There is not much information available on the ancient history of the province, and basically the climatic conditions of the region have prevented the existence of historical monuments. There are no sound vestiges obtained related to the pre-Islamic periods in the coastal plains of Mazandaran. Besides, there is no monument or memorial present in the reputed cities of the early Islamic period, except for the Amol and Sary cities. On the encroachment of the Aryans and the migration of natives, the new settlers, came under the Achaemenian rulers for a period of time. In the year 30 AH. during the caliphate of Osman, Saad-Ebne-Aas, the governor of Kufeh, conquered the coasts of Tabarestan, Roomian, and Damavand.
During the caliphate of Abou Jafar Mansour (136-158 AH.), the second Abbasi Caliph, the people of Tabarestan revolted against him continuousely. Ultimately, Vandad Hormoz established an independent dynasty in Tabarestan in 167 AH. In the year 426 AH. Soltan Mahmoud Qaznavi entered Tabarestan via Gorgan and was responsible for heavy damages.
Soltan Mohammad Kharazmshah invaded Tabarestan in the year 606 AH. Thereafter, the Mongols governed the region and finally were overthrown by the Teimoorids.
On the death of Amir Teimoor, Sa'adat Marashi (807-850 AH.) returned to the region and took over the power, but lost the same during the reign of Shah Abbas I .
After the dissolution of the feudal government of Tabarestan, which held power till the year 1006 AH., the region was dominated by Shah Abbas I and his successors.
During the reign of Nader Shah, a ship building foundry or workshop was established in Mazandaran in order to confront with enemies specially the Russians. During the reign of Fathali Shah Qajar, the verdant region of Mazandaran was paid due attention as a recreational area. During the Pahlavi era, a network of roads were constructed in this region, as in other parts of the country. Suitable environmental conditions, pleasant and moderate climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and proximity to Teheran, have caused this province to be one of the main recreational and tourism areas of the country.
Besides catering to the local or native inhabitants, Mazandaran province, has offered refuge to many other communities such as the Balooch, Turks, Lors, Afqans, Georgians, and the Armenians, who have upheld their respective traditions and culture till now.
The Tabari or Mazandarani language is the ancient language of the Iranians or (Parsi) dialect. This was one of the languages that did not come under the influence of others, such as the foreign languages of the Mongols, Arabic and the Tatar, and remains till this date in various dialects in the region . Reputed scholars and poets have been raised in this territory, for example, Nima the famous contemporary poet of Iran. |
