Mazandaran Province

Geography

Mazandaran province is located in the north of the country, in the coastal area of ​​the Caspian Sea, and its territory is divided into two zones: the coastal plains and the mountain area. The capital of the Mazandaran region is the city of Sari and the other main urban centers are: Neka, Amol. Babol, Behshahr, Tonokabon, Chalus, Ramsar, Qaem Shahr, Mahmud Abad and Noshahr.

Climate

The climate of Mazandaran province is influenced by the geographical latitude, the height of the Alborz Mountains and the altitude of the land from the sea level, these factors also determine two climatic zones: the climate of the Caspian coast, characterized by a hot summer season and a temperate and humid winter season; and the climate of the mountain areas, characterized by harsh winter months, with the possibility of frosts, and by temperate and short-term summer months.

History and culture

From the archaeological studies conducted in the caves of Kamarband and Hutu, near the city of Behshahr, it seems that the human presence in the area of ​​Mazandaran dates back some 9500 years BC. Today’s Mazandaran region, in the past, was part of a vast territory that in ancient texts was mentioned under the names of ‘Farashuragar’ and ‘Patiskhavargar’. In the inscriptions of Bisotun of the Achaemenid epoch it was registered with the term ‘ Pateshvarish ‘. The Tabari and the ancient populations of other lineages, but originally from this region, were known as the most skilled warriors, archers, slingers, swordsmen and spearmen, in fact, were enrolled in the armies of the Achaemenid emperors who were at war with other powers of the era. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo mentions this region with the name of ‘Parkhavateres’. Since ancient times, the region of Mazandaran – which in the past was also known as the Tabarestan – was considered as a strategic area by several ruling families, due to the favorable climate that they found there. In the texts of ancient historiographers, Atu Fardat (or Farhad Parter) was remembered as the first ruler of the country of Tabarestan. Because of the proximity to the government and the lands of the Parties, the Tabarestan region remained in fact under the control of the Arsacid dynasty until its fall. The term ‘Mazandaran’, which from the geographical point of view indicated a significant part of the country of Tabarestan, became the new name of this region from the seventh century of the lunar ego. Many famous dynasties of the past took possession of the territory of Mazandaran, such houses were: Al-e Qaren, Gavbare, Paduspanan, Bavandasepehbadan and Al-e Vashmgir or Al-e Ziyar. Also Tahiridi, Saffaridi, Samanidi, Ghaznavidi, Timuridi, Safavidi and the Qajar dynasty were among the sovereigns who controlled this region, considering it one of the countries of Iran. For historians, one of the relevant characteristics of the Mazandaran region is to have accepted the Shiite Muslim faith without the use of force.

Souvenir and craftsmanship

The main handicrafts and souvenirs typical of the region of Mazandaran are: kilim, jajim, dishes and objects in terracotta and ceramic, plates and statues in wood, hair and felt fabrics, various types of jams and pickles, various types of syrup of Bahar Narenj (spring oranges) and sour cherries.

Local cuisine

Typical dishes from the Mazandaran region include the following: Aghuz Mossama (walnut dish), Tah Chin, Torsh Torshu, Do Pati, Espenasak, pumpkin soup, Esfenaj Marji, Kahi Anar (dish made from pumpkins), Naz Khatun, Qaliye, Khoresht-e Alu and Aghuznun.