Kazerun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kazeroon Persian: کازرون
City
Shapur Cave in North of Kazerun
Nickname(s):  City of Science, City of Civilization, The Green City
Kazerun Location in Iran
Country	Iran
Province	Fars
County	Kazerun
District	Central
Elevation	860 m (2,820 ft)
Population  (2016)
• Total	96,683
Time zone	UTC+3:30 (IRST)
Area code(s)	071

Kazerun (Persian: کازرون) is a city in Iran. It is located in the Fars province, serving as the main city of Kazerun County. Kazerun is known as the "City of Science," "City of Civilization," and "The Green City."

History

Kazerun has a long and interesting history. Close by is the ancient city of Bishapur. This city was once a capital of the Sasanian Empire, a powerful empire that existed from about 224 to 651 AD.

In the ruins of Bishapur, you can see amazing stone carvings called bas-reliefs. These carvings show scenes from the Sasanian era. There's also a huge statue of Shapur I, a Sasanian king, inside a large cave nearby.

Another historical site is the Qaleh-ye Gabri (Castle of the Gabrs, or Zoroastrians). This castle is on a hill southeast of Kazerun.

Many years ago, from 1548 to 1834, a family from the Afshar tribe ruled the Kazerun area. In 1824, a big earthquake hit Kazerun and Shiraz, causing a lot of damage. During the Qajar Dynasty, many people from Kazerun moved to Bahrain. Even today, you can find people with the last name Kazeruni there.

Population

Kazerun is a growing city. In 2006, about 84,594 people lived here. By 2016, the population had grown to 96,683 people. It is now the fifth-largest city in the Fars province.

Climate

Kazerun has a hot semi-arid climate. This means it's generally warm and dry.

Tourism

Kazerun is a popular place for tourists. It has over 300 historical sites listed in Iran's National Heritage List. These include the ancient city of Bishapur, Shapur Cave, and Tang-e Chogan. There are also beautiful natural spots like Parishan Lake and Dasht-e Barm Forest.

The city is called the Green City because it's very green, especially in spring and autumn. Many people visit Kazerun's historical sites and natural beauty every year.

Bishapur Ancient City

The ancient city of Bishapur covers a huge area of 200 hectares. It was one of the capitals of Iran during the Sassanid Empire. After it was destroyed, its people slowly moved to Kazerun.

Bishapur is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. It was built using Greek city planning ideas. You can see amazing structures like the Anahita Temple, Valerian Palace, and ceremonial halls.

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  Anahita Temple

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  Bishapur Alleys

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  Daughter Castle of Bishapur

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  Bishapur memorial pillars

Shapur Cave

Shapur Cave is high up, about 800 meters above the ground. Inside, there's a 7-meter tall statue of Shapur I, the Sassanid king. This is the biggest ancient statue in Iran. Shapur Cave is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  Colossal statue of Shapur I in Shapur cave

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  Colossal statue of Shapur I

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  A view from behind the Shapur statue

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  A view of the entrance of Shapur Cave at night

Chogan Valley

Chogan Valley (Tang-e Chowgān) has six amazing Reliefs from the Sasanian period. These are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This Valley was a place where Sasanian kings played polo (called Chowgān in Persian). The carvings show important events, like Shapur I's victory over three Roman emperors.

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  Reliefs in Tang-e Chogan

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  Relief in Tang-e Chogan

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  Tang-e Chogan

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  Relief in Tang-e Chogan

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  Relief in Tang-e Chogan

Kazerun Historical Grand Bazaar

Kazerun's historical grand bazaar is one of the few indoor markets in Iran. Parts of it were built during the Safavid and Qajar periods. It includes many smaller bazaars, like the Gold Sellers Bazaar and the Felt Makers Bazaar.

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  The architecture of the historical bazaar of Kazerun

Historic District of Kazerun

The historic district of Kazerun has many old houses, mosques, and other buildings. Most of these are from the Safavid, Zand, and Qajar periods. Over 420 historical houses and 9 Sābāt (archways) remain. Many are listed in Iran's National Heritage List. The architecture mixes Sasanian architecture with Islamic architecture.

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  A building built in the Zend dynasty

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  A plaster vault

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  A plaster vault

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  A historical house

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  A historcal door

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  A historical house

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  A Sabat (archway)

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  A Sabat (archway)

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  A window with the indigenous architecture of Kazerun

Parishan Lake

Parishan Lake used to be the largest freshwater lake in the Middle East. It covered 4300 hectares. This lake was an international wetland and a protected area. It was home to many fish and migratory birds. Sadly, a drought in 2008 caused the lake to dry up.

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  A view of Parishan Lake before the drought

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  A view of Parishan Lake from the top of the mountains of Dasht-e Barm forest

Dasht-e Barm Forest

Dasht-e Barm Forest is huge, covering over 25,000 hectares. It is the largest Oak forest in the Middle East. It's a UNESCO Nature reserve and home to rare animals like the Persian fallow deer. It's a major tourist spot in Kazerun.

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  Vegetation of the Dasht-e Barm

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  A view of Dasht-e Barm

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  Oak trees and Poppy flowers in Dasht-e Barm

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  Nature of Dasht-e Barm

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  A local access road in Dasht-e Barm

Daffodil Farms of Kazerun

Kazerun's daffodil farms cover 140 hectares. This is the largest natural narcissus plain in Iran. It's known as the Home of narcissus in Iran. Every January and February, a narcissus flower festival is held here.

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  Narcissus of Kazerun

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  Narcissus plain of Kazerun

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  Narcissus flower festival in Kazerun

Imamzadeh Seyed Hossein Shrine

This is a very important religious shrine in southern Iran. It is the mausoleum of Imamzade Seyyed Hossein, who was a great-grandson of the fourth Imam of Shia Islam.

Nazar Garden

Nazar Garden is a historical garden in Kazerun, about 300 years old. It was built by Khajeh Ali Qoli Khan Afshar, who ruled Kazerun during the Afsharid period.

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  Nazar Garden

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  Statue of Shapur I, the Sasanian King in Nazar Garden

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  Nazar Garden

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  Nazar Garden

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  Nazar Garden

Tikab Valley

Tikab Valley (Tang-e Tikāb) is a historical and natural spot. The caves in this mountain park were home to early humans around 18,000 BC. You can also see statues of animals native to the Arjan and Parishan Protected Area here.

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  A view of Tang-e Tikab

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  Statues of native animals of the Arjan and Parishan Protected Area

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  Entrance of Tang-e Tikab

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  A view of Tang-e Tikab from inside one of the caves

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  Tang-e Tikab

Tombs of Famous People

Kazerun and its surrounding areas are home to the tombs of several famous people. These include Abu Ishaq of Kazerun, Amin al-Din Balyani, Jalal al-Din Davani, Abdullah Balyani, and Nasrollah Mardani.

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  Tomb of Abu Ishaq of Kazerun

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  Tomb of Amin al-Din Balyani

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  Tomb of Jalal al-Din Davani

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  Tomb of Nasrollah Mardani

Caravanserais

Kazerun was an important stop on trade routes, so it had many caravanserais (roadside inns). Today, three important Safavid-era caravanserais remain. Mian-Kotal Caravanserai is special because it's the only stone caravanserai in Iran.

Rivers and Springs

Two main rivers, Shapur and Jereh, flow near Kazerun. They are popular tourist spots. There are also several springs, such as Sarab-e Ardeshir and Sasan.

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  Shapur river

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  Sarab-e Ardeshir spring

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  Shapur river

Other Parks and Gardens

Kazerun has many other parks and gardens, including hilly and forest parks, for people to enjoy.

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  Rafi garden

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  Rafi garden at night

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  Mardani park

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  Tepe Shadi amusement park which is now abandoned

Other Historical Attractions

Other historical places to visit include Kartir's relief in Sarmashhad, the Fire Temple of Kazerun, Puskan Castle, Jereh Fire Temple, and Teymoor Mirza relief.

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  Kartir's relief

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  Jereh Fire temple

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  The relief of Teymoor Mirza, a ruler of Kazerun during the Qajar period

Other Natural Tourist Attractions

You can also explore the mountains around Kazerun and see the ancient Kalani and Buranjan Cypress trees.

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  The nature of the plains around Kazerun

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  The plain of purple flowers of Kazerun

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  The plain of purple flowers of Kazerun

Other Religious Attractions

Important religious sites include the holy shrine of Shah Hamzeh, Imamzadeh Seyyed Mohammad Nourbakhsh, Imamzadeh Seyyed Mohammad Kashi, and Khidr steps.

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  Imamzadeh Seyyed Mohammad Nourbakhsh

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  Imamzadeh Seyyed Mohammad Kashi

Souvenirs

Kazerun is famous for its Handicrafts and Souvenirs. You can find unique items like Dulcheh, Malki, and Rovar (types of Giveh shoes). Other crafts include Mosaics, Earthenware, and different kinds of carpets like Persian Carpets, Kilims, and Gabbehs.

For food, the Aush of Kazerun is nationally recognized. Other tasty treats include traditional Kabab koobideh, Ashkardeh, and various Torshi (pickles). You can also find fresh Citrus fruits, Olives, and Date palms. The Narcissus flower and Orange blossom are also popular souvenirs.

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  Traditional Kebab of Kazerun

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  Narcissus of Kazerun

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  Dulcheh, From the special souvenirs of Kazerun

Museums

Kazerun has interesting museums. The Anthropology Museum of Kazerun and the Bishapur Museum are two main ones. There are also smaller museums in villages nearby.

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  Anthropological Museum of Kazerun

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  Bishapur Museum

Hotels and Accommodation Centers

Visitors to Kazerun can stay in a hotel or one of the many Ecolodge residences.

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  Bishapur hotel of Kazerun

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  A Ecolodge residence in Tang-e Chogan of Kazerun

Higher Education

Kazerun has several universities and higher education centers. The first one was established in 1955. Today, six university centers operate in the city. Salman Farsi University of Kazerun is a major scientific center for western Fars province. The Islamic Azad University, Kazerun branch, even has its own medical faculty and hospital.

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  Faculty of Sciences of Salman Farsi University of Kazerun

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  Islamic Azad University, Kazerun branch

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  Payame Noor University, Kazerun branch

University Name	Established year	Type	Dependency
Salman Farsi University of Kazerun	1993	Public	Ministry of Science, Research and Technology
Islamic Azad University, Kazerun branch	1985	Private	Islamic Azad University
Payame Noor University, Kazerun branch	2000	Public	Payame Noor University
University of Applied Science and Technology, Kazerun branch	2008	Public	University of Applied Science and Technology
Farhangian University, Kazerun branch (Zeinab Kobra)	1983	Public Teacher education	Farhangian University
Skill National University, Kazerun branch (Girls)	1997	Public	Skill National University

Economy

Market

For centuries, Kazerun's historical bazaar was a major trading center in southern Iran. Even today, this market and other shopping areas are important for trade in western Fars province. They provide many goods for the local people.

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  Kazerun Grand Bazaar

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  A commercial complex in Kazerun

Industry

Kazerun has several important industrial areas and projects.

Kazerun Special Economic Zone and Customs

This special economic zone covers 183 hectares. It helps businesses export and import goods around the world. Kazerun Customs is also located here.

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  Kazerun Special Economic Zone

Khesht Oil Field

Work is ongoing at the Khesht and Konartakhte oil field. This field holds over one billion barrels of oil.

Shahid Moslehian Industrial Area of Kazerun

This industrial area has 48 hectares of land for factories. Currently, 35 production units operate here, employing about 600 people.

Kazerun Petrochemical

A project to build the Kazerun Petrochemical Complex started in 2007. It aims to produce polyethylene products. This project is currently on hold.

Kazerun Combined Cycle Power Plant

This power plant can produce 1373 megawatts of electricity. It is the third largest combined cycle power plant in Iran.

Agriculture

Kazerun is a big agricultural area in Iran. Many of its farm products are sent to other countries.

Fruit and Vegetable Fields

Kazerun has two large fruit and vegetable fields. These fields supply a lot of the fruits and vegetables for southern Iran.

Field Name	Location
Imam Hossein	West of Kazerun
Kazerun Municipality	East of Kazerun

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  Imam Hossein fruit and vegetable field

Agricultural Cold Storages

Kazerun has 36 cold storage units. These are used to keep farm products fresh.

Wheat Silo of Kazerun

The city has a large wheat storage silo. It can hold up to 50,000 tons of wheat.

Water Reserves

Nargesi Dam

The Nargesi Dam is a large dam being built in Kazerun. It will help control floods and provide water for farming. It will also supply drinking water for Kazerun and other cities. The dam will help restore Lake Parishan and produce electricity.

Kazerun Wastewater Treatment Plant

Kazerun has a plant that cleans wastewater. It can treat 17,100 cubic meters of water per day. The city is also working on expanding its sewage network.

Healthcare System

The Kazerun Health and Treatment Network manages healthcare in the city. There are two active hospitals and several clinics.

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  ValieAsr Hospital

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  Imam Ali Hospital

Hospital name	Established year	Number of beds	Type
ValieAsr	1996	174	General
Imam Ali	2022	112	General

Hospital Projects

A third and even larger hospital is being built in Kazerun. It will have 206 beds.

Emergency Services

Kazerun has 9 emergency bases, including 2 in the city and 7 in the surrounding areas. These bases provide quick help for medical emergencies and accidents.

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  Urban emergency base number 1

Transportation

Kazerun is an important city on Iran's north-south transportation route. It has three main roads leading in and out, plus four smaller ones.

East Exit

This road connects Kazerun to central Iran, including cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran. It's a very scenic route, passing through the Dasht-e Barm forest and near Lake Parishan.

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  Parishan Blvd. east entrance of Kazerun

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  Eastern exit of Kazerun

West Exit

This route links Kazerun to northwestern Fars province and other provinces like Khuzestan. Part of this road goes through the ancient city of Bishapur and Tang Chogan, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Southeast Exit

This road connects Kazerun to southwestern Fars province and other provinces like Hormozgan.

Moharram Tunnel Project

A project to build the Moharram tunnel started in 2009. This tunnel will make it easier to travel from Kazerun to southern Iran.

Secondary Exits

Kazerun also has four smaller roads that lead to nearby villages.

Passenger Terminal

The Shahre Sabz passenger terminal in Kazerun helps people travel by bus.

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  Shahre Sabz passenger terminal

Intra-city Transportation

City Buses

Kazerun has 22 buses and 3 minibuses. They help citizens travel around the city and its suburbs.

Sport

Handball is a very popular sport in Kazerun. The city is known as one of the main centers for handball in Iran. Other popular sports include football, wrestling, cycling, basketball, and volleyball.

Sport Clubs

Kazerun has two main handball teams: Niroo Zamini of Kazerun (men's team) and Zagros Jonoubi of Kazerun (women's team). Both play in Iran's Premier Handball League. Their home games are held at the 2500-seat Takhti Hall. Kazerun's handball teams have a history of winning championships and reaching the Asian Club League Handball Championship.

Club Name	Year	Rank	Situation
Shahrdari Kazerun	2017	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2019	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2020	1st	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2021	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2022	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2023	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup

The presence of Kazerun men's handball teams in the Asian Clubs Cup

Club name	Year	Rank	Host
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2021	9th	Saudi Arabia
Niroo Zamini Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2023	8th	Iran

The top titles of Kazerun women's handball teams in the Premier League

Club Name	Year	Rank	Situation
Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2019	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2020	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2021	3rd	-
Shahid Shameli of Kazerun	2022	2nd	Promotion to the Asian Club Cup
Zagros Jonoubi of Kazerun	2023	3rd	-

Sports Complexes

Shohada Stadium is the largest sports complex in western Fars province. It's the main place for sports teams in Kazerun. There are also other sports complexes for different activities.

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  A sports complex in Kazerun

Places of Interest

• Parishan Lake, located near Kazerun.
• Shapur River.
• Shapur statue (the largest ancient statue in Iran), near Bishapur.
• National park Dašt-e Aržan, a large green area on the highway between Kazerun and Shiraz.

Recreational Places

Barm Plain is the biggest plain of Oak trees in Iran. Davan, Sarmashhad, and Kaskan are three villages near Kazerun. The old name of Kazerun was "Green City."

Ashura and Tasua Re-enactment

This re-enactment is a very special and unique event in Iran. It happens on the ninth and tenth days of the month of Moharram. On these days, people gather to re-enact the Battle of Karbala. The re-enactment starts in the morning and lasts until noon. Many people in the city walk together and mourn this historical event.

Sister Cities

• Al-Mada'in, Iraq

Notable People

Many famous people are from Kazerun. Nasrollah Mardani, a well-known Persian poet, was from here. It's also believed that Salman the Persian, a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, came from this city. Other notable figures include Qotb al-Din Kazerooni, Allame Jalaladdin Davani, and Allame Ali Davani. The mothers of famous poets Hafez and Saadi were also from Kazerun. Firouz Naderi, who worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), was born in Kazerun. Reza Malekzadeh, a well-known medical scientist, is also from Kazerun.

Images for kids

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  Shapur statue