Hamadan Imam Khomeini Square

Imam Khomeini Square: Where History Radiates in Every Direction

• A Square Rooted in Time
• Layers Beneath the Surface
• A Cultural Confluence
• Nearby Treasures

At the heart of Hamadan — a city once known as Ecbatana, the ancient capital of the Medes — Imam Khomeini Square pulses with centuries of history and symbolism. More than a traffic hub, it's a living monument to Iran's layered past, urban ingenuity, and spiritual identity.

A Square Rooted in Time

Ancient Origins: Hamadan's legacy stretches back to 1000 BC, when it was chosen by Diako as the capital of the Median Empire. Its strategic location on the Silk Road made it a magnet for rulers, traders, and scholars.

Architectural Renaissance: The square was designed in the 1930s by German engineer Karl Frisch, who introduced a radial layout where six boulevards meet at 60-degree angles, echoing European Renaissance city planning3.

Symbolic Geometry: The square is crowned with 12 golden domes, each representing one of the Twelve Imams of Shi'a Islam - a fusion of faith and form.

Layers Beneath the Surface

Archaeological Discoveries: Excavations in 2017 revealed Ilkhanid-era columns, pottery, stone mills, and ancient burials — proof that this site has been a cultural crossroads for centuries.

National Recognition: In 2000, the square was added to Iran's National Heritage List for its unique concentric design, a rarity in Iranian urbanism.

A Cultural Confluence

• Traditional Bazaars: Surrounding the square are covered markets from the Qajar and Islamic periods, where artisans still sell handmade goods steeped in tradition.
• Pedestrian Paradise: Since 2017, the square and its adjoining streets — like Bu Ali and Ekbatan — have been pedestrianized, creating a vibrant space for locals and visitors alike.

Nearby Treasures

• Hamam-e Qal'eh Museum of Anthropology: Just off Ekbatan Street lies the archaeological site of ancient Ecbatana, once the seat of Persian kings.
• Baba Taher Tomb: A short walk away, this poetic sanctuary honors one of Iran's most beloved mystics.