Zanjan
The township of Zanjan is composed of two large valleys known as 'Zanjan Rood'
and 'Sefid Rood'. In between which the Qanavol and Angooran Mountains lie.
Zanjan has moderate summers and cold winters. The distance between Zanjan and
Tehran is 328 km. Zanjan was founded during the reign of Ardeshir Babakan and
was then called Shahin or Shahan. With the passage of time, this name changed to
Zangan and later came to be called Zanjan. In the book named "Hoddodol Aalam"
or "limits
of the world", (372 AH.), Zanjan has been described as a thriving, flourishing
city with strong ramparts. In the 6th century AH. the Ilkhanans gained power in
this territory and the city of Soltanieh was erected and thence known to be the
capital of Oljaito.
After the decline of the Ilkhanans, Amir Teimoor attacked Iran and reduced this
city to Shambles in the year 786 AH. During the reign of Tahmasb Shah Safavid I
in the year 930-984 AH. Soltanieh witnessed further decline. But during the
reign of Fathali Shah (the Qajar King) built a summer palace in this city.
Today, because of its strategic position both politically and commercially, this
city has attracted many immigrants and hereby the increase of population has
caused development and increase of city limits.
Khoda Bandeh
This township is located in the south-eastern part of Zanjan, experiences a
mountainous climate with cold, snowy winters and moderate summers. One of the
earliest human settlements dating back to the 4th and early 5th millennium BC.
can be recorded here. Tribes such as Khoda Bandehloo and Afshar mingled with the
natives of the area, bringing for the renounced Zanjan race. This township
includes two cities named as Shoravard and Sajas, to make special mention of a
great personality such as Shahabedin Sohravardi who grew up here.