Hamedan Iran, Silk Road

Hamedan, historically significant as the oldest city in Iran and the first capital of the ancient Iranians, was known as Ecbatana during the Kingdom of the Medes, which was established in the 7th century BCE under King Deioces. Strategically located in the central plateau of Iran, Ecbatana (Hamedan) continued to hold importance even after the rise of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great, who incorporated the conquered kingdom into his Persian empire. The city was later ruled by the Seleucids, Parthians, and Sassanids. By the 7th century CE, it had become part of the Islamic world. 

Located in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Hamedan became an essential city along the Silk Road. It connected Persia's eastern provinces to Mesopotamia and Levant to the west and Central Asia to the north. It was a major stop for merchants and travellers.

Caravans stopped in Hamedan to trade and resupply. Over the centuries, from the Achaemenids (559-330 BC) through to the Qajars (1794-1925), the city adapted to accommodate the influx of travellers. This long period saw the development of caravanserais—fortified inns designed to provide shelter, food, and water. These structures were integral to the success of long-distance trade. 

Caravanserais were built around large central courtyards and featured high defensive walls, often with a single gate to protect the merchants and their wares against theft or attack. They were usually made from locally sourced materials such as stone, brick or mudbrick, providing strength and resistance to weathering. Wood was sometimes used for windows, doors, and roofs but was less favoured in fire-prone areas. Beyond their practical function, caravanserais became hubs of activity where travellers exchanged goods, information, and stories. 

Even today, their legacy is reflected in the 54 caravanserais chosen as examples of their development and evolution. Under the designation of Persian Caravanserais, they received UNESCO recognition, highlighting their historical significance as vital structures on the Silk Road.