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Khomeynishahr

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Khomeynishahr is a significant city located within the Isfahan province of Iran. It serves as the capital for both Khomeynishahr County and its central district. The city also acts as the administrative center for the Marbin-e Sofla and Marbin-e Vosta Rural Districts. Today, it is an integrated part of the larger Isfahan Metropolitan area. Located just 8 km from the city of Isfahan, it sits in the western part of the province. The city is bordered by several other urban areas. Borkhar and Maymeh lie to the north, while Falavarjan is to the south. Najafabad is located to the west, and Isfahan city sits to the east.

The geography of Khomeynishahr makes it a prosperous and pleasant region. Its fertile soil is irrigated by the Zayandehrud River. This constant water supply ensures that all local streams remain full. A specific material known as "Qomish" passes through the southern lands. This material connects to springs at the point where it separates from the river. Because of this connection, the water supply never runs out. This reliable irrigation allows for diverse agriculture. Approximately three-quarters of the city's soil consists of large orchards. The remaining quarter is dedicated to various fields.

Agriculture is a vital part of the local economy and landscape. Farmers grow many different types of crops in the region. These include staples like wheat and barley, as well as cucumbers, melons, and legumes. The city is also known for growing tobacco. Several specific varieties of fruit are famous here. These include spring melons, pavilions, grapes, and cherries. Other notable products include Nasrabad and Gortan varieties. The climate in this area is characterized as temperate and dry. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between seasons. In the summer, the highest temperature can reach 39 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the temperature can drop to 8 degrees below zero.

The history of Khomeynishahr is deeply connected to the ancient Sassanid era. Some historians believe the region may have served as a Sassanid capital. An ancient fortress located on the route to Isfahan supports this idea. The city's original name was Sedeh. Many believe this name comes from "Se-dezh," which means "three castles" in Persian. This name likely refers to the growth of three neighboring castles: Kohan Dedge, Gar Dedge, and a third local castle. The town may have also been a Sassanian military base. There is also evidence of an old fireplace, or "atash gah," on a nearby mountain. In the Islamic era, the city remained important. The presence of a large Grand Mosque in Khozan Alley suggests it was a major urban center. During the invasion of Isfahan by Mohammad Afghan, the local people bravely defended the area.

The name of the city has undergone several official changes due to political shifts. In the 1930s, during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the name changed to Homayunshahr. This name means "auspicious or august city." It was also linked to the Pahlavi dynasty because "Homayun" was a title used by the Shah. Following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the city was renamed Khomeynishahr. This name honors Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution. Despite these official changes, many locals still refer to the city as Sedeh. There is currently an ongoing effort to rename the city back to its historical name, Mehrbin.

The population of Khomeynishahr has grown steadily over recent decades. According to the 2006 National Census, the population was 218,737 people living in 57,551 households. By the 2011 census, the count rose to 244,696 people in 70,121 households. The most recent data from the 2016 census measured the population at 247,128 people. These residents live in a city composed of many distinct neighborhoods and sections. These include areas like Vernosfadran, Khozan, and Vendors. The city also contains various industrial and workshop zones. Examples include the Dushakh Industrial Zone and the Kokuchi area. These sectors contribute to the city's status as a functional metropolitan hub.

Khomeynishahr is also a center for higher education and tourism. The city contains many historical buildings, such as the beautiful Sartip's house in the downtown area. For students, there are important academic institutions. The Islamic Azad University of Khomeinyshahr is known for many fields, especially mechanical studies. Additionally, the Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) is located here. IUT is ranked as one of the best universities in all of Iran. This combination of history, industry, and education makes Khomeynishahr a complex and vital part of the Isfahan province.

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