Markazi province
Central Iranian province with ancient Median roots and modern industry.
Markazi province (Persian: استان مرکزی) is one of the 31 provinces of Iran, with its capital at the city of Arak. The region is considered to be one of the ancient settlements on the Iranian plateau, having been part of the Median Empire in the first millennium BC. During the early centuries of Islam, the area was known as Jibal or Kuhestan, and by the early 10th century, the city of Khorheh had become prominent within that province, followed by Tafresh and Khomein. The province’s present borders were established in 1977, when the former larger province was divided, creating the current Markazi and Tehran provinces, while portions were also annexed by Isfahan, Semnan, and Zanjan provinces. In 2014, Markazi was placed within Iran’s Region 4. Modern development in the area has been spurred by the expansion of the north–south railroad, often called the Persian Corridor, and the establishment of major industries. Ethnically, Persians form the vast majority of the population, with smaller communities of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Lurs. According to the 2016 census, the province had a population of 1,429,475, with over 76 percent of residents living in urban areas. The province is home to several institutions of higher education, including Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak University of Technology, the University of Arak, Tafresh University, and numerous Islamic Azad University branches. Many notable figures in Iranian history trace their origins to Markazi, such as Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, Mahmoud Hessabi, and Ayatollah Khomeini.
- capital
- Arak
- major_ethnicity
- Persians
- ancient_period
- Median Empire (first millennium BC)
Lore & Background
Markazi province is situated in central Iran, with Arak as its capital. The province’s present boundaries were established in 1977, following a split that created the current Markazi and Tehran provinces, with additional territory transferred to Isfahan, Semnan, and Zanjan provinces. In 2014, it was assigned to Region 4. The area was part of the Median Empire during the first millennium BC, encompassing much of central and western modern Iran, and is considered an ancient settlement zone on the Iranian plateau, with numerous remaining ruins attesting to its antiquity. Following the early centuries of Islam, the region was renamed Jibal or Kuhestan. By the early 10th century, the city of Khorheh had become prominent within Jibal, followed by Tafresh and Khomein. The province’s development in modern times has been spurred by the expansion of the north–south railroad, known as the Persian Corridor, and the establishment of major industries. Ethnically, Persians form the vast majority, with smaller minorities of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Lurs. Notable historical figures originating from the province include Mirza Abu’l-Qasem Qa’em-Maqam, Abbas Eqbal Ashtiani, Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, Mahmoud Hessabi, and Ayatollah Khomeini.
Reader's Guide
Markazi province holds significance as a historically continuous settlement region on the Iranian plateau, with roots in the Median Empire. The province's development was boosted by the Persian Corridor railroad and major industries. Demographically, it is predominantly Persian, with notable minorities. The province is also the origin of many figures in Iranian history, including Mirza Abu'l-Qasem Qa'em-Maqam, Abbas Eqbal Ashtiani, Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, Mirza Bozorg Qa'em-Maqam, Mahmoud Hessabi, Ayatollah Khomeini, and Ayatollah Araki. Its universities include Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak University of Technology, University of Arak, and several Islamic Azad University branches. The province's capital, Arak, serves as its administrative and industrial hub.
Did You Know?
- Markazi province was part of the Median Empire in the first millennium BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Markazi province and what city serves as its capital?
Markazi is one of Iran's 31 provinces situated in the heart of the country, and its administrative capital is the city of Arak.
What ancient civilization is Markazi province linked to?
The region is regarded as one of the oldest settled areas on the Iranian plateau and was incorporated into the Median Empire during the first millennium BC.
More in Provinces Of Iran 1-24
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