Khūzestān Province
448079
220101134
2008-06-18T08:11:40Z
85.185.229.131
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{{Infobox Iran Province
|province_name = Khūzestān
|ostan_name = خوزستان
|loc_map = IranKhuzestan.png
|capital = [[Ahvaz]]
|latd = 31.3273
|longd = 48.6940
|area = 64,055
|pop = 4,345,607
|pop_year = 2005
|pop_density = 67.8
|sub_provinces = 18
|languages= [[Persian language|Persian]]<br/>[[Bakhtiari]] <br/> [[Arabic language|Arabic]] <br/> [[Luri language|Luri]] <br/> [[Qashqai language|Qashqai]] <br/>
}}
[[Image:Emamzadeh-hamzeh.jpg|thumb|right|Domes like this are quite common in Khuzestan province. The shape is an architectural trademark of craftsmen of this province. [[Daniel]]'s shrine, located in Khuzestan, has such a shape. The shrine pictured here, belongs to Imamzadeh Hamzeh, located between Mahshahr and Hendijan.]]
'''Khūzestān''' ([[Persian language|Persian]]: خوزستان) is one of the 30 [[provinces of Iran|provinces]] of [[Iran]]. It is in the southwest of the country, bordering [[Iraq]] and the [[Persian Gulf]]. Its capital is [[Ahvaz]] and covers an area of 63,238 km². Other major cities include [[Behbahan]], [[Abadan]], [[Andimeshk]], [[Khorramshahr]], [[Bandar Imam]], [[Dezful]], [[Shushtar]], [[Omidiyeh]], [[Izeh]], [[Baq-e-Malek]], [[Mah Shahr]], Dasht-i Mishan/[[Dasht-e-Azadegan]], [[Ramhormoz]], [[Shadegan]], [[Susa]], [[Masjed Soleiman]], [[Minoo Island]] and [[Hoveizeh]].
Historically Khuzestan is what historians refer to as ancient [[Elam]], whose capital was in [[Susa]]. The [[Achaemenid Empire|Achaemenid]] [[Old Persian]] term for [[Elam]] was ''Hujiyā'', which is present in the modern name.
Khuzestan is the most ancient Iranian province {{Fact|date=July 2007}} and is often referred to as the ''"birthplace of the nation,"'' since this is where the ''Persians'' one of the branches of [[Aryan#Indo-Iranian|Aryan]] tribes first settled, assimilating the native Elamite population, and thus laying the foundation for the future dynastic empires of [[Achaemenid]], [[Parthia]] and [[Sasanid]]. The pre-Islamic Partho-Sassanid Inscriptions gives the name of the province as Khwuzestan. Khuzestan is also where the medical college and the town of [[Gundeshapur]] was located.''
The provincial capital, Ahvaz is the anagram of "Avaz" and "Avaja" which appear in Darius the Great' epigraph. This word appears in Naqsh-e Rostam inscription as "Khaja" or "Khooja".{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
Ahvaz was the seat of Khuzestan province in the old days. The modern city build over the foundation of Hoorpahir or Hormoz-Ardeshir, which was founded by Ardashir-Babakan the founder of Sassanid Dynasty in 4th century AD.
Currently, Khuzestan has 18 [[Member of Parliament|representatives]] in Iran's parliament, [[Majlis of Iran|The Majlis]], and 6 representatives in the [[Assembly of Experts]].
==Etymology==
'' Main article: [[Origin of the name Khuzestan]] ''
The name ''Khuzestan'', which means "The Land of the Khuzi" <ref>See entry in ''[[Dictionary of Dehkhoda]]''</ref>, refers to the original inhabitants of this province, the ''Khuzi'' people. The name [[Ahvaz]] also has the same origin as the name Khuzestan. <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>
The southern half of the province (south of the Ahwaz Ridge), however, has also been called ''Arabistan'' or ''Arabestan'' at times, particularly starting during the reign of [[Tahmasp I]] in the 16th century, after the [[Arab]] [[Muhammad ibn Falah]], leader of the ''[[Msha'sha'iya]]'', initiated a wave of attacks on Khuzestan in AD 1440, leading to a gradual increase in the Arab population of Khuzestan. <ref>See the following links: [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9045360], [http://www.bartleby.com/65/kh/Khuzesta.html], [http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/K/Khuzesta.asp] and [http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/Khuzesta]. Also see [http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Iran.htm] under "Al-Ahwaz (Arabistan)".</ref>
[[Reza Pahlavi]], however, restored the original name of the province in [[1923]].
==Geography and climate==
The province of Khuzestan can be basically divided into two regions, i.e. the plains and mountainous regions, the former being in the south and west of the province. This area is irrigated by the ''[[Karun]]'', ''[[Karkheh]]'' and ''Jarahi'' rivers. The mountainous regions are situated to the north and east of the province, and are considered to be a part of southern regions of the [[Zagros]] mountain ranges.
With regard to natural conditions, Khuzestan has unrivaled potentials unmatched by any other province in the country. Large permanent rivers flow over the entire territory contributing to the fertility of the land. [[Karun]], Iran's largest river, 850 kilometers long, flows into the Persian Gulf through this province.
The climate of Khuzestan is generally hot and humid, particularly in the south, while winters are much more pleasant and dry.
==History==
{{main|History of Khuzestan}}
===Pre-Islamic History===
[[Image:Choghazanbil2.jpg|thumb|right|The ziggurat of [[Choqa Zanbil]] in Khuzestan was a magnificent structure of the Iranian [[Elamite Empire]]. Khuzestan's Elamites were "precursors of the royal Persians", and were "the founders of the first Iranian empire in the geographic sense."]][[Image:Shush-castle.jpg|thumb|right|[[Shush castle|L'Acropole de Suse]], Susa, Iran.]]The province of Khuzestan is one of the centres of ancient civilization, based around [[Susa]]. French archeologists such as [[Jaques De Morgan]] date the civilization here as far back as 8000 BC when excavating areas such as ''Tal-i Ali-Kosh''. The first large scale empire based here was that of the powerful 4th millennium BC [[Elamite Empire|Elamites]].
Archeological ruins verify the entire province of Khuzestan to be home to the [[Elamite Empire|Elamite]] civilization, a non-Semitic, and non-Indo-European-speaking kingdom, and
''"the earliest civilization of Persia"''. <ref>According to: Sir [[Percy Sykes]], ''A History of Persia'', RoutledgeCurzon Publishers. 3rd edition. October 16, 2003. ISBN 0-415-32678-8 p.38</ref>
As was stated in the preceding section, the name ''Khuzestan'' is derived from the Elamites (''Ūvja'') <ref>According to ''The [[Cambridge History of Iran]]'', 2, 259, ISBN 0-521-20091-1</ref>.
In fact, in the words of [[Elton L. Daniel]], the Elamites were ''"the founders of the first Iranian empire in the geographic sense."'' <ref>[[Elton L. Daniel]]. ''The History of Iran'', ISBN 0-313-00030-1 p.26</ref> Hence the central geopolitical significance of Khuzestan, the seat of Iran's first empire.
In [[640 BC]], the Elamites were defeated by [[Ashurbanipal]] coming under the rule of the Assyrians who brought destruction upon Susa and Chogha Zanbil. But in [[538 BC]] [[Cyrus II of Persia|Cyrus the Great]] was able to re-conquer the Elamite lands. The city of Susa was then proclaimed as one of the [[Achaemenid]] capitals. [[Darius I of Persia|Darius the Great]] then erected a grand palace known as ''Apadana'' there in [[521 BC]]. But this astonishing period of glory and splendour of the Achaemenian dynasty came to an end by the conquests of [[Alexander of Macedon]]. And after Alexander, the [[Seleucid dynasty]] ruled the area.
As the [[Seleucid dynasty]] weakened, [[Mithridates I of Parthia|Mehrdad I]] the [[Parthia]]n (171-137 BC), gained ascendency over the region. During the [[Sassanid]] dynasty this area thrived tremendously and flourished, and this dynasty was responsible for the many constructions that were erected in [[Ahvaz]], [[Shushtar]], and the north of [[Andimeshk]].
Over the centuries, [[Nestorian]] missionaries brought Christianity to the region, using the [[Aramaic]] language. From at least the 500s AD, the region was called "Beth Huzaye". As of AD 639, the Nestorian seat was at [[Mahoze]], the complex encompassing [[Ctesiphon]] and [[Seleucia on the Tigris]]; and the Nestorian Catholicos was Ishoyahb II of Gadala.
During the early years of the reign of [[Shapur II]] (A.D. 309 or 310-379), Arabs crossed the [[Persian Gulf]] from [[Bahrain]] to "Ardashir-Khora" of [[Fars]] and raided the interior. In retaliation, [[Shapur II]] led an expedition through [[Bahrain]], defeated the combined forces of the Arab tribes of "Taghleb", "Bakr bin Wael", and "Abd Al-Qays" and advanced temporarily into Yamama in central [[Najd]]. The [[Sassanids]] resettled these tribes in [[Kerman]] and [[Ahvaz]]. Arabs named [[Shapur II]], as "Shabur Dhul-aktāf" after this battle. <ref>[[Encyclopaedia Iranica]]: p.202. Link: [http://www.iranica.com/articles/search/searchpdf.isc?ReqStrPDFPath=/home1/iranica/articles/v2_articles/arab&OptStrLogFile=/home/iranica/public_html/logs/pdfdownload.html]</ref>
The existence of prominent scientific and cultural centers such as [[Academy of Gundishapur]] which gathered distinguished medical scientists from [[Egypt]], [[Greece]], [[India]], and [[Rome]], shows the importance and prosperity of this region during this era. The [[Academy of Gundishapur|Jondi-Shapur Medical School]] was founded by the order of [[Shapur I of Persia|Shapur I]]. It was repaired and restored by [[Shapur II of Persia|Shapur II]] (a.k.a. ''Zol-Aktaf'': "The Possessor of Shoulder Blades") and was completed and expanded during the reign of Anushirvan.
===The Arab Conquest of Khuzestan===
[[Image:Dezful-masjed-jameh.jpg|thumb|right|''Masjed Jame' Dezful''. In spite of Saddam's devastating bombs, Khuzestan still possesses a rich heritage of architecture from Islamic, Sassanid, and earlier times.]]
The Arab invasion of Khuzestan took place in 639 AD under the command of [[Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari]] from [[Basra]], who drove the Persian ''Hormozan'' out of [[Ahvaz]]. [[Susa]] later fell, so Hormozan fled to [[Shushtar]]. There his forces were besieged by Abu Musa for 18 months. Shushtar finally fell in 642 AD; the ''Khuzistan Chronicle'' records that a [[Qatar]]i living in the city befriended a man in the army, and dug tunnels through the wall in return for a third of the spoil. The Basrans purged the Nestorians - the Exegete of the city and the Bishop of Hormizd, and all their students - but kept Hormozan alive. <ref>Hoyland, Robert G., ''Seeing Islam as Others Saw It'', Darwin Press, 1998, ISBN 0-87850-125-8 p184</ref>
There followed the conquests of [[Jondishapoor]] and of many other districts along the Tigris. The battle of [[Nahavand|Nehavand]] finally secured Khuzestan for the Muslim armies. <ref>[[Encyclopedia Iranica]], p.206</ref>
It is interesting to notice that there was much cooperation between [[Sassanids]] and non-Muslim Arabs during the Muslim conquest period, which shows that those wars were not Arab vs. Persian, rather Muslim vs. non-Muslims. For instance in 633-634, [[Khaled ibn Walid]] leader of the Muslim Army, defeated a force of the Sassanids' Christian Arab auxiliaries from the tribes of "Bakr", "'Ejl", "Taghleb" and "Namer" at "'Ayn Al-Tamr".
<ref>[[Encyclopaedia Iranica]], page 204, under "Arab conquest of Persia"</ref>
The Arab settlements by military garrisons in southern Iran was soon followed by other types of colonization. Some Arab families, for example, took the opportunity to gain control of private estates. <ref>[[Encyclopedia Iranica]], p.212</ref>. Like the rest of Iran, the Arab invasion thus brought Khuzestan under occupation of the Arabs of the [[Umayyad]] and [[Abbasid]] Caliphates, until [[Ya'qub bin Laith as-Saffar]], from southeastern Iran, raised the flag of independence once more, and ultimately regained control over Khuzestan, among other parts of Iran, founding the short-lived [[Saffarid]] dynasty. From that point on, Iranian [[Persian Kings|dynasties]] would continue to rule the region in succession as an important part of Iran.
In the [[Umayyad]] period, large groups of nomads from the ''Hanifa'', ''[[Bani Tamim]]'', and ''Abd al-Qays'' tribes crossed the [[Persian Gulf]] and occupied some of the richest [[Basra]]n territories around [[Ahvaz]] and in [[Fars province|Fars]] during the second Islamic civil war in 661-665/680-684 A.D. <ref>[[Encyclopaedia Iranica]], p.215, under "Arab Tribes of Iran"</ref>.
During the [[Abbassid]] period, in the second half of the [[10th century]], the ''Assad'' tribe, taking advantage of quarrels under the [[Buwayhids]], penetrated into Khuzestan, where a group of ''Tamim'' had been living since pre-Islamic times.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} However, following the fall of the [[Abbassid]] dynasty, the flow of Arab immigrants into [[Persia]] gradually diminished, but it nonetheless continued.
In the latter part of the [[16th century]], the ''[[Bani Kaab]]'', from [[Kuwait]], settled in Khuzestan. <ref>See J.R. Perry, ''"The Banu Ka'b: An Amphibious Brigand State in Khuzestan", Le Monde Iranien et L'Islam I'', 1971, p133</ref> And during the succeeding centuries, many more Arab tribes moved from southern Iraq to Khuzestan, and as a result, Khuzestan became "extensively Arabized". <ref>[[Encyclopedia Iranica]], p216</ref>. According to [[C.E. Bosworth]] in [[Encyclopedia Iranica]], under the [[Qajar]] dynasty ''"the province was known, as in [[Safavid]] times, as Arabistan, and during the Qajar period was administratively a governor-generalate."''
In the mid [[1800]]s Britain initiated a war with Iran in a failed attempt to dominate Khuzestan. Tribal forces led by [[Sheikh Jabir al-Kaabi]], the Sheikh of [[Khorramshahr|Mohammerah]], had been vital in successfully defending the province. In the past eighty years, except during the [[Iran-Iraq war]], the province of Khuzestan thrived and prospered and today accounts for one of the regions in Iran that holds an economic and defensive strategic position.
===The Iran-Iraq war===
Being on the border with Iraq, Khuzestan suffered the heaviest damage of all Iranian provinces during the [[Iran-Iraq war]] (1980 - 1988).
What used to be Iran's largest refinery at [[Abadan]] was destroyed, never to fully recover. Many of the famous ''nakhlestans'' (palm groves) were annihilated, cities were destroyed, historical sites were demolished, and nearly half the province went under the boots of Saddam's invading army <ref>See map: http://www.iranmiras.ir/fr_site/history/jomhoori/Image-104.jpg</ref>. This created a mass exodus into other provinces that did not have the logistical capability of taking in such a large number of refugees.
However, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push Saddam's forces back into Iraq. The battle of "''the [[Liberation of Khorramshahr]]''" (one of Khuzestan's largest cities and the most important Iranian port prior to the war) was a turning point in the war, and is officially celebrated every year in Iran.
===Struggle over the province===
[[Image:Pegasus iran.jpg|right|thumb|[[Parthia]]n era Bronze plate with [[Pegasus]] depiction ("Pegaz" in Persian). Excavated in [[Masjed Soleiman]].]]
Domination of Khuzestan was [[Saddam Hussein]]'s primary strategic objective that launched the [[Iran-Iraq war]], which forced thousands of Iranians to flee the province.
The government of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] does not conduct any official ethnic census in [[Iran]], thus it is difficult to determine the exact [[demographics]]. Beginning in the early nineties, many ethnic Persian Khuzestanis began returning to the province, a trend which continues to this day as the major urban centres are being rebuilt and restored. Restoration has been slow due to neglect by the regime of the [[Islamic Republic]]. The city of [[Khorramshahr]] was almost completely destroyed as a result of Saddam's [[scorched earth]] policy. Fortunately, Iranian forces were able to prevent the Iraqis from attempting to spread the execution of this policy to other major urban centres.
The [[Iranian Embassy Siege]] of 1980 was a siege of the Iranian Embassy in [[London]] initiated by an Arab separatist group. Initially it emerged the terrorists wanted autonomy for Khuzestan; later they demanded the release of 91 of their comrades held in Iranian jails. <ref>See:
*[[BBC]] link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/iranian_embassy_siege/703016.stm
*[[BBC]] link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/iranian_embassy_siege/720640.stm</ref>
The group which claimed responsibility for the siege- the Arab Popular Movement in Arabistan- gave a number of press conferences in the following months, referring to what it described as "the racist rule of Khomeini". It threatened further international action as part of its campaign to gain self- rule for Khuzestan. But its links with [[Baghdad]] served to undermine its argument that it was a purely [[Iran]]ian opposition group; there were allegations that it was backed by Iran's regional rival, [[Iraq]]. Their leader ("Salim" - Awn Ali Mohammed) along with four other members of the group were killed and the fifth member, Fowzi Badavi Nejad, was sentenced to life imprisonment.<ref>[[BBC]] link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk/2000/iranian_embassy_siege/720640.stm</ref>
In 2005, Ahvaz witnessed a number of terrorist attacks. The first came ahead of the presidential election on 12 June.(see [[Ahvaz Bombings]])
==People and culture==
[[Image:Parthian Queen Bust.jpg|thumb|right|A bust from The [[National Museum of Iran]] of Queen [[Musa of Parthia|Musa]], wife of [[Phraates IV of Parthia]], excavated by a French team in Khuzestan in 1939.]]
According to the 1996 census, the province had an estimated population of 3.7 million people, of which approximately 62.5% were in the urban centres, 36.5% were rural dwellers and the remaining 1% were non-residents. According to the most recent census taken in [[2004]], the province had an estimated population of 4,277,998 inhabitants. <ref>According to the German "Gazetteer" website: [http://www.gazetteer.de/wg.php?x=1142542504&men=gadm&lng=fr&des=gamelan&dat=200&geo=-106&srt=epnn&col=aohdqcfbeimg]</ref>
Khuzestan, unlike most other provinces in Iran, is inhabited by a number of ethnic minorities and peoples. [[Autochthonous]] [[Persian people|Persians]] in major cities, [[Iranian Arabs]], the [[Bakhtiari]], Behbahanis, Mizrahi Jews, [[Lak people (Iran)|Laks]], and [[Lorestan|Lurs]] of the north, the [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]]-speaking [[Qashqai]] and Afshari tribes, the peoples of Dezful, Shushtar and the inhabitants of the coastal regions of the Persian Gulf all make up the population of the province of Khuzestan. There are no official ethnic statistics released by Iran's government.
===Khuzestan in literature===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[image:danielburial3.jpg|thumb|right|Tomb of [[Daniel]], in the city of [[Susa]], is a popular attraction in Iran's [[Persian Jews|Jewish]] community.]] -->
Khuzestan has long been the subject of many a writer and poet of Persia. Some popular verses are:
زبس کز دامن لب شکر افشاند<br>
شکر دامن به خوزستان بر افشاند
"Her lips aflow with sweet sugar,<br>
The sweet sugar that aflows in Khuzestan."<br>
''[[Nizami]]''
قد رعنای تو و قامت سرو کشمر<br>
لب شیرین تو و شکر خوزستانی
"Your graceful figure like the [[Cypress of Kashmar|cypress in Kashmar]],<br>
Your sweet lips like the sugar of Khuzestan."<br>
''[[Nizari Qohistani]]''
که باشد که پیوند سام سوار<br>
نخواهد از اهواز تا قندهار
"So Sām hath not need ride afar<br>
from [[Ahvaz]] up to [[Qandehar]]."<br>
''[[Firdawsi]]''
===Languages===
The [[Khuzestani Persian|Persian]], [[Luri language|Bakhtiari and Lur]] groups of western Khuzestan all speak distinct dialects unique to their areas. Some Khuzestanis are [[bilingual]], speaking both [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]]. Most Arabic-speakers speak a [[varieties of Arabic|variety of Arabic]] distinct to the region known as [[Khuzestani Arabic]]. It is also not uncommon to find people able to speak a variety of indigenous dialects in addition to their own.
===Traditions and religion===
Khuzestani folk music is colorful and festive, and each native group has their own rich traditions and legacy in this area.
The people of Khuzestan are predominantly [[Shi'a]] 66%, [[Sunni]] 31%, and [[Judaism|Jewish]], [[Christianity|Christian]], and [[Mandaeanism|Mandean]] minorities. Khuzestanis are also very well regarded for their hospitality and generosity.
===Cuisine===
[[Seafood]] is the most important part of Khuzestani [[cuisine]], but many other dishes are also featured. A popular dish that is prepared with heavy spices, onions and cilantro is simply called ''soboor'' ("[[shad]]"), after its main ingredient, a species of [[fish]] found in southern Iranian waters. Other provincial specialties include ''qæliye-mæhi'' ("fish stew"), ''qæliye-meygu'' ("shrimp stew"), ''ashe-mohshala'' (a [[Khorramshahr]]i breakfast soup), ''sær shir'' (an [[Andimeshk]]i breakfast of heavy cream), ''hælim'' (a [[Shushtar]]i breakfast of wheatmeal with shredded lamb), and ''kohbbeh'' (a deep-fried rice cake with ground beef filling and other spices of Arabic origin, a variant on [[kibbeh]]). ''Also see [[Iranian cuisine]]''.
===Historical figures===
Many scientists, philosophers, and poets have come from Khuzestan, including [[Abu Nuwas]], [[Abdollah ibn-Meymun Ahvazi]], the astronomer [[Naubakht|Nowbækht-e Ahvazi]] and his sons as well as [[Jorjis]], the son of [[Bukhtishu|Bakhtshua Gondishapuri]], [[Ibn Sakit]], [[Da'bal-e Khazai]] and [[Morteza Ansari|Sheikh Mortedha Ansari]], a prominent Shi'a scholar from [[Dezful]].
==Economy==
[[Image:Karun3-dam.jpg|thumb|right|The government of [[Iran]] is spending large amounts of money in Khuzestan province. The massive Karun-3 dam, was inaugurated recently as part of a drive to boost Iran's growing energy demands.]]
Khuzestan is the major oil-producing region of [[Iran]], and as such is one of the wealthiest provinces in Iran, though it is claimed that this wealth does not benefit the average citizen. The government of Iran claims the province to rank third among Iran's provinces in GDP. <ref>{{fa icon}} Link: http://www.ostan-kz.ir/papercutdetail_afa_pi_191.html</ref>
In 2005, Iran's government announced it was planning the country's second nuclear reactor to be built in Khuzestan province.<ref>[[BBC]] Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4498932.stm</ref> The 360 MW reactor will be a [[Light Water]] [[Pressurized water reactor|PWR Reactor]].<ref>[[BBC]] link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/iran/story/2005/12/051210_ss-irannuclearaghazadeh.shtml</ref>
Khuzestan is also home to the Arvand Free Trade Zone <ref>Link: [http://www.arvandfreezone.ir/ Arvand Free Trade Zone]</ref>. It is one of six economic Free Trade Zones in Iran.<ref>Link: http://www.iftiz.org.ir</ref>
===Shipping===
[[Image:Ahvaz pol.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Karun River passing the Iranian city of [[Ahvaz]]]]
[[Karun]] river is the only navigable river in [[Iran]]. The British, up until recent decades, after the discovery by [[Austen Henry Layard]], transported their merchandise via Karun's waterways, passing through Ahvaz all the way up to [[Masjed Soleiman]], the site of their first oil wells in the Naftoon oil field. Karun is capable of the sailing of fairly large ships as far up as [[Shushtar]].
Karkheh, Jarrahi, [[Shatt al-Arab]], Handian, Shavoor, Bahmanshir (Bahman-Ardeshir), Maroon-Alaa', Dez, and many other rivers and water sources in the form of ''Khurs'', lagoons, ponds, and marshes demonstrate the vastness of water resourses in this region, and are the main reason for the variety of agricultural products developed in the area.
===Agriculture===
The abundance of water and fertility of soil have transformed this region into a rich and well-endowed land. The variety of agricultural products such as [[wheat]], [[barley]], oily seeds, [[rice]], [[eucalyptus]], medical herbs; the existence of many palm and [[citrus]] farms; having mountains suitable for raising [[olive]]s, and of course [[sugar cane]] - from which Khuzestan takes its name - all show the great potential of this fertile plain. The abundance of water supplies, rivers, and dams, also have an influence on the fishery industries, which are prevalent in the area.
===Industry===
[[Image:Fulad-ahvaz.jpg|thumb|right|[[Iran]] has some major industrial facilities located in Ahvaz. The ''Fulad-e-Ahvaz'' steel facility is one of them.]]
The [[Karun-3 dam|Karun 3]] and 4, and Karkheh Dam, as well as the petroleum reserves provide Iran with national sources of revenue and energy. The petrochemical and steel industries, pipe making, the power stations that feed the national electricity grid, the chemical plants, and the large refineries are some of Iran's major industrial facilities.
The province is also home to [[Yadavaran Field]], a major oil field.
==Higher education==
*# Khorramshahr University of Nautical Sciences and Technologies
*# [[Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences]]
*# [http://www.put.ac.ir/ Petroleum University of Technology]
*# [[Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz]]
*# [http://www.nbd.ac.ir/ Shahid Chamran University-Dezful]
*# Islamic Azad University of Shushtar
*# Islamic Azad University of Abadan
*# Islamic Azad University of Omidiyeh
*# Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz
*# Islamic Azad University of Behbahan
*# Islamic Azad University of Izeh
*# [[Amirkabir University of Technology]], Mahshahr campus
*# [[Azad University of Mahshahr]]
==Attractions of Khuzestan==
[[Iran National Heritage Organization]] lists 140 sites of historical and cultural significance in Khuzestan, reflecting the fact that the province was once the seat of Iran's most ancient empire.
Some of the more popular sites of attraction include:
[[Image:Arm less man.JPG|right|thumb|The ''Parthian Prince'', found in Khuzestan circa [[Anno Domini|AD]] [[100]], is kept at The [[National Museum of Iran]], [[Tehran]].]]
*[[Choqa Zanbil]]: The seat of the [[Elamite Empire]], this [[ziggurat]] is a magnificent five-story temple that is one of the greatest ancient monuments in the Middle-East today. The monolith, with its labyrinthine walls made of thousads of large bricks with Elamite inscription, manifest the sheer antiquity of the shrine. The temple was religiously sacred and built in the honor of [[Inshushinak]], the protector deity of the city of [[Susa]].
*''Shush-Daniel'': Burial site of the Jewish prophet [[Daniel]]. He is said to have died in [[Susa]] on his way to [[Jerusalem]] upon the order of Darius. The grave of [[Ya'qub bin Laith as-Saffar]], who rose against the oppression of the [[Umayyad]] Caliphate, is also located nearby.
*[[Dezful]] (''Dezh-pol''), whose name is taken from a bridge (''pol'') over the [[Dez River|Dez]] river having 12 spans built by the order of [[Shapur I of Persia|Shapur I]]. This is the same bridge that was called "Andamesh Bridge" by historians such as [[Istakhri]] who says the city of [[Andimeshk]] takes its name from this bridge. [[Muqaddasi]] called it "The City of the Bridge."
*[[Shushtar]], one of the oldest fortress cities in Iran, known as the "City of Forty Elders" in local dialect. The Friday Mosque of Shushtar was built by the [[Abbasid]]s. The mosque, which features "Roman" arches, has 54 pillars and balconies.
*[[Izeh]], or ''Izaj'', was one of the main targets of the invading Islamic army in their conquest of Persia. ''Kharezad Bridge'', one of the strangest bridges of the world, is situated in this city and was named after Ardeshir Babakan's mother. It is built over casted pillars of lead each 104 meters high. [[Ibn Battuta]], who visited the city in the 14th century, refers to many monasteries, [[caravanserai]]s, [[aqueduct]]s, schools, and fortresses in the town. The brass statue of ''The Parthian Man'', kept at the [[National Museum of Iran]], is from here.
*[[Masjed Soleiman]], another ancient town, has ancient fire altars and temples such as ''Sar-masjed'' and ''Bard-neshondeh''. It is also the winter's resting area of the [[Bakhtiari]] tribe, and where [[William Knox D'Arcy]] dug Iran's first oil well.
*[[Abadan]] is said to be where the tomb of [[Elias]], the long lived [[Hebrews|Hebrew]] prophet is.
*''[[Iwan]] of [[Hermes]]'', and ''Iwan of Karkheh'', two enigmatic ruins north of [[Susa]].
==Khuzestan celebrities==
* [[Siavash Shams]], famous Persian pop singer, songwriter and record producer
* [[Mohammad Ali Assarehzadegan]], ''researcher in Medical immunology and Molecular allergology, '' <small>Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences</small>
* [[Mehrangiz Kar]], feminist lawyer and human rights activist.
* [[Ezzat Negahban]], Patriarch of the Iranian modern [[archaeology]].
* [[Siavash Ghomeyshi]], singer, song writer and composer.
* [[Kaiser Aminpour]], famous poet.
* [[Rambod Shekarabi]], Actor.
* [[Hamid Dabashi]], Intellectual historian, cultural and literary critic.
* [[Patrick Monahan (comedian)|Patrick Monahan]], British Comedian.
* [[Parviz Abnar]], Sound recordist.
* [[Kianoush Ayyari]], Director.
* [[Hamid Labkhandeh]], Director.
* [[Nasser Taghvaee]], Director, photographer.
* [[Parviz Dehdari]], well-known footballer.
* [[Ahmad Najafi]], Actor, film producer.
* [[Reza Hayati Abadani]], famous news reporter.
* [[Mohammad Mousavi]] Ney soloist.
* [[Rita Asgharpour]], Author.
* [[Bizhan Emkanian]], Actor.
* [[Mohsen Chavoshi]], well-known musician & singer.
* [[Ali Shamkhani]], Iran's minister of defense (1997-2005).
* [[Masoud Shojaei]], national football star.
* [[Hossein Kaebi]], national football star.
* [[Jalal Kameli Mofrad]], national football player.
* [[Kamran Delan]], popstar.
* The family of [[Bukhtishu|Bakhtshooa Gondishapoori]]
* [[Iman Mobali]], national football star.
* [[Ahmad Mahmoud]], novelist.
* [[Akbar Golrang]], author and film director.
* [[Mohammad Reza Eskandari]], Iran's current Minister of Agriculture
* [[Mohsen Rezaee]], Secretary of Iran's powerful [[Expediency Discernment Council]]
* [[Abu Nuwas]], a well-known poet.
* [[Ali ibn Abbas al-Magusi|Majusi]] the famous physician.
* [[Abdullah-lbn-Meymoon Ahvazi]]
* [[Naubakht]], an astronomer, and his sons;
* [[Ibn Sakit]]
* [[Da'bal-e-Khazai]]
* [[Ehsan Farrokhmanesh]]
* [[Dr. Mehrzad Shams]]
* [[Reza Ebrahimi]]
* [[Jahangir Mahmoudi]]
* [[Dr. Daryoush Bahmaninejad]], Dentist
==References==
{{reflist}}
==See also==
*[[Ahvaz]]
*[[Shushtar]]
*[[Susa]]
*[[Choqa Zanbil]]
*[[History of Khuzestan]]
*[[Iran-Iraq war]]
*[[Politics of Khuzestan]]
*[[Islamic conquest of Persia]]
*[[Origin of the name Khuzestan]]
*[[Occupation of Khuzestan by Muslims]]
*[[Mesopotamian Marshes]]
==External links==
{{Commonscat|Khuzestan province}}
* ''Haft Tappeh'', Photos from Iran, [http://www.livius.org/a/iran/hafttepe/7tepe.html ''Livius''].
*[http://www.hafttappeh.ir/ Haft Tappe archeological site in Khuzestan]
*[http://www.choghazanbil.ir/ Choqa Zanbil Ziggurat Official website]
*[http://www.ostan-kz.ir/ Official website of Khuzestan Governorship]
*[http://www.611.ir/ Khuzestan Business Directory]
*[http://www.ayapir.com/ Ayapir archeological site]
*[http://www.bakhtiaritribe.net/khuzestan.html The History of Khuzestan according to Bakhtiari tribes of Khuzestan]
*[http://www.khouz.medu.ir/ Khuzestan Province Department of Education] (in Persian)
*[http://www.iranonline.com/iran/khuzestan/images/ Images of Khuzestan]
*[http://branch.isna.ir/mainkhouzestan/ Khuzestan branch of the Iranian Students' News Agency] ([[Iranian Students' News Agency|ISNA]])
*[http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/5067 Khuzestan: The First Front in the War on Iran?] by Zoltan Grossman
*[http://www.taryana.ir/ Khuzestan Heritage Conservation Group (Taryana)]
{{Provinces of Iran}}
[[Category:Provinces of Iran]]
[[Category:Khuzestan| ]]
[[ar:محافظة خوزستان]]
[[az:Xuzistan]]
[[bg:Хузестан]]
[[da:Khusistan (provins)]]
[[de:Chuzestan]]
[[es:Khuzestán]]
[[eo:Ĥuzestano]]
[[eu:Khuzestan]]
[[fa:استان خوزستان]]
[[fr:Khuzestan]]
[[ko:후제스탄]]
[[hi:ख़ूज़स्तान प्रांत]]
[[id:Provinsi Khūzestān]]
[[it:Khuzestan]]
[[ku:Xûzistan (parêzgeh)]]
[[lv:Huzistāna]]
[[mk:Кузестан]]
[[ms:Khuzestan]]
[[nl:Khoezistan]]
[[ja:フーゼスターン州]]
[[pl:Chuzestan]]
[[pt:Khuzistão]]
[[ru:Хузестан]]
[[sh:Kuzistan]]
[[fi:Khuzestan]]
[[sv:Khuzestan]]
[[tg:Устони Хӯзистон]]
[[tr:Huzistan]]
[[zh:胡齊斯坦省]]