Saveh
| Saveh ساوه | |
|---|---|
| — city — | |
 | |
| | |
| Coordinates: 35°01′17″N 50°21′24″E / 35.02139°N 50.35667°ECoordinates: 35°01′17″N 50°21′24″E / 35.02139°N 50.35667°E | |
| Country |  Iran |
| Province | Markazi |
| County | Saveh |
| Bakhsh | Central |
| Elevation | 1,008 m (3,307 ft) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 179,009 |
| Time zone | IRST (UTC+3:30) |
| • Summer (DST) | IRDT (UTC+4:30) |
| Website | Official website |
Sāveh (Persian: ساوه, also transliterated as Sāva) is a city in the Markazi Province of Iran. It is located around 100 km southwest of Tehran. As of 2006, the city had a population of 179,009 people.
History
In the 7th century BC it was as stronghold of the Medes. During the Parthian rule of Persia, it was called Saavakineh, and was one of the main hubs of the empire.
In the Middle Ages, it was residence of the and of the Seljuqs. It was severely damaged by the Mongol invasion in the 13th century; it was restored during the Ilkhanids. Saveh was again sacked by the Timurids, but later grew under the Safavids. It eventually lost much of its importance when Tehran became the official capital of Persia and, in the mid-19th century, many of the inhabitants moved to Tehran.
Main sights
Economy
Saveh produces large amounts of wheat and cotton. It is also well known for its pomegranates and melons. Kaveh Industrial City, the largest industrial city in Iran, is located in Saveh.
Legends
According to Iranian tradition, the Magi who visited the infant Jesus traveled from Saveh, and are buried among its ruins. Marco Polo described the tombs of the Magi in his travel book, Il Milione:
Politics
In 2004, Saveh became only the second city in the history of the Islamic Republic to appoint a woman as mayor.
References
Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saveh&oldid=458520016
