Arak

Known across Iran as the "Industrial Capital," Arak is a large city in Markazi province founded during the Qajar era and built from scratch by Yusuf Khan Gorji, who constructed its bazaar, mosques, schools, and water infrastructure within a few years. The city sits among the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, near the Mighan wetland, and has a tradition of carpet-weaving that once rivalled Kerman. Most historic buildings date to the Qajar period.

• Population503,647
• Nearest water from center 1.6 km1.0 mi
• Nearest mountain from center 3.5 km2.2 mi