population: 0.79 million

extension: 55 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Hamadan and interested in visiting museums, one must-visit destination is the Hegmataneh Archaeological Palace Museum. It features numerous historical artifacts from ancient Persia. Another museum worth visiting is the Bu Ali Sina Museum, which showcases the life and works of the renowned Persian philosopher and physician. Additionally, there's also a Handicrafts and Anthropology Museum that displays an assortment of traditional crafts and cultural artifacts.

Food

Hamadan is famous for its delicious and authentic Persian cuisine. Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people include:

1. Kebab-e Jigar: Grilled liver kebab seasoned with herbs and spices.
2. Dizi: A hearty stew made with lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes, served with bread.
3. Gheimeh: Another delicious stew made with lamb or beef, split peas, tomatoes, and dried limes.
4. Mirza Ghasemi: A flavorful eggplant dish made with garlic, tomatoes, and eggs.
5. Baghali Polo: A fragrant rice dish cooked with dill and fava beans, often served with lamb shank.
6. Ash Reshteh: A thick soup made with noodles, beans, herbs, and whey.
7. Fesenjan: A rich and tangy stew made with pomegranate juice, walnuts, and chicken or duck.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can try in Hamadan. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Hamadan:

1. Visit the Ganjnameh Inscriptions: This is an ancient relief carving on the side of a mountain near Hamadan, showcasing inscriptions from the Achaemenid Empire.

2. Go to Abbas Abad Recreational Complex: It's a popular park where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and picnicking.

3. Explore the traditional bazaar: Hamadan's old bazaar is a bustling hub of shops and stalls selling everything from spices to handicrafts.

4. Walk along Alisadr Cave: It's one of the longest water caves in the world and provides a unique and exciting experience for visitors.

5. Visit the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai: It's a sacred site for Jewish people and a popular tourist destination packed with cultural significance.