Markazi Province


Markazi Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. The word Markazi means central in Persian. In 2014 it was placed in Region 4.
Markazi lies in central Iran. Its capital is Arak. Its population is estimated at 1.41 million. The present borders of the province date to the 1977, when the province was split into the current Markazi and the Tehran Province, with portions being annexed by Esfahan, Semnan Province, and Zanjan.
The major cities of the province are: Saveh, Arak, Mahallat, Zarandiyeh, Khomein, Delijan, Tafresh, Ashtian, Shazand and Farahan.

History

Markazi province was part of the Median Empire in the first millennium BC, which included all of the central and western parts of modern-day Iran. The region is considered to be one of the ancient settlements on the Iranian plateau. Numerous remaining ruins testify to the antiquity of this area.
In the early centuries of Islam, the name of the area was changed to Jibal or Kuhestan. By the early 10th century, Khorheh had become a famous city of Jibal province, followed by Tafresh and Khomein.
In recent times, the expansion of the North-South railroad and the establishing of major industries helped boost development in the area.
Many figures in Iranian history trace their beginnings to this province. namely: Mirza Abu'l-Qasem Qa'em-Maqam, Abbas Eqbal Ashtiani, Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, Mirza Bozorg Qa'em-Maqam, Mahmoud Hessabi, Ayatollah Khomeini, Ayatollah Araki, and many others.

Population

Colleges and universities

  1. Arak University of Medical Sciences
  2. Arak University of Technology
  3. University of Arak
  4. Tafresh University
  5. Islamic Azad University of Khomein
  6. Islamic Azad University of Arak
  7. Islamic Azad University of Saveh
  8. Islamic Azad University of Farahan
  9. Islamic Azad University of Ashtian
  10. Islamic Azad University of Tafresh
  11. Farhangian University of Arak
  12. Energy University

    Counties and districts

Markazi province consists of 12 counties and 18 districts Khondab County was added in 2007). Farahan County was also added later in 2010.

Gallery