Ahvaz:
Ahvaz is one of the metropolises of Iran, located in the central part of Ahvaz district, and has been known as the center of Khuzestan province since 1303 AH. It is considered to be the seventh most populous city in Iran.
Karun River, the most affluent and only navigable river in Iran, originating from the Bakhtiari Mountains, entering Ahvaz, divides the city into two parts, east, and west.
The origin of the name Ahvaz is derived from the Khuzi (or Huzi) people, who were natives of Khuzestan province and their language was common in Khuzestan until the Sassanids and even a few centuries after Islam and were probably the remnants of the Elamites.
During the Sassanid era, Ahvaz was one of the major cities of Khuzestan and was one of the major centers of the textile industry in Khuzestan. It was also one of the centers of Christianity in Iran and one of the dioceses districts of Khuzestan. In addition, the city is one of the major commercial centers, and due to its proximity to the Karun River, which has the capability of shipping, it is considered a suitable city for business and trading. The city of Ahvaz was also one of the largest and most prosperous cities in Khuzestan in the first Islamic centuries due to the dam that was built on Karun River.
Some of Iran’s most important companies are located in Ahvaz such as The National Company for Southern Oilfields, the largest Iranian oil producer, The National Iranian Drilling Company, the country’s largest drilling company and The Khuzestan Steel Company, which is one of the greatest producers of crude steel in the country.
Regarding the high temperature of this city in summer, the best month to travel is February and March. Exactly in the months of the year when other cities are covered in snow, you can go sightseeing in Ahvaz.
The natural and historical sights of Ahvaz, the warm and pleasant center of Khuzestan province host tourists who want to visit a unique city with the beautiful Karun River, the warmth of the south, and the beauties of a city near the Persian Gulf.
Let’s take a brief look at the most important tourist attractions of Ahvaz:
The Karun River:
You can’t travel to Ahvaz and Khuzestan and not visit the Karun River, the most watery and the largest river in Iran. A beautiful river that is still the vital artery of Ahvaz.
The bridges of Ahwaz:
There are several bridges over the Karun River, and each of these bridges has unique and wonderful features and is itself a tourist attraction. The Ahvaz White Bridge, also known as the Suspension Bridge or the Crescent Bridge, is one of the symbols of the city of Ahvaz, which has special beautiful lighting, especially at nights. Black Bridge is another famous bridge in Ahvaz, which is famous for its black body color. The bridge, which was built for the train crossing, dates back to the early Pahlavi period. Ahvaz Kianpars Nature Bridge is another bridge in the city that connects Laleh and Saheli urban parks. Nature Bridge is the most attractive bridge in Ahvaz for sightseeing and night out.
The Surb Mesrup Church or the Saint Mesrop Armenian Church:
The Mesrup Armenian Church is located near the Abdul Hamid Bazaar in Ahwaz, and is visited by Armenians who still live in Ahwaz. The Surb Mesrup Church was built about half a century ago in Pahlavi period.
Moein Al-Tojar Caravanserai:
Moein al-Tojar was one of the famous merchants of Ahvaz who built this building as the center of his commercial and business activities. Moein Al-Tojar Caravanserai was built in the late Qajar period and in the historical context of Ahvaz. Moein al-Tojar came to Ahwaz when the port of Naseriyeh was built. He built his office along with a bath, a bazaar, a garden, and a mosque by the river. Until a few years ago, this monument was used as a warehouse. This bazaar, known as Sabat, is made of clay and has a domed roof like the other traditional bazaars. About 17 years ago, most parts of the collection were destroyed by the fire.
The Abdul Hamid Bazaar:
Abdul Hamid Bazaar can be considered as the oldest traditional bazaar in Ahvaz, where the traditional form can still be seen. In addition to different stores of various goods and handicrafts, other historical sites, such as the Qajar Judiciary House, are located within the Abdul Hamid Bazaar. This market from the Qajar period was recorded in the list of Iran national monuments.
The Kaveh Bazaar:
Kaveh Bazaar of Ahvaz is another traditional old bazaar of the city that was built during the Pahlavi period where you can find seafood products such as fish and shrimp and also fresh and sweet fruits and local agricultural products of Ahvaz.
The Ahwaz Waterfall or the Seventh Bridge Waterfall:
The longest and most beautiful artificial waterfall in the Middle East is in Khuzestan province and on a famous bridge in Ahvaz. This artificial waterfall is built on the seventh bridge of Ahvaz, which is located on the Karun River, so that people can enjoy seeing this waterfall and crossing this bridge. The water of the fountains pours into the river from both sides of the bridge, and at night, when these colorful fountains are lit, a beautiful magical effect is given to the night and the bridge. The magic of water and light will mesmerize any visitor.
Lashkar Abad or the Falafel Bazaar of Ahwaz:
Lashkar Abad is a neighborhood on Anousheh Street in Ahvaz, which is famous for its large number of falafel vendors and buffets and other traditional Khuzestani dishes. So if you want to try the traditional food of this beautiful city, don’t forget the falafel market of Ahvaz.
If you want to go to a hotel, Pars Hotel is one of the best hotels in the city. This hotel, which is located next to the Karun River and the famous Ahvaz Bridge, Sefid Bridge, or Suspension Bridge, as well as Kaveh Bazaar, is a 5-star hotel and has facilities such as billiards hall, swimming pool, conference hall, and communities. The less expensive hotels in Ahvaz are Naderi, Iran, Karun, Bagh Moein, and Khaneh Aramesh Mosafer hotels.
