According to Iran Press, the region is home to several notable attractions that reflect different periods of Iran’s history and showcase its natural landscapes.
One of the prominent historical sites in Markazi Province is the ancient complex of Khorheh, located near Mahallat, northeast of the city of Mahallat and west of the main Tehran-Isfahan road. The village is known for its tall stone columns and capitals, which are among the remaining structures of the Seleucid period.
The archaeological site dates back to the fourth or third century BC, when the Seleucids ruled over large parts of the region. The remains also indicate that the area may have been inhabited as early as the second millennium BC.
Despite its historical significance, questions remain among archaeologists about the original purpose and architectural origins of the complex. Some researchers have associated it with a Seleucid or Greek temple, while others have suggested that it may have been built by Iranians familiar with Greek architectural influences for a different purpose. The absence of written historical records has left several aspects of the site's history open to debate.
The name Khorheh is also associated with the sun and the place where it rises. Its ancient columns and architectural remains continue to attract visitors interested in Iran’s pre-Islamic history.
The natural attractions of Shazand County, west of Arak, provide another destination for travelers. Bordering Hamedan and Lorestan provinces, Shazand has a mountainous climate and is known in spring for its abundant springs, green landscapes and natural pools.
Emarat Spring and Abbasabad Spring are among the area's main attractions. Emarat Spring, located near Emarat village about 22 kilometers from Shazand, has an average water discharge of approximately 800 liters per second. It is one of the sources of the Shara River, a major tributary of the Qareh Chay River. The spring emerges at the foothills of surrounding limestone mountains, forming a lake-like pool. Bab al-Havaej Mosque, built over one of the springs in the village, adds to the site's distinctive landscape.
Abbasabad Spring, east of Shazand on the northern slopes of the Rasvand Mountain Range, has an average discharge of 250 to 300 liters per second. Its water is used for drinking and agriculture in Abbasabad and Akbarabad villages and parts of Shazand. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters above sea level, it is also a recreational destination for residents and visitors.
Another area worth visiting is Jasb, a rural district in Delijan County, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Delijan. The district consists of seven villages, including Bijgan, Voshtgan, Vasqonqan, Harazjan, Zor, Varan and Karvogan, situated along a valley extending for about 50 kilometers beside the Azna River.
Jasb is known for its traditional villages, agricultural landscapes and historical background. Local accounts trace the area's history to the Sassanid era, linking its early settlement to stories about the reign of Ardashir I and the establishment of shelters for royal horsemen and their horses in the valley. Over time, some of these settlements developed into permanent villages.
With its ancient archaeological remains, historic rural settlements and spring-fed landscapes, the Arak region and the wider Markazi Province offer travelers a range of destinations for exploring Iran's cultural heritage and natural environment.
ahmad shirzadian - Maryam Abolbagha
