Arak/ The industrial capital of Iran 

Arak is one of the mega cities of Iran and the capital of Markazi province. Geographically, from the north the city leads to Tafresh and Farahan, from the east it leads to Qom, from the south to Khomeyn and from the west to Khondab. The climate of the city is similar to the climate of the Iranian Plateau in that it has cold, humid winters and hot, dry summers.

From the second Islamic era, the region between Hamadan, Rey and Isfahan had been called “ Iraq”. But then the name had been changed into Iraq of Ajam in order to be distinguished from the Iraq of Arab. The word “ Iraq” is the Arabic form of Arak. Arak is younger than most of the cities of Iran. Arak was founded in Qajar time ( about two centuries ago).

Most of the historical attractions of the city are also related to Qajar dynasty. Arak is ranked as the first city of Iran in terms of the diversity of industrial products and second in terms of having parent companies. In general, Arak is the fourth industrial hub of Iran. 

Where to stay in Arak?

There are many good hotels in Arak that the best of them are: Amir Kabir that is the most luxurious hotel of the city, Zagros, Moalem and Payam that are the less expensive hotels of the city.

What to eat? Where to eat?

It can be said that Arak is a city of Ash. Different kinds of Ash are cooked in the city such as: Tarkhineh doogh, Bibiseshanbeh, Mostafa, Eshkeneh, Khiyar, Jo shekambeh, Haleem and Anar. Arak has other local food like Abgoosht-e Dogulehdodar, Tahtali, Shefteh, and Abgoosht-e Kashk. You can try the delicious food at good restaurants of the city, for example: Mardom, Soltan and Koohestan that are the traditional restaurants of Arak. If you are interested in eating fast food, you shouldn’t be worry because there are many fast food restaurants in the city like Pedare Khoob and KFC.

Beverages ( Soft Drinks)

There are a lot of cosy cafes in Arak where delicious pastries and drinks are served. The best cafes of the city are: Tanhayi, Plato, Parchin Book, Amir Chocolate, Fenjoon, and Ketab-e Paeiz.

What do we buy from Arak?

Arak is a center of art and handicrafts. Carpet is the most popular handicraft of the city. Arak has many other handicrafts such as: handmade wooden things, Pottery, Paintings, Inscription, Calligraphy works, handmade metal things, Giveh, Carved mirror, and carved valuable stones. The city also has delicious souvenirs like Nan-e Fatir ( Unleavened bread), Tarkhineh doogh, Baslogh, green raisin, grape, syrup of grape, and Gosh-e Fil. You can buy the souvenirs of the city from Arak ‘s Bazaar. Khatam and Golestan malls are also good places for shopping in Arak.

Health and Care

Thare are many medical centers and pharmacies in Arak, for example: Dr. Azarbani, Dr. Arami, and Dr. Mashayekhi pharmacies.

Where to go and visit in Arak?

Arak is a beautiful city with a lot of attractive places to visit. The most important attractions of the city are: Meighan Wetland which is a 2000-year-old important wetland of Iran, Sepahdari Mosque and School which is the first school of Arak, Four Seasons Bathroom that is the only bathroom of Iran with a separate part for religious minorities, Hazaveh history village which is the hometown of Amir Kabir, Sefidkhani Cave, Arak roofed Bazaar, Haj Vakil Castle, Saint Mesrop Church, and Chapgholi Spring.