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Qazvin
City of Calligraphers, Calligraphy Capital of Iran

The city today known as Qazvin is believed to have been founded by Persian King Shapur II in 250 CE under the name Shad Shahpur (shad meaning happy) and has a 9,000-year history of settlement.

This strategic city, which was the capital of the country for 50 years during the Safavid era (1502 – 1736), connects Tehran, Isfahan, and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea coast.

One of the most beautiful cities of Iran, Qazvin stands out due to its numerous historical sites, incredible landscape, and unique urban artwork.

Alamout (Eagle's Nest), the mountain fortress used as a stronghold in the 11th century by Hassan Sabbah and his gang of Hashshashin or Assassins against the ruling Seljuqs, is located just outside the city.

The country’s first modern street, Sepah Street, was built in Qazvin. The city has two monuments which were built by the Russians: the Ballet Hall, which was built before the First World War and is now used as the Qazvin Municipality, and Kantour Church or the Bell Tower, which was built during the Second World War.

Qazvin is the birthplace of several prominent scholars, poets and calligraphers including linguist Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, who authored the first modern Persian dictionary, poet and musician Aref Qazvini and calligrapher Mir Emad. 

Qazvin

City of Calligraphers, Calligraphy Capital of Iran

  • Population

    382,000

  • Coordinates

    36°16′N 50°00′E

Top things to do:

Top foods to try:

  • Qeimeh Nesar -Rice with beef , barberries, almond and pistachio slivers and orange peal
  • Rice cakes -Pastry made with cardamom and rosewater.
  • Three color Baklava -Persian baklava is dry and uses a combination of chopped almonds, pistachios or coconut spiced with cardamom.