Hamedan
Hamedan, Hamadan or as in the local dialect "Hamedan", is one of the metropolises of Iran in the western mountainous region of Iran, and is the center of Hamedan province. This city is located at the foothills of Alvand Mountain at an altitude of 1,741 meters above sea level, and is one of the coldest cities of Iran. According to the general census of population and housing in 2016, the population of Hamedan was 554,406 people. The dialect of the majority of Hamedan people is Farsi with Hamedani accent, and a minority of Turkish-speaking people also live in Hamedan.

Hamedan, Capital of History and Civilization of Iran
Hamedan is the oldest city of Iran and one of the most ancient cities in the world. Hamedan was the first capital of the first Iranian empire, i.e., the Medes Empire, and the archeological objects found from the ancient site of Ecbatana and the Ganjnameh Ancient Inscriptions belong to the Medes period. Also, Hamedan was one of the capitals of Iran during the Achaemenid, the Parthian, the Sassanid, the Al Boyeh and the Seljuk dynasties. Thanks to its historical importance throughout different periods, Hamedan is known as the capital of the history and civilization of Iran.

The Weather
Hamedan's weather is varied, and the atmospheric conditions of the region fluctuate in terms of minimum and maximum coldness and rainfall in different seasons of the year. This city is cold in the mountainous areas and the average annual snowfall is between 155 and 245 mm. The privileged position of natural geography in this province results in extremely cold weather in fall and winter. Hamedan is one of the coldest regions of Iran with high average rate of snowfall and rainfall. The highest temperature in Hamedan during the year does not exceed +37 degrees Celsius, and in some parts of this province the temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius during the coldest time of the year.

Hamedan Tourist Attractions
Hamedan and its surrounding areas have countless historical and natural resorts, and one should visit this beautiful historical city several times to capture all its attractions. All around the city, on the narrow streets and various zones, there are outstanding sites, among which, historical sites of Hamedan are the most famous ones in Iran. They include famous tombs of noble men and women, historical monuments and ancient hills. Tomb of Abu Ali Sina is the monument of the famous Iranian philosopher, scientist and physician, Abu Ali Sina, also known as "Sheikh Al-Raees". The tomb is the most famous historical monument in the center of Hamedan, and has been registered in Iran National Heritage List. The original structure of the tomb was constructed during Qajar period, and the current building was erected during Pahlavi period, designed based on Qabus Historical Tower. Today, the tomb is known as the symbol of Hamedan. Likewise, the ancient city of Ecbatana is situated on hills in the center of Hamedan and on Ekbatan street. This ancient site embraces a precious collection of the history of ancient Iranian civilization. Ecbatana was the first capital of Iran, and along with cities like Shush in Khuzestan, Athens in Greece and Rome in Italy, it is one of the few ancient cities still in existence. Excavation continues in the hills of this area, and new findings provide further information about the history of this site. Ganjnameh Inscriptions are ancient stone inscriptions from the Achaemenid era in the heart of Alvand mountain rocks, located at the bottom of Abbasabad Valley in Hamedan. Next to these inscriptions, the beautiful Ganjnameh Waterfall has created a beautiful landscape. Khezr Tomb from the 5th century A.H. which is a spectacular valuable structure, Alaviyan Dome, Esther and Mordekhai Tomb, and Qorban Historical Tower from the Seljuk period, Abshineh Bridge from the Safavid period, the Grand Mosque of Hamedan, Hamedan Bazaar and Imam Square of Hamedan are important sites belonging to post-Safavid period. The privileged geographical location of Hamedan has created beautiful pristine natural sights in and around this city. Ali-Sadr Cave is one of the most famous and magnificent natural sights of Hamedan and Iran with worldwide fame. This water cave has the longest inner canoeing route in the world. Inside the cave is full of winding corridors and long passages. Ali-Sadr Cave is registered as a natural phenomenon in the list of Iran's Natural Attractions. Abbasabad recreational-touristic complex, Morad Beyg Valley, Takhte Nader, Mishan Plain, Tarik Darreh, Ganjnameh Tourist Resort Complex and Ekbatan Dam Lake are but a few of the natural attractions of this city.

Foods and Souvenirs of Hamedan
Hamedan has a diverse variety of local dishes, made for the unique tastes of the people of the region. Abgoosht-e Ghormeh Sabzi, for instance, is cooked with the ingredients of Ghormeh Sabzi and Abgoosht, and its taste is somewhere between these two dishes. In fact, this dish is quite popular in Hamedan. Hamedan Kalehjoosh is a simple and delicious food made of minced meat, curd, walnuts and various spices. Aush-e Khoshkbar (dried fruits Aush) is another famous dish of Hamedan, wherein various types of dried fruits slices are found. Koofteh Hamedani, with its unique taste, is made of rice, plums, meat, chickpeas, split chickpeas, and chickpea flour. Aush-e Omaj is another traditional dish of Hamedan, specifically suited for this cold region, and Sardashi is another highly healthy, beneficial, and also delicious food. There is also Aush-e Berenj (rice Aush) that is quite popular. In fact, food variety in Hamedan is amazing, and in addition to the foods that are cooked all over Iran, there are certain types of local foods and special Abgoosht dishes that are specific to Hamedan. Also, different types of Aush are made using wild herbs found in the foothills that have numerous health benefits, and five local dishes of Hamedan have been introduced for national registration. These five dishes are Abgoosht-e Bozbash (lamb juice with beans and green vegetables), Abgoosht-e Kalam Ghomri, Kaachi Aush, Sardashi, and Abgoosht-e Yakhni. Also, verjuice Aush, Hamedan pepper Abgoosht, watermelon peel jam, black raddish jam, walnut pickle, sour grapes and eggplant stew, fruits Aush, Tarhana Aush, Sumac Aush, Sholeh Aush, dried apricot Aush, Torshi Aush (sour Aush), Shol Patleh Aush, Armenian Cucumber Aush, Bulgur Wheat Aush, Aush-e Kashk, oat and carrots Aush, Dizi, Tar Halva, Koofteh Hamedani, Ghurabeh Aush, Agardak (Agardeh) bread, Nan-e Gerdeh, Qaout, and carrot Tar Halva are among the local dishes of this region.  Traditional food in Hamedan is another part of the popular souvenirs of this city, and Komakj bread (oat cake) is the famous bread of Hamedan which is commonly baked in all local pastry shops and bakeries. Yellow halva is a special dessert of Hamedan which is similar to rice kheer and is highly nutritious. Angosht Pich is another popular dessert found in Hamedan. Gheichi candy, Naan Chai (tea bread), Barsagh cookies and Lovuez halva are other famous souvenirs of Hamedan. Handicrafts of Hamedan also have a long history and the most famous handicraft of Hamedan is pottery. In fact, a significant part of Iran's pottery dishes and objects are produced in the pottery workshops of Hamedan and its nearby cities. Also, leather industry in Hamedan has been highly prosperous, and Tala Koobi (gold work on wood) and Noghreh Koobi (silverwork on wood) have a long history in this city. Woodworking, copper artwork, and toreutics have been among the most famous and prosperous industries in Hamedan since past, and Gilim weaving and glassblowing using the traditional method (Abgineh) are the handicrafts still thriving in this city.

Life in Hamedan
Hamedan is a big city with generally favorable weather in spring and summer, and it is one of the clement cities of Iran due to its climatic and geographical conditions. It is also one of the most prosperous and populated cities in the northwestern region of Iran that offers great welfare, medical, educational, recreational and shopping facilities. Hamedan is filled with historical attractions and ancient monuments, and one can visit these attractions for a long time and still not get tired. Also, the food culture of the region is extremely rich, and all kinds of sweets, foods and various pickles are prepared in Hamedan. The average rent of a seventy-meter house in Hamedan in 2023 is 9,600,000 Tomans.

Transportation
Hamedan Airport is an international airport located five kilometers north of Hamedan. The airport was constructed over 80 years ago, and hence, it is one of the oldest airports of Iran with the tallest control tower among other airports. Also, bus is one of the largest public transportation methods in Hamedan, and Hamedan's bus system is equipped with electronic ticket card system. There are line and internet taxis as well to transport passengers. 

Universities and Educational Centers
Hamedan is identified as one of the academic hubs of Iran because of universities like Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan University of Technology, Islamic Azad University of Hamedan, and Payame Noor University of Hamedan, among others.