Ahvaz is a historical Iranian city, which houses many historical sites. According to historical sources, the name of this city originates from the word “Khuzi” or “Huzi”, which was the name of a race of native residents of Khuzestan Province with Elamite roots.
Ahvaz in the Course of History
Ahvaz was one of the important cities during the rule of the Parthians (247 BC to 224 AD) and became one of the major centers of the Iranian textile industry during the Sassanid era (224 to 651 AD). Due to its geographical location, this city has been one of the important commercial centers of Iran throughout its history.
Ahvaz expanded during the reign of Shapur I, the second king of the Sassanid Empire (reigned from 240 to 270 AD). He developed both the eastern and western sides of Karun, but the western part was destroyed in the following years and during the wars that occurred between the Iranians and the Arabs.
The Zanj in the 9th century A|D caused so much damage to Ahvaz that the capital of Khuzestan Province was moved to Shushtar. Before the Safavid era (early 16th century AD), Ahvaz had more or less become like a village. This situation continued and by the 19th century AD, Ahvaz was nothing more than a small rural district. However, what eventually resulted in the re-expansion of Ahvaz was the growth of world foreign from around 1888 AD. Taking advantage of this situation, the Qajar king, Naser al-Din Shah built a port called “Naseri Port” in the eastern part of the Karun River, which later on came to be known as “Naseriyeh”. This name was also applied to this city until the early Pahlavi era when the city was once again named “Ahvaz”.
During the course of the revival of Ahvaz, this city again became the capital of Khuzestan province, and foreign trade with the distant ports of India, Africa, and the Far East took place through Ahvaz. Sometime later several caravanserais and bazaars were founded there, which are now known as tourist attractions of the city.
Discovery of Crude Oil and the Growth of Ahvaz
Apart from the geographical position and the role of Ahvaz in trade, the discovery of oil also helped the regrowth of this city. Iran’s first oil well was dug in Masjed Soleyman City in the year 1908 AD. The proximity of Ahvaz to Masjed Soleyman led to the creation of one of the largest oil facilities in the country so that Ahvaz could be considered as a station for transferring crude oil to Abadan. This boosted the industrial position of Ahvaz and in 1929 AD, this city was connected to the national railway network of Iran.
Historical Attractions of Ahvaz
Having experienced different ups and downs in the course of its history, Ahvaz has housed a variety of historical sites including:
Tomb of Ali ibn Mahziar
Ali ibn Mahziyar was one of the greatest Shia jurists and scholars who lived during the time of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of Shias. His tomb, which is located in the old part of the city was built in the 18th century AD. This mausoleum is now used as one of the most important religious ritual centers in Ahvaz.
Saraye Ajam
This historical building was one of the caravanserais of Sheikh Khazal (the ruler of Khorramshahr and the head of one of the major tribes of Khuzestan) and was used as a bazaar at some points in history. Saraye Ajam has a special architecture and has a brick structure, carved columns, numerous chambers, and carved wooden doors and windows.
Saraye Moin al-Tujjar is one of the structures left over from the Qajar era, which was both the residential and trade center of famous merchants of the time such as Mohammad Taqi Moin al-Tujjar.
Dadras House
This house, too, was built during the Qajar era. Dadras House is located in the south of Ahvaz City and several other historical monuments are located within its vicinity.
Mapar House
This house was founded during the rule of Pahlavi I (early 20th century). A stone basement, two courtyards, and two ponds are the main parts of the building. Brick decorations, dropped ceilings, and wooden doors of the Mapar House have given it a special effect.
Abdul Hamid Bazaar
Bazaar is one of the main trade centers of Iranian cities and a crowded area, which is usually located in the central part of the city. As the oldest bazaar in Ahvaz, Abdul Hamid Bazaar is more than a century old, and it has been the main place of trade and commutation of merchants. Sheikh Khazal Caravanserai is also located in the heart of this bazaar.
Museum of Contemporary Arts
The Ahvaz Museum of Contemporary Arts exhibits numerous works of art in five galleries on two floors. Except for the artifacts put on display in this museum, the very building of this museum, which was built in 1959 AD, also has many beauties.
Azhdar Khung
This ancient monument is located outside Ahvaz city and near Izeh City. Two stone inscriptions have been found in this building, one of which is related to the Elamite era (four thousand years ago) and the other to the Parthian era (more than 1800 years ago).
Eshkaft-e Salman
It is an archaeological site founded during the Elamite era and is located in the south of Izeh City. There are four reliefs on this site. The largest Elamite inscription written in cuneiform script has been discovered from this site.
Ahvaz is a historical Iranian city, which houses many historical sites. According to historical sources, the name of this city originates from the word “Khuzi” or “Huzi”, which was the name of a race of native residents of Khuzestan Province with Elamite roots.
