City Introduction
Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan Province (southwest of Iran), with a population of about 1,300,000, it is home to Persians, Arabs, Bakhtiaris, Dezfulis, Shushtaris, etc, with different languages current over there.The city’s middle part is best decorated with Iran’s only navigable river, Karun. With a long history dating back to the Achaemenid period, once Ahvaz had been one of the main centers of Jondi Shapur Academy.
Geography
As the capital of Khuzestan province, Ahvaz is located in southwest of Iran with an altitude of about 25 meters above sea level. This city is situated among the vast plains; to which the form of the province is owed.Lack of vegetation in these regions leads to a hot dry climate, causing the city to be topped among the hottest regions of Iran. In Winter, it experiences a temperature drop of 5ᵒC, and in Summer a rise up to 50ᵒC.Karun, the largest river of Iran, originating from Zagros Mountains, passes through the heart of Ahvaz and divides this city into western and eastern parts. While the western part is mostly a residential area, the eastern part encompasses the economic and trade centers; which this division in whole gives the city a good picture of ordering. This navigable river, includes various dams to provide electricity and drinkable water for the people of region on its own.
Climate
Bearing a subtropical hot desert climate with long, hot summers and cool, short winters, with at least a temperature of 42 °C (108 °F) in Summers (or even 45 °C/ 113 °F), followed by many sand and dust storms. Despite the winters’ minimum temperature of around 5 °C (41 °F), Ahvaz has no experience in the course of snow. By the average annual rainfall of around 230 mm, the humidity point of the city peaks to 23 °C (73 °F) which is quite unusual.
Attractions
For Iranians, the name of Ahvaz equals historical as well as natural attractions; for beside the natural wonders, this city can present several ancient historical sites parallelly.
Rich in old monuments and tourist attractions, this city is the home of so many attractions; among which, some are introduced here:
White Bridge
Also, called Pol-e Sefid in Persian, this suspended bridge is the symbol of Ahvaz, with a construction dating back to 1936.
Black Bridge
Located on the Karun River with a length of 1050 meters and a width of 6 meters, foundation of Ahvaz first bridge dates back to 1929. Later on, this bridge took the name of Black Bridge/ pol-e Siyah and also entered into the list of National Heritage Sites.
Band-e Kaisar
In ancient times, seven dams were built over the Karun River, with Band-e Kaisar as the largest and most famous one. The type of architecture that it shows, by a total length of 500 meters, it is conceived that this building belongs to the Sassanid period.
Sara-ye Ajam
This historical building registered as National Heritage Site, was once one of the caravansaries of Sheikh Khaz’al as well as a bazaar. Currently used as warehouse, Sara-ye Ajam is a unique building in terms of its architecture, with a brick structure, carved columns, numerous cellars, pavers, and wooden windows.
Moein al-Tojar
This rare site remained from Qajar Period and one of the major historical tourist attractions of Ahvaz, once was the caravanserai of the famous merchant Haj Mohammad Taqi Moein al-Tojar.
Dadras House
Abdul Hamid Street in downtown of Ahvaz encompasses several buildings; among which, Dadras House dates back to Qajar and Pahlavi periods. This valuable old structure was registered as one of the National Heritage Sites.
Nafisi House
Belonging to the First Pahlavi Period and registered as one of Iran’s National Monuments on March 27, 2009, this site is located at Salman Farsi/ Naderi Street.
Mapar House
Including a stone-built underground, two courtyards, and two pools, this house belongs to the first Pahlavi era; with a building built of brick ornaments, false arches, and wooden doors were used.
Tomb of Ali Ibn Mahziar
Locating in the old part of the city, and used for holding religious rituals, its foundation dates back to the 18th century. In his approach, one of the followers of Imam Reza (the eighth Imam of Muslims), Ali Ibn Mahziar, himself, was a prominent jurisprudent, a narrator and scholar of Shia.
Abdul Hamid Bazaar
The oldest market of Ahvaz; within which, it has housed the Sheikh Khaz’al Caravanserai. Dating back to more than a century ago, once it was the main shopping center of Ahvaz.
Pol-e Haftom/ Seventh Bridge Waterfall of Ahvaz
As the longest and most beautiful artificial waterfall of middle east, it is located in Ahwaz. Just recently it was established by the authorities of Ahwaz municipality, to make a beauty added to other beauties of the city. Within a mixture of light, color and water, this structure has a spectacular and very beautiful reflection over the whole spot. In addition to its uniqueness in the country, this waterfall is so similar to that of South Korea.
Contemporary Art Museum
With 2 floors and 5 galleries, the construction of the Contemporary Art Museum of Ahvaz dates back to 1959.
Khung Azhdar
An ancient site near Izeh in which two rock reliefs are found; one of which, is a 4000-year-old Elamite carving and the other, an 1800-year-old Parthian one.
Eshkaft-e Salman
A cave on the south of the Izeh, near Khuzestan, with four reliefs, dating back to the 12th century BCE. Though, the four reliefs’ style of figures indicate a date in the 12th century BCE, but the inscriptions are related to Hanni Time; i.e. the inscriptions were added by Hanni at a later date. Also, there is a ruined building outside the cave, that local people believe it belongs to the Salman the Persian (as his prayer place); but it is assumed to be from the Atabaks Period.
Karun River
The largest and longest river in Iran, starting from Zagros range and moving towards the Khuzestan plain, Karun is the only navigable river of Iran. The most prosperous waterway of not so much faraway past, it is yet considered an important natural attraction of Ahvaz.
Island Park
Located on the riverside of Karun, this island has a beautiful and pleasant environment; facilized by some equipment for kids and bikes for adults. The park has a very pleasant weather at nights; as the nights of Karun is almost famous for all Iranian.
Bamdej Wetland
Khuzestan province has many wetlands; one of which, is located 40km northwestern part of Ahvaz. This 4000-hectares source of freshwater, is an interesting natural attraction for Ahvaz Visitors; in which, all beauties are gathered.