Amol County

Amol County ( _fa. شهرستان آمل) is a county in Mazandaran Province in Iran. The capital of the county is Amol.

Amol's neighbour counties are Babol in the east, Mahmudabad in the north, Noor in the west in Mazandaran province and Tehran province in the south.

Administrative Divisions

The shahrestan (≈county) of Amol is divided into 3 bakhshs (≈districts) and further into 8 dehestans (≈rural agglomerations). [http://www.ncc.org.ir]

Population Statistics

Amol county has a population of 346,775 according to the 2006 national census statistics. Distribution of the population is as the following table [Web page of the 2006 national census [http://www.sci.org.ir/portal/faces/public/census85/census85.natayej/census85.informationfile] ] .

Natural Attractions

Mount Damavand, 5610 m, the highest point in the Middle East

Lar and Damavand Mountains: These mountains form the two branch ranges of the central Alborz Mountains, and are the highest sections of this range. To the north, after the Kahu (Sefid Ab) Pass, in the village of Garmabdar (district of Roodbar-e-Qasran), it sub-divides into two, the north western and south eastern ranges. In the south western sector are the peaks of Takht-e-Khers and Seh Sang, extending towards the west, where the gigantic Damavand Peak is visible.In the south eastern sector, after running along the plains of Lar, the famous peaks of Haft Saran are apparent, and to the south of these plains are the peaks of Mehr Chal, Atashkadeh, Siyah Chal and Maaz. In the south eastern direction it joins the Khansak and Shad Kooh Mountains.

Haraz River: The Haraz River takes its source in the skirts of the Alborz Mountains in the region of Larijan. After flowing along the Haraz Road and Valley for about 100 km. it meanders in the midst of the city of Amol, from where it reaches the Caspian Sea. The fringes of this river are utilized as recreational areas as well as for fishing. The course that this river flows is beautiful and breath taking.

Forests: This area with its elevated landscape and valleys has dense forests. Its tall hills overlook the plains and stretch out till the high slopes of the Damavand Mountains. The majestic and deep rocky valleys, rivers, numerous springs, elevated waterfalls, colorful vegetation, a variety of wild life, thermal springs, summer quarters, and rural settlements are some of the special factors which can prove attractive.

* "Mirza Kuchak Khan Forest Park:" The same is located 18 km. on the Amol - Tehran road, the Haraz River flowing on the eastern side of which.

Ab Esk (Larijan) Thermal Springs: The said is located in a village by the same name in the district of Larijan. Surrounding this spring are limestone deposits which through the passage of time turn into marble. The water from this spring is useful in the treatment of chronic wounds, and skin diseases.

Amoloo Mineral Water Spring: The water from this spring can be used for drinking purposes, and is useful in treating gastro-intestinal disorders. The same can be used for skin diseases also. Being close to the Haraz River this vicinity has a beautiful landscape.

Ab Garm-e Larijan Thermal Springs: This thermal spring is near the Rineh village (Larijan). Its water is used in the treatment of joint disorders, skin diseases and infections.

Alamol Waterfall: The said waterfall flows from the northern slopes of the Damavand Mountains, and is more than 100 m. in height. The massive output of water from this waterfall forms a spray like mist in the air and brings about a wonderful sight.

Yakhi Waterfall: This waterfall is spectacular in that it is completely frozen, and is at an elevation of 5,100 m. in the vicinity of the Dood Kooh Mountains near the Damavand Peak. The same has a height of 70 m. and is 3 m. in girth which is in a state of constant increment. This increase is due to the trickle of water from the melting glacier above it, in the summer months at noon. This trickle flows alongside the waterfall, thereby adding to it. The same continues for a short while and soon freezes. The said waterfall is one of its own in the world.

Source: [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

Historical Attractions

*Darvazeh Pelleh Bridge: This brick made bridge spans over the Haraz River in the city center of Amol, connecting the east of the city to the western section. It is 120 m. in length. The arches rest on rectangular pillars which are at a distance of 6 m. from each other. In a section a breakwater has been erected. This bridge was constructed in the 18th century A.D. and was brought under repair in the 19th century, by Mirza Shafi Mazandarani, a minister of Nasseredin Shah. This bridge has played a role, not only towards the vitality of the city, but also in respect to its spectacular architectural effect. It is a land mark in the history of Mazandaran. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

* Mashhad Mirbozorg (Mir Ghavam-O-Din Maraashi Mausoleum): [http://www.iranmiras.ir/en_site/bldg/displayBLDG.asp?title=Mir%20Ghavam-O-Din%20Maraashi%20Mausoleum&serial=1267&page=3&Province=MZN&city=Amol&chorno=0&sub1=ALL&sub2=All&picture=True&
] This structure is one of the important historical constructions of Mazandaran. The original structure was square in shape, and was constructed in the 8th century A.H. But the current one is related to the Safavid era, that is the 11th century A.H. Here the internal appearance, facade, adornments, tile work, and particularly the entrance door is of great historical value. Holy phrases have been inscribed in the kufic script, on glazed bricks on the internal part of the dome, thus adorning the same. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

*Ashraf Bath: The same has been constructed in the 12th century A.H. and is presently located in the Niaki Mahaleh of Amol. The structure has three large domes and seven small domes. This bath has two Khazeenehs or pool like areas, one containing warm and the other cold water. Besides it has an area resembling a cloak-room, known as the Sarbeeneh. The structure has been constructed of stone and brick, with ancient architectural effects. The same is the only old bath remaining in the city of Amol. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

*Amol Jame' Mosque:: The same is located in the Masjed Jame' Mahaleh of Amol. Its primary structure dates to the first century A.H. Currently, this mosque has a square courtyard with constructions on the four sides. The nocturnal areas to the north and south, each have six huge pillars, (similar to elephant feet), and the areas to the east and west have nine such pillars. This structure has been repaired during the Qajar reign. In the corridor of the mosque is a stone tablet with a decree of Sultan Hossein Safavid dated 1106 A.H. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

*Imamzadeh Abdollah: The same is situated in the village of 'Osku Mahaleh', 12 km. southwest of Amol. The original structure was demolished in the year 1964, and a new one was erected. The sepulcher is of gold and silver, which is the work of artisans from the city of Esfahan. Other vestiges of the same are the tomb of Bibi Fatimeh and a type of remedial center. The Imamzadeh also provides facilities for pilgrims, in addition to a bazaar and other constructions around it. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]

*Imamzadeh Ebrahim Tomb:The same is a four-sided brick structure with a pyramid like shaped dome. On the door and wooden chest there in, are carved inscriptions with the date 925 A.H. The texts of the said inscriptions are related to Abu Mohammad Ebrahim, the offspring of Imam Moosa Kazem.Apart from the spectacular architectural techniques this structure displays, its wooden relics such as the chest and doors, adornments and inscriptions related to the Qajar period are interesting features. There is a written account of the arrival of Imamzadeh Ebrahim to Amol and his martyrdom here. [http://www.chnpress.com/tourism/Attractions/mazandaran/]
* [http://iranmiras.ir/en_site/bldg/displayBLDG.asp?title=Mohammad%20Taher%20Shrine&serial=2841&page=3&Province=MZN&city=Amol&chorno=0&sub1=ALL&sub2=All&picture=True&
]
* [http://www.iranmiras.ir/en_site/bldg/displayBLDG.asp?title=Naser-Ol-Hagh%20Mausoleum&serial=1270&page=3&Province=MZN&city=Amol&chorno=0&sub1=ALL&sub2=All&picture=True&
]
* [http://www.iranmiras.ir/en_site/bldg/displayBLDG.asp?title=Seyyed%20Setan%20Shrine&serial=1449&page=3&Province=MZN&city=Amol&chorno=0&sub1=ALL&sub2=All&picture=True&
]

Economy

Amol is a trade center for oranges, rice, iron, and coal. [http://www.encyclopedia.com/category/Places/Asia/irngeo.html Iranian Political Geography]

References

* اطلس گیتاشناسی استان‌های ایران [Atlas Gitashenasi Ostanhai Iran] (" [http://www.gitashenasi.com/En/Product/Index.cfm?I=9 Gitashenasi Province Atlas of Iran] ")