is confirmed by Sir W. Ouseley, who says, from Hamdallah, an eminent Persian geographer, that Mazanderan was originally named Mawz-anderan, or within the mountain Mawz. He says, " The Coh-Alburz is an immense mountain adjacent to Bab-al-abwab, (Derbend), and many mountains are connected with Alburz ; so that from Turkestan to Hejas, it forms a range extending in length 1000 farsangs, about 130 miles, more or less ; and on this account some regard it as the mountain of Kaf, (Caucasus.) Its western side, connected with the mountains of Gurjestan, (Georgia,) is called the Coh Lagzi, (Daghestan,) and the Sur a lakaeim relates, that in the Coh Lagzi there are various races of people ; so that about seventy different languages or dialects are used among them ; and in that mountain are many wonderful objects ; and when it reaches Shemshat and Malatiah, (Samosata Melitene,) it is called Kali Kala. At Antakia and Sakeliah, ( Antioch and Seleucia,) it is called Lekam ; there it divides Sham (Syria) from Room, (Asia Minor.) When it reaches between Hems (Emesa) and Demishk, (Damascus,) it is called Lebnan, (Lebanon,) and near Mecca and Medina it is called Arish. Its eastern side, connected with the mountains of Arran (Eastern Armenia) and Aderbijan, it is called Keik, and when it reaches to Ghilan, (the Gelae and Cadusians,) and Iraq, (Media,) it takes the name of Terkel-diz-cuh ; it is called Mauz when it reaches Kurnish and Mazanderan ; and originally Mazanderan was named Mawz-enderan ; and when Alburz reaches Khorassan, it is called Lurry." From this it appears that Mazanderan signifies all the region within the mountain Mawz and the Caspian Sea, which lies east of Ghilan and the Kizil Ozan.

Mazandaran was among the last parts of Persia standing against Muslim conquests

Unlike the rest of Persia, Mazanderan is watered by numerous rivers, or mountain torrents, all running from the mountains to the sea. The German traveller Gmelin, who visited this country a. d. 1771, says that in the space of eight miles, on the road from Resht to Amot, 250 of such streams are to be seen, many of them being so exceedingly broad and deep, that the passage across is sometimes impracticable for weeks together. In this respect Mazanderan furnishes a striking contrast to the waste and barren shores of southern Persia, where for many hundred miles there is not a stream to be met with deep enough to take a horse above the knee. Hence arises the fertility of Mazanderan. So mild and humid, indeed, is the climate of Mazanderan, that it permits the growth of the sugar cane, and the production of good sugar, and that in perfection four months earlier than in the West Indies. From the lack of art and care, however, this gift of nature is not turned to account by the inhabitants of that province.[21]

Post-Islamic history

Sayed Haydar Amoli (Seyyed Se Tan) shrine in Amol, 15th century
Map of the Mazandaran Alavid emirate (864-929 AD)

During the post-Islamic period the local dynasties fall into three classes: 1. local families of pre-Islamic origin, 2. the ʿAlid sayyid s, and 3. local families of secondary importance.[20]

The Bawandids who claimed descent from Kawus provided three dynasties.[20] The first dynasty (665-1007) was overthrown on the conquest of Tabaristan by the Ziyarid Kabus b. Wushmgir.[20] The second dynasty reigned from 466/1073 to 606/1210 when Mazandaran was conquered by 'Ala al-Din Muhammad Khwarzamshah.[20] The third ruled from 635/1237 to 750/1349 as vassals of the Mongols.[20] The last representative of the Bawandids was killed by Afrasiyab Chulawi.[20]

The Karinids claimed descent from Karin, brother of Zarmihr who was the pre-Islamic ruler under the Sassanids.[20] Their last representative Mazyar was put to death in 224/839.[20]

The Paduspanids claimed descent from the Dabyuids of Gilan.[20] They came to the front about 40/660 and during the rule of the ʿAlids were their vassals. Later, they were vassals of the Buyids and Bawandids, who deposed them in 586/1190.[20] The dynasty, restored in 606/1209-10, survived till the time of Timur; the branch descended from Kawus the son of Kayumarth reigned till 975/1567 and the other, that of Iskandar the son of Kayumarth, till 984/1574.[20]

In 662 CE, ten years after the death of Yazdegerd III the last Sassanian Emperor, a large Muslim army under the command of Hassan ibn Ali (Imam Hassan, the second Sunni's/Shi'a Imam) invaded Tabarestan (Mazandaran as it was then called) [citation needed] only to be severely beaten, suffering heavy losses to the forces of the Zoroastrian princes of the Dabboyid house. For the next two hundred years, Tabaristan maintained an existence independent of the Umayyad Caliphate which supplanted the Persian Empire in the early seventh century, with independent Zoroastrian houses like the Bavand and Karen fighting an effective guerilla warfare against Islam. A short-lived Alid Shiite state collapsed before the subsequent take-over by the Ziyarid princes. Mazandaran, unlike much of the rest of the Iranian Plateau maintained a Zoroastrian majority until the 12th century, thanks to its isolation and hardy population which fought against the Caliph's armies for centuries.

During the Abbasid caliphate of Abou Jafar Al-Mansur, Tabaristan witnessed a wave of popular revolt. Ultimately, Vandad Hormoz established an independent dynasty in Tabaristan in 783[citation needed]. In 1034, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi entered Tabaristan via Gorgan followed by the invasion of Sultan Mohammad Kharazmshah in 1209. Thereafter, the Mongols governed the region until they were overthrown by the Timurid Dynasty. After the dissolution of the feudal government of Tabaristan, Mazandaran was fully incorporated into the modern Persian Empire by Shah Abbas I in 1596.

In the Safavid era MazandaranIt was a magnificent area and was settled by very large amounts of Georgians, Circassians, Armenians, and other Peoples of the Caucasus were settled in the region, whose descendants still live or linger across Mazandaran. Towns, villages and neighbourhoods in Mazandaran still bear the name "Gorji" (i.e. Georgian) in them, although most of the large amounts of Georgians, and Circassians are already assimilated into the mainstream Mazandaranis. The history of Georgian settlement is described by Eskandar Beyg Monshi, the author of the 17th century Tarikh-e Alam-Ara-ye Abbasi, and the Circassian settlements by Pietro Della Valle, among other authors.

Before the reign of Nadir Shah, the province was briefly occupied by the Russian army in the aftermath of the Russo-Persian War, 1722-1723 and returned to Persia in 1735. Following the outcomes of the Russo-Persian War (1804-1813) and the Russo-Persian War (1826–28) Russian influence in northern Iran, and especially Mazandaran and Gilan dramatically increased with most of it settled by Russians, and occupied by Russian forces. Most major cities in the region had Russian schools and significant traces of Russian culture can still be found. This significant increase of Russian influence in the region would last all the way up to the 1946 and had a major inpact on Iranian history, as it directly led to the Persian Constitutional Revolution. Several years after the revolution, the region saw another massive influx of Russian refugees (the so-called White émigrées) who fled the Bolsheviks. Many of the descendants of these refugees still linger forth in the region.

Geography and population

Geography

Relief map of Mazandaran area

Mazandaran is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered clockwise by Golestan, Semnan and Tehran provinces.[22] This province also borders Qazvin and Gilan to the west. Mazandaran province is geographically divided into two parts: the coastal plains, and the mountainous areas. The Alborz Mountain Range surrounds the coastal strip and plains of the Caspian Sea.

There is often snowfall in the Alborz regions, which run parallel to the Caspian Sea's southern coast, dividing the province into many isolated valleys. The province enjoys a moderate, subtropical climate with an average temperature of 25 °C in summer and about 8 °C in winter. Although snow may fall heavily in the mountains in winter, it rarely falls at sea level.

Ecoregions:

Climate

Given the climatic changes and varying rates of rainfall in different parts of Mazandaran province, this region has a variety of climates, including the mild and humid climate of Caspian shoreline and the moderate and cold climate of mountainous regions. The western and central plains of the province, up to the northern foothills of Alborz Mountain Range, experience the mild climate of the Caspian region. In the 1,500- to 3,000-meter altitudes, there is a moderate mountainous climate, with long, cold winters, and short, mild summers. In this region, snow covers parts of the province even up to the middle of the warm season. In fact, snow can be observed in this region even in the warmest months of the year, which lends a touch of beauty to this region.

File:بابلرود 1.jpg
Rivers Babol - Babolsar

Demographics

The population of the province has been steadily growing during the last 50 years. The following table shows the approximate province population, excluding the Golestan province, which has separated as an independent province in 1998 [3].

The population is overwhelmingly Mazandarani, with a minority of Azerbaijanis, Georgians, Armenians, Circassians, Turkmen and others.

In recent years the region has seen an influx of Iranians from other regions of Iran, many of them attracted by its nature and seaside.

Year 1956 1966 1976 1986 1996 2006 2011[2]
Approximate population 835,000 1,250,000 1,596,000 2,275,000 2,602,000 2,922,000 3,073,943

Administrative divisions

The province covers an area of 23,842 km²[4]. According to the census of 2006, the population of the province was 2,922,432 of which 53.18% were urban dwellers, 46.82% villagers, and remaining were non-residents.[citation needed] Sari is the capital city of the province.

Mazandaran is divided into 15 counties (shahrestan in Persian). All the shahrestans are named after their administrative center, except Savadkooh.

Template:Mazandaran labelled map

Transportation

Main transport routes in Mazandaran (Click to see a larger version)

Roads

Mazandaran is connected to the capital of Iran, Tehran, through three transit roads: Haraz road (Amol-Rudehen), Kandovan road (Chalus-Karaj), and Firoozkooh road (Qaem Shahr-Rudehen).

Airports

Dasht-e Naz Airport, serving the capital Sari, Noshahr Airport, and Ramsar Airport are the domestic airports that connect the province to the other parts of the country. There are some Hajj flights from Dasht-e Naz Airport as well.

Railway

Iran North Railway Dept.
Gorgan
Sabzdasht
Bandar Torkaman
Bandar Gaz
Galoogah
Tirtash
Behshahr
Rostamkola
Amir Abad
Neka
Nobakht
Sari
Gooni Bafi
Qaemshahr
Shirgah
Zirab
Pol-e Sefid
Savadkooh
Sorkh Abad
Veresk
Dogol
Gadook
Firoozkooh
Mahabad
Zarrin Dasht
Simin Dasht
Kabootar Darreh
Bonekooh
To Tehran Dept.

Mazandaran is served by the North Railway Dept. of the Iranian Railways. The department connects the province to Tehran to the south and Gorgan to the east. The cities of Sari, Qaemshahr, and Pol Sefid are major stations of the department.

Culture

View of the Caspian coast from the Namak Abrood tourist resort.

Mazandaran is a center for Iranian culture and has produced a number of famous poets. Similar scholars political and philosopher. wool, felting, felt hat and mat weaving industry Cultural Mazandaran is. Barf Chal, Lochu Wrestling, Palm and Tiregān (Damavand national day) The local event will be Which is held each year. The peoples of the two provinces are largely secular, and consequently women have had greater social freedom and independence than their Persian cousins. (Reference: "The Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran, 1920-1921: Birth of the Trauma" by Cosroe Chaqueri. The cuisine of the province is very rich in seafood due to its location by the Caspian Sea, and rice is present in virtually every meal. Indeed, the rest of Iran was introduced to rice through Gilan and Mazandaran. Before the 1800s, Persians, Kurds, and other Iranian ethnic groups used bread rather than rice as an accompaniment to their meals, though bread remains a prominent staple among them. While bread remains very popular among those groups, in Gilan and Mazandaran, rice remains the choice staple of the indigenous inhabitants.

Language

Mazanderani or Tabarian is a Northwestern Iranian language. Various Mazandarani dialects exist which are spoken in Mazandaran province and the neighbor province Golestan such as Mazanderani, and Gorgani and possibly Qadikolahi (Ghadikolahi) and Palani. Today, Mazandaranis also use Persian (Western Persian). The educated can communicate and read Persian well.[23]

A dialect of Azeri is spoken in the town of Galoogah.[24]

In literature

In the Persian epic, Shahnameh, Mazandaran is mentioned in two different sections. The first mention is implicit, when Fereydun sets its capital in a city called Tamishe near Amol:

The Battle History Of Mazandaran

بیاراست گیتی بسان بهشت.................... به جای گیا سرو گلبن بکشت

از آمل گذر سوی تمیشه کرد .............. نشست اندر آن نامور بیشه کرد

under the title "فریدون چو شد بر جهان کامگار", and when Manuchehr is returning to Fereydun's capital, Tamisheh in Mazandaran (known as Tabarestan), after his victory over Salm and Tur:[25]

ز دريای گيلان چون ابر سياه.............. دمادم به ساری رسيد آن سپاه

چو آمد بنزدیک شاه آن سپاه.................. فریدون پذیره بیامد براه

In the second section, a region called Mazandaran is mentioned in the Kai Kavoos era; it is an area which is mostly inhabited by Div (demons). The legendary Iranian Shah Kaykavoos, as well as the Iranian hero Rostam, each take turn to go to Mazandaran in order to battle the demons.

A famous verse from Shahnameh is when Zal tells Kai Kavoos:

شنیدم یکی نو سخن بس گران ..........که شه دارد آهنگ مازندران

"I heard troubling news that the king is planning to go to Mazandaran"

Forest in Mazandaran

However, this Mazandaran is not considered identical to the modern province of Mazandaran, and is instead a land to the west of Iran. The current province was simply considered a part of Tabaristan; the name Mazandaran is a later development, perhaps based upon local terminology.[26]

In Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera,' one of the characters was formerly the daroga (chief of police) of Mazanderan.

Arash story of the Shahnameh: از آن خوانند آرش را کمانگیر ..........که از آمل بمرو انداخت یک تیر


Attractions Tourism and Historical and Natural

  • Mount Damavand
  • Abbas Abad Garden Behshahr
  • Tomb Mashhad Mir Bozorg Marashi
  • Tomb tower Sayyid Haydar Amoli
  • Safi Abad Palace
  • Malek Bahman Castle
Tomb of Mir Bozorg
  • House Nima Youshij
  • Mohammad Hassan Khan Bridge Babol
  • Relief Shekle Shah
  • Davazdah Cheshmeh Bridge
  • Moalagh Bridge Amol
Hutu Cave
  • Tomb tower Nasser Kabir - Hasan al-Utrush
  • Waterfall Shahandasht
  • Waterfall Gozo
  • Bazaar of Amol
  • Cave Espahbod Khorshid
  • Historical collection Farahabad Sari
Lake Miyansheh
  • Cheshmeh Kileh Bridge Tonekabon
  • Lajim Tower
  • Veresk Bridge
  • Castle Poolad Nour
  • Shapour Bridge Juybar
  • Bathroom Vaziri Sari
  • Tomb Darvish Fakhruddin Babol
Babolsar sea
  • Emamzadeh Hashem Haraz
  • Daniel Cave Salman Shahr
  • Marmar Palace of Ramsar
  • Ramsar Hotel
  • Cellar Kafer Keli
  • History Museum Amol
  • Museum of Babol Amol
  • Hot water rineh - Larijan
  • Shah Neshin Castle
  • Lake Valasht
  • Lake Valasht Chalus
  • Lar Dam
  • Alam-Kuh
  • Lar National Park
  • Badab-e Surt
Clock Tower
  • Tomb of Imamzadeh Abbas
  • Kandolus Museum Nowshahr
  • Atashkadeh of Amol
  • Imamzadeh Ebrahim Amol and Babolsar
  • Imamzadeh Yahya Sari
  • See Sangan
  • Cave Zangian Qaemshahr
  • Alimastan Village
  • Shahrak-e Namak Abrud
  • Huto and Kamarband Caves
  • Cemetery Sefid Chah
Sangeno Waterfall
  • Rescet Tower Savadkuh
  • Waterfall Tircan
  • Jameh Mosque of Amol
  • Jameh Mosque of Sari
  • Bridge Felezi of Babolsar
  • Imam Hassan Askari Mosque
  • Lake Miyansheh
File:نوشهر.jpg
Sunset in Nowshahr
  • Forest Park Nur and Amol
  • Clock tower Sari
  • Waterfall Sangeno
  • Heshtel Towers
Gorji Mahaleh Beheshahr
  • Amoloo Mineral Water Spring
  • Harijan Village Chaloos
  • Tamishan Palace Noor
  • Div Sefid Cave
File:Ghar danial1.jpg
Danial Cave
  • Alasht Village
  • Cemetery Ispe Chah
  • Zangian Cave
  • Cheshmeh Imarat Behshar
Abbas Abad Garden
  • Haft Abshar Waterfall Babol
  • Hill Qlaya Ghale Kety
  • Bathroom Vaziri Sari
  • House Kalbadi Sari
  • House Manouchehri Amol
Nima Youshij house
  • Palace of Shapur
  • Temple Kowsan
  • Cave rostam Kola
  • Garden Chehelsotoon
  • Mansion Municipal Tonekabon
  • Castle Kanglou
Malek Bahman Castle
  • Tower Shervin Bavand
  • Church sourkh Abad
  • Watchtower of Babol
  • Tomb Shab baloo zahid Amuli
  • Mosque Jameh of Babol
  • Mosque Mohadesin
  • Abpari Waterfall
Sea in Mazandaran
  • Tomb of Ibn-e Shahr Ashoob
  • Imamzadeh Sayyid Ali kia Sultan
  • Tomb of Seyed Mohammad Zarrin Nava
  • Herijan Waterfall
  • Deryouk Waterfall
  • Espe-o Waterfall
  • Kiasar Waterfall
  • Takieh Taker
Farah Abad
  • Lake Sahon
  • Forest Park Chaldareh
  • Forest Park Shahid Zare
  • Forest Park Mirza Kuchik Khan Haraz
  • Forst Park Kashpel
  • Miankaleh peninsula
  • Marko Summit
  • Forst Park Dalkhani
  • Do hezar Village
  • Abe ask Village
  • Shahrak-e Darya Kenar
  • Lavij Village
  • Sheikh Musa Village
  • Shoormast Lake Savadkuh
  • Forest Sange no Neka
  • Amoloo mineral water Spring
  • Ramsar mineral water Springs
  • Pahlavi Hotel Qaem Shahr
  • Band-e Borideh River


Transportation

Airport

Road

Railway

File:Namakabrood.jpg
Namak Abrood Town

Souvenir

Food

  • Kateh
  • Kabab torsh
  • Tah Chin
  • Halva
  • Peshte zik
  • Alu Mosema
  • Morq-e Torsh
  • Shami Goosht
  • Ash-e-Doogh
  • Khoresh Aloo
  • Mahi Shekam Por (Stuffed Fish)
  • Morgh Shekam Por (Stuffed Chicken)
  • Ordak Shekam Por (Stuffed Duck)
  • Ispina-Saek
  • Sir-Enar
  • Keahi-Ash
  • Spinach Khorosh
  • Qaz Kebab

Notable people

Historian

Reza Shah Pahlavi

Royalty

  • Reza Shah Pahlavi was the Shah of the Kingdom of Iran from 15 December 1925 until he was forced to abdicate by the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran on 16 September 1941.
  • Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the ruler of Iran (Shah of Iran) from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979.

Politician

Poet, Persian and Mazandarani language

Music

1978 Iranian stamps showing traditional dressing of people of Mazandaran

Cinema

Portrait

Lettered, Philosopher, Theologue

Sport

Architecture

  • Omar Tiberiades (Abû Hafs 'Umar ibn al-Farrukhân al-Tabarî Amoli) (died c. 815), Persian astrologer and architect.

Calligraphy

Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Astronomy

File:Alasht Observatory.jpg
Alasht observatory
  • ABD-AL-QADER HASAN RUYANI,[27] 10th/16th century astronomer. He dedicated his Zij-e molakkas-e Mirzaʾi ("Compendious astronomical tables for Mīrzā", composed in 891/1486) to Sultan Mirza ʿAli (1478–1505) and his al-Tohfat al-nezamiya ("The Nezam’s gift") to Sultan Yahya Kia. Abd-al-Qāder also wrote a Moktasar dar maʿrefat-e taqvīm ("Epitome of knowledge of the calendar") and a Resalat al-kora

Social sciences

  • ABU’L-ṬAYYEB ṬĀHER B. ʿABDALLĀH B. ṬĀHER ṬABARĪ[27] was jurisconsult, judge (qāżī), and professor of legal sciences; he was regarded by his contemporaries as one of the leading Shafeʿites of 5th/11th century Baghdad.
  • Masha'alla Ajoodani

Christianity

  • Shaban Dibaj

Judaism

Mazandaran today

Economy

The resort of National Iranian Oil Company, near Mahmoodabad.

Rice, grain, fruits, cotton, tea, tobacco, sugarcane, and silk are produced in the lowland strip along the Caspian shore. Oil wealth has stimulated industries in food processing, cement, textiles, cotton, and fishing (caviar).

The province's pleasant and moderate climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and proximity to Tehran, have led the province to be one of the main recreational and tourism areas of Iran.

Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization lists close to 630 sites of historical and cultural significance, hence a wealth of tourist attractions.

Colleges and universities

Shomal University of Amol(SUA)

Main universities of Mazandaran

See also

References

  1. ^ a b همشهری آنلاین-استان‌های کشور به ۵ منطقه تقسیم شدند
  2. ^ a b Statistical Centre of Iran
  3. ^ a b Maryam Borjian - Bilingualism in Mazandaran: Peaceful Coexistence With Persian.
  4. ^ Based on Maz or Mazan Term: Mazanderani: مازرون Māzerūn, Persian: مازندران, Russian: Мазендеран.
    Based on Tapur Term: English: Tapuria, Arabic: طبرستان Ṭabaristan, from Middle Persian Tapuristān
    Mazandarani: Tapurana. (not prevalent)
    Ancient Greek: Hyrcania came from local name Vergana (Persian Gorgan), Caspia from local name Kaspi, See Caspian Sea.
    Firdawsi called the Caspian region Gilan, so people refer to Caspian provinces as Gilan.
    Note: It was also known as Al-Jannat by the Arabs, meaning paradise, during the 7–8th centuries
  5. ^ Keddie, N. R.; 1968; The Iranian villages before and after land reform. Journal of Contemporary History, 3(3), 69–78.
  6. ^ Statistical Centre, Government of Iran. See: "General Characteristics of Ostans according to their administrative divisions at the end of 1383 (2005 CE)", "Population estimation by urban and rural areas, 2005"
  7. ^ a b University of Mazanderan
  8. ^ Census Results, 2006: Sari: 490.830, Babel: 464.535, Amel: 343.747, Shahi: 293.721.
    Iranian 2006 Census Website, Information File (in Persian)
  9. ^ Springer Netherlands; July 10, 2005; Contributions to the knowledge of the useful plants and plant raw materials of Iran; ISSN 0921-9668
  10. ^ Mazandaran, Geography & History
  11. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica, Entry for Elburz
  12. ^ Freshwater Fishes of Iran; Revised: 12 July 2007
  13. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica, Entry for Mazandaran
  14. ^ [1] (Persian)
  15. ^ Mazandaran setting up Iran's first cave museum; London; Saturday, July 22, 2006 by IranMania
  16. ^ IRAN Daily Caspian Region
  17. ^ Parthia News, November 6, 2005.
  18. ^ Payvand, 400 Historical Sites Discovered within 7 Days in Mazandaran
  19. ^ CHN Page for Mazandaran
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Minorsky, V.; Vasmer, R. "Mazandaran" Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. Brill Online.
  21. ^ Britannica Article for Hyrcania
  22. ^ Gwillim Law, Statoids website. "Provinces of Iran". Retrieved on 2007-08-28. ; See Also: Provinces of Iran
  23. ^ Gordon, R.G., Jr. (2005). Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 15th edition. (Dallas, TX: SIL International). Online version http://www.ethnologue.com
  24. ^ Lars Johanson, Éva Csató, Eva Agnes Csato. The Turkic Languages. Taylor & Francis, 1998. ISBN 0-415-08200-5; p. 274
  25. ^ Shahnameh/Book of Kings by Abu'L Ferdawsi, edited by Dr. jalal Khaleghi-Motlagh [2]
  26. ^ Iran Chamber Society: Geography of Iran: Ancient Iran’s Geographical Position in Shah-Nameh
  27. ^ a b Encyclopedia Iranica http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc