Ahvaz History, Iran

The city of Ahvaz was founded either by the Ardashir I in 230 or by his grandson. And the name of the city was the combined name of the Ardashir's name with the Zoroastrian's god name and the name of Hormizd and the name of his grandfather. This was an important city at that time since the city of Ahvaz was made as the seat of the province and this was then known as well as the Humser.

During the early times, the city was divided into two sections; the first part of the city was where the nobles lived and the second part of the city was where the merchants lived. The area where the nobility lived was destroyed when the Arabs invaded the area. During that time the area where the merchants lived was not destroyed.

By the 19th century, the area of Ahvaz was still known as a small area where the population did not exceed 2,000 inhabitants. By the late 1800s the area became commercialized and this was the time when the city was made as a commercial crossroads that link the river and the rail traffic. During this time a port city was built near the area and this was known as the 'Naseriah'. One of the turning points for the area was the discovery of oil near Ahvaz. This happened early in the 20th century and thanks to the oil discovered, the city grew and prospered once again. The years 1897 until 1925 saw a change in the name of the city.

This was the time when the Sheikh Khaz'al controlled the area and this was the time when it assumed the name 'Naseriyeh'. Its name was again changed to Ahvaz and this happened during the Pahlavi occupation. Iraq tried to gain control of the city in 1980, and due to the action of Iraq war erupted. This resulted to the Iran and Iraq War that lasted from 1980 until 1988. This was the time when the city was badly destroyed by the war since the city was near the frontlines.

The year 2005 saw a series of bomb explosions in the city. And based on investigations that followed these bombing was related to the developments in Iraq. The city continued its growth and by 1989 the Foolad Ahvaz, a steel facility was built close to the area. This steel facility sponsors a football club in the country.