Iran, with a population equivalent to over 78.4 million people, is the seventeenth most populous country in the world. Iran is also recognized as the eighteenth largest country in the world and the second largest country in the Middle East with an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers. Due to its unique geographical location, particularly its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran holds significant geopolitical importance. However, there are cities in our country that have larger areas and populations compared to other cities. If you are interested in getting to know the Iran’s largest cities, stay tuned with Eligasht in this article.
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Which are the Iran’s largest cities?
When we talk about the Iran’s largest cities, we must keep in mind that two main factors play a crucial role in examining large cities in any country: area and population. Although these two factors are usually directly related, meaning that as the area of a city increases, so does its population. You might have come across the term “metropolis” and wondered what exactly it means.
What is a metropolis?
According to the definition provided by the International Organization, any city with a population of more than 4 million is considered a metropolis. Metropolises often have large areas and boast good cultural amenities. Regarding area, if we want to name the largest cities in Iran, we should mention Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, and Shiraz. In terms of population, we should mention the metropolises of Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, and Shiraz. Stay with Eli Gasht as we introduce you to the largest cities in Iran.
Tehran, the Largest and Most Crowded City in Iran
You will not be surprised to know that Tehran has secured the top position in the list of the Iran’s largest cities. This city has been the capital and political center of government in three eras: Qajar, Pahlavi, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is noteworthy that Tehran, with a population of around 15 million people and an area equivalent to 790 square kilometers, is considered the main metropolis of Iran.
More about Tehran
Tehran is not only one of the largest cities in Iran but also ranks as the second largest city in Western Asia in terms of population, the third largest city in the Middle East, and the 29th largest city globally. It was Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar who, for the first time in 1161 AH, chose Tehran as his capital after coming to power. Following the Qajars, the Pahlavi dynasty and the Islamic Republic of Iran also recognized Tehran as their capital. Today, diverse ethnicities live in this metropolis. The Tehrani Persian dialect is the common language and accent of Tehranis.
It is worth mentioning that the majority of Tehran’s population consists of Shia, with Sunni and Christian minorities. Tehran is also the economic hub of Iran, as 30% of the workforce and 45% of the country’s companies and industries are concentrated in this city. Tehran also boasts numerous cultural attractions and is considered one of the major tourist destinations in the country.
Isfahan, Half of the World
The next city on the list of the largest cities in Iran in terms of city size is Isfahan, which is not only famous for its vast area but also for its many attractions, earning it the title of “Half of the World.” This city, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, has an area equivalent to 551 square kilometers and a population of over 2 million people. It is interesting to note that Isfahan, which is the capital of Isfahan Province, was once considered the largest city in the world!
A bit more about Isfahan
The peak of fame, popularity, and prosperity of this city dates back to the Safavid era, making it one of Iran’s largest cities at the time. In those days, this remarkable city was the capital of the government and even today, it preserves many historical relics from that period. Isfahan still holds a place on the list of the world’s most beautiful cities due to its unique Iranian-Islamic architecture.
Moreover, the center of Isfahan is currently home to the fifth largest shopping market in the world. Isfahan is recognized as one of the most popular and largest tourist destinations in Iran and the world, boasting numerous markets, several bridges, grand churches, parks, historical houses, tombs, minarets, various mosques, museums, and ancient schools. Isfahan, this traditional city, is also famous for its beautiful handwoven carpets, delicious dishes like biryani, traditional music, delicate handicrafts, and its sports clubs.
Mashhad, Iran’s religious hub
Mashhad is the next city on the list of Iran’s largest cities. It is actually the second most populous city in Iran. Known as Iran’s religious hub due to the presence of the holy shrine of the Eighth Imam for Shiites, Mashhad covers an area equivalent to 330 square kilometers and is home to over 2,782,976 people. It is interesting to note that the word “Mashhad” in Arabic means the place of martyrdom, a name attributed to it because of the revered shrine of Imam Reza.
A bit more about Mashhad
It’s worth knowing that the first mosque of the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, one of Iran’s largest cities, was built by Shahrokh Mirza around 797 AH and still stands today. Mashhad, this religious city in the 10th century AH, held great political and religious significance. Today, Mashhad is governed by the city council. Additionally, Mashhad is considered the country’s second largest automobile manufacturing center.
The city’s economy is largely based on fruit cultivation, sweets, precious stones, and souvenirs for pilgrims. Due to its abundance of hotels and tourist attractions, Mashhad is also considered one of Iran’s most popular tourist cities. Another interesting fact is that during the rule of the Afsharid dynasty, under the powerful king of that dynasty, Nader Shah Afshar, Mashhad was chosen as the capital of Iran.
Tabriz, the beautiful city of Azerbaijani speakers
One cannot talk about Iran’s largest cities without mentioning the beautiful city of Tabriz, the city of Azerbaijani speakers. With an area equivalent to 325 square kilometers, Tabriz ranks as the fourth largest city in Iran in terms of area and the fifth most populous city. The population of this city exceeds 1,584,855. Tabriz is the capital of East Azerbaijan province, with the majority of its population being Azerbaijani speakers.
A bit more about Tabriz, Iran’s largest cities
It is said that the foundation of Tabriz dates back to the time of the Achaemenids and the Sassanids, making it one of the largest cities in Iran. However, a very interesting point about Tabriz is that it has been the capital of Iran for long periods of time. During the reigns of the Rawadids, Atabegs of Azerbaijan, Khwarazmshahs, Ilkhanids, Chupanids, Jalayirids, Qara Qoyunlu, Aq Qoyunlu, Safavids, the Khanates of Azerbaijan, and the Qajar era, Tabriz was considered one of the capitals of Iran and therefore has preserved many relics from different historical periods.
The peak of Tabriz’s prosperity was during the Qajar era. In this period, the city was recognized as the most important and leading city in Iran. Today, this city is considered one of the country’s important economic and industrial centers. In the past two centuries, Tabriz has been the birthplace of many social, cultural, and industrial transformations. The city played a role in preventing the silence of the Constitutional Revolution in Iran and had a significant and key role in subsequent events, such as the 1357 Revolution and Iran’s modernization.
Shiraz, the city of Hafez and Saadi
Shiraz is the next city on the list of Iran’s largest cities. This city covers an area of 240 square kilometers and has a population of nearly 2 million people. Shiraz is the beautiful and picturesque capital of Fars province and is actually the fifth largest and most populous city in Iran, being one of our country’s cultural and artistic centers.
A bit more about Shiraz
The name Shiraz is mentioned in ancient Elamite inscriptions as Tirazis or Tirasiz. References to this city can also be found from the Sassanid era. It is good to know that Shiraz was the capital of Iran during the Safavid, Buyid, and Zand dynasties. Although various remnants from other historical periods have also survived in this city, turning it into one of Iran’s most important tourist destinations.
The people of Shiraz speak Persian with the sweet Shirazi accent. This city has been the birthplace of many prominent Iranian literati and poets such as Hafez and Saadi, and it boasts a pleasant climate and nature.
Karaj, another Iran’s largest cities
Another name on the list of Iran’s largest cities is Karaj. Karaj, which for years was considered a suburb of Tehran; however, for several years now it has been recognized as a separate county and the capital of Alborz province. This city, which has grown larger and larger over time to the point that many Tehran residents migrated to it, covers an area of over 160 square kilometers and is home to a population of over 1.5 million people. Interestingly, Karaj is nicknamed “Little Iran” because it is considered the country’s second largest immigrant-receiving city after Tehran.
More About Karaj
Karaj is actually the fourth most populous city in Iran in terms of population and is located in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains. Due to its proximity to Tehran and the presence of industrial estates and good welfare facilities, many Iranians and even Tehranis have chosen this city as their migration destination. Karaj also has a pleasant mountainous climate, is located not far from the northern part of the country, and is home to various Iranian ethnic groups.
Qom, the Pilgrimage City of the Country
Qom also ranks among Iran’s largest cities in terms of population. With a population equivalent to 1,201,158 people, this city is considered the seventh largest and most populous city in the country. Qom also covers an area of over 115 square kilometers, and most of its residents are Shia Muslims, although a limited number of religious minorities also reside there. This city is known as an important pilgrimage destination due to the presence of the shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh and Jamkaran Mosque.
More About Qom, one of the Iran’s largest cities
Qom is known by various titles such as the Shrine of the Ahl al-Bayt, the City of Knowledge, the Resting Place of the Faithful, the City of Monotheists, and the Generous City of the Ahl al-Bayt. Interestingly, this city has a long historical background dating back to around ten thousand years ago. In the past, Qom belonged to Zoroastrian residents and was known as “Mamjan.” Historical evidence suggests that this city flourished during the Sassanid and Achaemenid periods.
During the Islamic era and the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, Qom gradually became the country’s religious capital, and various dynasties, such as the Qajars, contributed to its development. Qom is also considered one of the country’s most immigrant-friendly cities, where various Afghan, Pakistani, and Arab nationals live.
Kermanshah, the Most Important City in Western Iran
Kermanshah is another city on the list of Iran’s largest cities. This city, which is the capital of Kermanshah province and the most important city in the central western region of Iran and the largest Kurdish city in Iran, has a population of over 946,651 people and covers an area equivalent to 93,389,956 square meters. Kermanshah has a moderate mountainous climate and encompasses many historical artifacts from various eras.
More About Kermanshah
The origins of Kermanshah date back to around 3,500 years before the birth of Christ. During the Arsacid era, this city was a settlement, and during the Sasanian period, it was used as the second capital of the Sasanians. Kermanshah is one of the most important historical and cultural cities in our country and has many historical sites such as Taq-e Bostan. For this reason, it is also a popular tourist destination.
Ahvaz, the Warm City in the South of the Country
The last item on the list of Iran’s largest cities in this article is the city of Ahvaz, which is the capital of Khuzestan province and is considered the largest and most populous city in the southwest of the country. With a population equivalent to 1,185,000 people, this city ranks as the sixth most populous city in the country. Ahvaz also covers an area equivalent to 186,500 hectares and is recognized as the sixth largest city in Iran. Due to its numerous factories, companies, and oil fields, this city is one of the most important cities in the country and also one of the hottest cities in the world!
Final words about Iran’s largest cities
In this article by Eligasht, we introduced Iran’s largest cities in terms of area and population and provided some information about each and their unique features. We hope this article from Eligasht has helped you gain insight into our beloved country and its large and populous cities.
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