Markazi province facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Markazi Province
(مادستان)استان مرکزی
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A view of Amingholamali Saveh Jamee mosque
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Location of Markazi province in Iran
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| Country | Iran |
| Region | Region 4 |
| Capital | Arak |
| Counties | 12 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 29,127 km2 (11,246 sq mi) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 1,429,475 |
| • Density | 49.0773/km2 (127.1097/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+03:30 (IRST) |
| Main language(s) | Persian |
| HDI (2018) | 0.791 high · 15th |
Markazi Province is one of Iran's 31 provinces. Its name, Markazi, means "central" in Persian. This makes sense because it's located right in the middle of Iran! The capital city of Markazi Province is Arak.
In 2016, about 1.4 million people lived here. Most people in the province are Persians. However, there are also many Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Lurs living in Markazi. The province's current borders were set in 1977. Before that, it was part of a larger area.
History of Markazi Province
Markazi Province has a very long and interesting history. Thousands of years ago, around 1000 BC, this area was part of the Median Empire. This empire covered much of central and western Iran. Many old ruins in the province show just how ancient this region is.
When Islam arrived in the early centuries, the area's name changed to Jibal or Kuhestan. Over time, cities like Khorheh, Tafresh, and Khomein became well-known.
In more recent times, the building of the North-South railroad, also called the Persian Corridor, helped the province grow. New industries also brought development to the area.
Many important people in Iranian history came from Markazi Province. These include famous writers, leaders, and thinkers. Some examples are Mirza Abu'l-Qasem Qa'em-Maqam, Mirza Taqi Khan Amir Kabir, and Ayatollah Khomeini.
Counties and Cities
Markazi Province is divided into 12 main areas called counties. Each county has its own cities and towns. The largest city and the capital of the province is Arak.
Here is a look at how the population of these counties has changed over time:
| Administrative Divisions | 2006 | 2011 | 2016 |
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| Arak County | 602,971 | 599,634 | 591,756 |
| Ashtian County | 19,011 | 17,105 | 16,357 |
| Delijan County | 43,388 | 48,986 | 51,621 |
| Farahan County1 | — | 30,042 | 28,994 |
| Khomeyn County | 108,840 | 107,368 | 105,017 |
| Khondab County2 | — | 58,262 | 54,018 |
| Komijan County | 45,296 | 39,340 | 36,441 |
| Mahallat County | 48,458 | 53,381 | 55,342 |
| Saveh County | 235,843 | 259,030 | 283,538 |
| Shazand County | 118,789 | 117,746 | 117,571 |
| Tafresh County | 46,680 | 25,912 | 24,913 |
| Zarandieh County | 57,550 | 57,153 | 63,907 |
| Total | 1,326,826 | 1,413,959 | 1,429,475 |
| 1Separated from Komijan County and Tafresh County 2Separated from Arak County |
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Many people in Markazi Province live in cities. In 2016, over 76% of the population lived in urban areas. Some of the larger cities include Arak, Saveh, and Khomeyn.
Colleges and Universities
Markazi Province is home to several universities and colleges. These institutions offer many different subjects for students to study. Some of the main universities are:
- Arak University of Medical Sciences
- Arak University of Technology
- University of Arak
- Tafresh University
- Islamic Azad University of Khomein
- Islamic Azad University of Arak
- Islamic Azad University of Saveh
- Islamic Azad University of Farahan
- Islamic Azad University of Ashtian
- Islamic Azad University of Tafresh
- Farhangian University of Arak
- Energy University (Saveh)
Gallery
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Kharpahlou Village
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Painting attributed to Amir Kabir, National Museum of Iran
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14th century ceramic bowl with hare and flying Simurghs from Sultanabad (today Arak)
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Markazí para niños
