Qazvin province

Lore & Background

The name 'Qazvin' derives from the ancient Cas tribe, which also gave its name to the Caspian Sea. Qazvin geographically connects Tehran, Isfahan, and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian seacoast and Asia Minor, giving it strategic importance throughout history. In the early Islamic era, Qazvin served as a base for Muslim forces. During the Qajar dynasty, Qazvin remained an important governmental center due to its proximity to Tehran. The province is situated close to Alamut, where Hasan-i Sabbah, founder of the secret Ismaili order of the Assassins, operated.

Reader's Guide

Qazvin province holds significant historical and cultural importance in Iran. The province's strategic location connecting Tehran, Isfahan, and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian seacoast and Asia Minor made it a key region for trade and military operations throughout the centuries. Its role in Iranian history includes serving as a base for early Muslim forces, being destroyed by Genghis Khan, and later becoming the Safavid capital. The province is also notable for its association with the Assassins of Alamut and as the launching point for Reza Khan's coup that established the Pahlavi dynasty. The province preserves numerous historical mosques, castles, traditional reservoirs, bazaars, and bridges, alongside modern educational institutions like Imam Khomeini International University.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Qazvin' derives from the ancient Cas tribe, which also gave its name to the Caspian Sea.