Townships

Abadan
The township of Abadan is located to the southwest of the province, and experiences short winters and long warm summers, along with a high percentage of humidity. Abadan is a delta shaped island, with its base facing towards the Persian Gulf and its head towards Khorram Shahr. Previously it was supposed to be called "Khezr Island" but later on it was known as "Ebadan". In 1935 "Ebadan" changed to "Abadan". Its center is the city of Abadan, which lies at a distance of 1,000 km. from Tehran.
At the end of the 13th century A.H., due to the presence of the oil industry, Abadan developed and expanded. In the year 1909, the refinery factories were erected, which unfortunately suffered heavy damage during the imposed war between Iran and Iraq. After which it is gradually regaining its former status. This refinery is one of the attractive sites of the city of Abadan, and is one of the oldest and largest refineries in the world.


Ahvaz
The township of Ahvaz is situated in the central portion of the province and has a warm and humid climate. Ahvaz is the center and largest city of the province and is located 874 km. from Tehran. In ancient times it was called "Hormozd Ardeshir" and then "Soq-ol-Ahvaz". Later on it was known as "Naseri". Some historians have mentioned it as "Algeenis".
There is a strong possibility that the city of Ahvaz is located on the site of the old city of "Taryana". Ardeshir Sassanid I rebuilt Taryana and named it "Hormozd Ardeshir". During his reign and that of his successors, the city prospered, and instead of Susa became the capital of "Suziana" (Khuzestan). At the time that the Arabs gained control of Suziana, Hormozd Ardeshir was renamed to Soq-ol-Ahvaz, which means the market of Khuzis or Hoories.
During the period of Omavi and Abbasides Caliphs, Ahvaz city flourished and became the center for the cultivation of sugar-cane. But at the end of the 3rd century A.H. due to upheavals of Saheb-ol-Zanj it witnessed a decline. Later on efforts were put for recapturing its fame, but in the mid 9th century A.H., the destruction of its large dam further more intensified the decline of the city from the former position that it was used to enjoy.
The construction of the Suez Canal, improved trade and shipping on Karoon River, and reformation of Bandar-e-Naseri as a port during the Qajar era, once again caused flourishing of Ahvaz, and its name was changed to Naseriyeh. During Pahlavi period, the city was re-gained its old name, i.e., 'Ahvaz'. At present it plays an important role regarding the cultural, economical and industrial fields in Iran as well as being one of the highly populated areas of the province.


Andimeshk
The township of Andimeshk is located to the north of the Khuzestan Province, on the southern slopes of Zagross Mountains and at a distance of 726 km from Tehran. It has common borders with Lurestan.
The city of Andimeshk was constructed near the ruins of the ancient city of "Lur" (Aritareen). "Lur" was a flourishing city, and its name is mentioned in the records of ancient geographers, i.e., Estakhry and Moqadasi. "Lur" continued flourishing till mid ages, since then it was demolished and turned into a ruin. In the Qajar era, Andimeshk gained further glory and importance due to construction of a castle by "Haj Saleh Khan Mokri", and thereby came to be known as "Saleh Abad", and thence Andimeshk.


Baq-e-Malek
This township is situated to the east of the province, and has common borders with Kohkiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad Province. The city of Baq-e-Malek is located at a distance of 1,024 km. from Tehran. This vicinity has an ancient historical background. The elevated regions, forests, natural landscapes and rivers have provided a great opportunity for development and flourishing of this territory.


Behbahan
The township of Behbahan has a semi-desert like climate, with hot scorching summers and rainy winters. Its center is Behbahan city, which is located at a distance of 1,105 km. from Tehran. The ruling center of ancient times was known as "Qobad Foreh" and "Arkan". Qobad Ebne Firooz was the first person responsible for constructing "Arrehjan" (Behbahan) city.
During the Sassanian era, the city of Arrehjan which is located at a distance of 12 km. from the current city of Behbahan was erected. After the destruction of Arrehjan city, the inhabitants flocked to Behbahan. In the 4th century B.C. the city of Arrehjan was fully populated, but in the second half of the 8th century, not a trace of Arrehjan remained, and in a short period the current city of Behbahan replaced the former.


Dasht-e-Azadegan
The said township is situated to the west of the province and it has a common border with Iraq. Its center is Sosangerd which is located at a distance of 941 km. from Tehran. It has warm and dry climate. Originally, Dasht-e-Azadehgan was known as "Bani Taraf" and in the year 1935, was changed to "Dasht-e-Mishan", and thence after the Islamic revolution, was re-named as "Dasht-e-Azadegan". The inhabitants of this vicinity are Arab tribes.
Till the year 1944, this area was a part of the Ahvaz Township. Later on it joined the Bostan district, and turned into the township of Dasht-e-Mishan (Dasht-e-Azadegan).


Dezful
The township of Dezful lies at a distance of 721 km. from Tehran, and is located to the north of Khuzestan Province. Generally, it has a desert like and comparatively dry weather with hot summers and moderate winters. The word Dezful has been derived from the words 'Dejpol' or 'Despool', and in local language it is known as 'Dezpeel'. It is said that the people who constructed the bridge, erected a fort or "Dej" right at the beginning of the same to protect the bridge. Since then the name of "Dejpol" has remained on this city.
Alike the city of Shooshtar, Dezful surpassed the city of Jondishahpur. On destruction of the latter, Dezful progressed to a greater extent. Later on due to the devastating state of its water network, which was from the Sassanid period, the city and its surroundings were subject to heavy damages. Although, Dezful remained safe from the Mongol attacks, but later on came under the Ilkhanan jurisdiction, and did not show any resistance against the attacks of Amir Teimoor.
Nader Shah was responsible for safeguarding this vicinity against the Lors, and thereby erected a castle called Dej Shah a few kilometers to the northeast of Behbahan. Presently Dezful is one of the thriving and important cities of Khuzestan Province.


Eazeh
The township of Eazeh has cold winters and moderate summers, with the city of Eazeh as its center. Eazeh lies at a distance of 1,082 km. from Tehran. This land was one of the old centers of civilization, even so during the Elamit period, and was considered as one of the prospering areas. The ancient "Anzan" or "Anshan" was also located close to the city of Eazeh.
The Greeks flourished here during the time of the Selooki or Seleucidians. Even during the Sassanian period the old city of Eazeh existed. During the early Islamic period, this city proved to be one of the important cities of Khuzestan, and had an independent ruler. In the Attabak period, the city was called Malmir (Mal-e-Amir means belonging to Amir). Later on the name of Eazeh was completely forgotten, and it was during the Pahlavi reign that it was re-focused on. Till the year 1953, Eazeh was a district of Ahvaz and it was only in 1958 that it was claimed to be a township.


Khorram Shahr
The township of Khorram Shahr experiences extremely hot and humid weather, and the Port of Khorram Shahr (Bandar-e-Khorram Shahr), is located 994 km. from Tehran. In the 12th century A.H., Khorram Shahr was nothing more than a small village, and it was only in the beginning of the 13th century that it changed into a reputed sea port. It was under interest due to its strategic position, and therefore suffered repeated foreign attacks. The Ottoman Empire in the year 1883 A.D., Britain in the year 1857 A.D., and finally Iraq in the year 1980, surrounded Khorram Shahr respectively.
Discovery of oil in 19th century and proximity to the oil refinery factory of Abadan frequently added to its importance. The old name of Khorram Shahr under the influence of the red color of the Karoon River was "Mohammarreh". During the imposed war of Iraq, this city suffered heavy damages and loss, besides being occupied by the enemy for a period of 575 days, ultimately regaining its freedom on May 23, 1982.


Mah Shahr
The township of Mah Shahr lies at a distance of 1,025 km. from Tehran, and is located to the south of the province and along the coast of the Persian Gulf. It was formerly called "Bandar-e-Ma'shoor", and even long before that it was known as "Mahruyan" and "Machuleh". In the year 1965, its name was changed to "Bandar-e-Mah Shahr". The said had been one of the most important ports for export of oil from Iran, before Kharq was facilitated.
Today Mah Shahr is the focal point for export of gas and refinery products in Abadan. Most of the citizens of Mah Shahr mainly have been dwelled in the old sector of city which is located at a distance of 3 km. from the new site.


Masjed Soleiman
The said township is situated to the north of the province, and has common borders with Esfahan and Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari provinces. It accounts for being an important area as the 'winter residing quarter' for the Bakhtiyari Tribes. This township is located in the mountainous areas as well as the plains, with moderate winters and warm summers. Its center is the city of Masjed Soleiman which lies at a distance of 1,030 km. from Tehran. Masjed Soleiman is one of the important cities of Khuzestan Province regarding the oil industry.
According to archeological discoveries, evidences relative to the pre-historic ages and cavemen have been observed here. Furthermore, it is believed that Hushang Pishdadi by means of two flints (stones) discovered fire in this area. Masjed Soleiman held importance during the various reigns such as, the Elamits, Medes, Parsees, Seleucidians, Parthians and the Sassanids. This vicinity was the birthplace of Chish Pesh Parsi. Near the current city of Masjed Soleiman is the great fire-temple from the Parthian and Sassanid periods.
In the ancient times, this area was known as 'Tolqor', but in 1924 after the visit of Pahlavi I, and on his suggestion to the parliament, this vicinity was assigned Masjed Soleiman in the year 1926 by parliament, and today is one of the thriving and industrial cities of the province.


Ramhormoz
The township of Ramhormoz is situated to the east of the province and experiences a warm climate. Its center is Ramhormoz city, and lies at a distance of 1,008 km. from Tehran. It has common border with the Province of Kohkiluyeh va Boyer Ahmad. Ramhormoz is a historical city and the founder is said to be Hormoz Sassani. Previously it was known as "Samangan".
In spite of being a historical city, it remained under developed. The historical territory of Ramsheer is in this township, and the ruins of the ancient site of Ramsheer are at the vicinity of 3 km. The importance of Ramshir is more due to existence of the large bridge of Ramshir, built on Jarahi (Maroon) River, which acts as a link connecting the southern sea ports with Ramshir City. In recent years, Ramhormoz has regained its importance and is considered to be one of the fast developing and important townships of Khuzestan Province.


Shadegan
Shadegan is one of the southern townships of Khuzestan Province. Its center is the city of Shadegan which is located at 971 km. from Tehran. It experiences a warm and desert like climate. The old name of Shadegan was "Soroq" and its central government city was known as "Dowraq". Soroq is one of the townships of Khuzestan and the name of a river around which by the order of Ardeshir, the son of Bahman Esfandiyar some cities were excavated. Currently the city of Shadegan has expanded and is famous for its woven sleeveless cloaks (aba).


Shoosh (Susa)
The township of Shoosh is located to the northwest of the province, and has common borders with the Ilam Province. Its center is the city of Shoosh which is at a distance of 1,010 km. from Tehran. It experiences a hot climate. Susa is considered to be one of the oldest centers of civilization throughout the globe. In archeological excavations, relics related to the pre-historic era have been discovered here. The Elamits were the first clans who were responsible for its flourishment.
During this reign Susa was proclaimed as a capital. Even after the Achaemenians gained control over Susa, the latter sustained its splendor and was selected as the winter capital by Darius the Achaemenid. Till the beginning of the control by the Muslims, Shoosh continued to thrive. In the year 1898 A.D., the famous Castle of Shoosh was constructed by "Morgan" on the northern part of the Acropol hill. The ancient name of Shoosh was 'Soos' or 'Dasht-e-Soosiana', and later on was changed to Shoosh.


Shooshtar
The township of Shooshtar is located at a distance of 831 km. from Tehran and has cold winters, but is warm for the rest of the year. Shooshtar lies to the north of Ahvaz. According to the Iranian mythology, the founder of this city is supposed to be Hushang Pishdadi. The conquest of Shooshtar by the Muslims took place in the Omar caliphate period. Shooshtar at the times of Bani Omayeh, was in hands of "Khavarej" (those who had turned against religion).
In the year 820 A.H., Amir Teimoor conquered this area and thereafter it became the center of the Shiite sect. In 1165-1167 A.H. Nader Shah continuously attacked this vicinity and in these battles many were killed. During the reign of Fathali Shah Qajar, the cities of Shooshtar, Dezful and Hoveyzeh, became a part of the Kermanshah Province. In the reign of Mozzafar-edin-Shah, segregation among the two groups of "Heydari" and "Ne'mati" increased to its highest level, and Khaz'al Khan encouraged the Arabs to assault Shooshtar. In Pahlavi era, after repeated unrest, the region ultimately gained peace, and today is considered to be one of the important cities of Khuzestan Province.