Qom province

Lore & Background

The city became a refuge for Alavids fleeing persecution by the Abbasids and Umayyads. Stability returned under the Buyid dynasty, and the city expanded. It flourished again in the Seljuk era, suffered under the Mongol invasion, but revived after Sultan Öljeitü Khoda bandeh converted to Islam. In the late 14th century, Tamerlane plundered the city and massacred inhabitants. It suffered during the Afghan invasion, under Nader Shah, and in conflicts between the Zand and Qajar dynasties. A 'National Defense Committee' was set up, making Qom a political and military apex against colonial powers. Later, Ayatollah Khomeini based his opposition to the Pahlavi dynasty from Qom.

Reader's Guide

Qom Province holds enduring significance as a focal center of Shia Islam, with its theological institutions and the shrine of Fatima Masumeh drawing pilgrims and scholars. Its history reflects cycles of destruction and revival under various dynasties, from the Buyids to the Safavids, and its role as a refuge for Alavids shaped its religious identity. In modern times, Qom was a base for Ayatollah Khomeini's opposition to the Pahlavi dynasty and has been considered as a possible candidate for moving Iran's political capital due to Tehran's earthquake risk and pollution.

Did You Know?

• The province contains two large salt lakes: Howz e Soltan Lake and Namak Lake.