Qaem Shahr

Qaem Shahr (Persian: قائم‌شهر; pronunciation^ⓘ) is a city in the Central District of Qaem Shahr County, Mazandaran province, Iran, serving as capital of both the county and the district. Originally known as Ŝâhi was used until the Iranian Revolution in 1979 when the city acquired its current name.

In terms of natural topography, Qaem Shahr is divided into two regions: the plain and the foothills of the Alborz. It is situated at an elevation of 51 meters above sea level. Qaem Shahr has a Humid subtropical climate. In most years, winter contributes to half of the city’s annual rainfall, while summer is the least rainy season in Qaem Shahr. The average annual precipitation in Qaem Shahr is approximately 850 millimeters. Based on the latest accurate geographic data, Qaem Shahr is considered one of the largest cities in Northern Iran.

The people of Qaem Shahr belong to the Tabari ethnic group. They speak the Mazandarani language. Specifically, they communicate in the Qaem Shahr dialect, one of the dialects of the Mazandarani language. Most residents of Qaem Shahr are officially Muslim and adhere to the Twelver Shia Islam.

The history of human settlement in Qaem Shahr, which also includes the ancient cities of Chamno and Tooji, dates back to the Iron Age. Archaeological excavations in Qaem Shahr have uncovered 5,000-year-old pottery and stone tools. During the Safavid period, the city garnered greater attention. Its initial foundation as Aliabad took place during the Qajar dynasty. However, the era of significant growth and development for Qaem Shahr traces back to the Pahlavi dynasty. During this period, construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway began in Qaem Shahr, and various factories and facilities were established in the city. In September 1935, by a decree of the Council of Ministers, the city's name was changed to Shahi. Following the end of World War II, Qaem Shahr's development continued, making it a hub for population settlement. During the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the name Shahi was changed to Qaem Shahr.

Qaem Shahr holds significant strategic geographic importance as it connects Tehran to the northern and northeastern regions of Iran via two different routes: Firuzkuh Road and Haraz Road. It is reported that five million travelers annually commute through Firuzkuh Road to Qaem Shahr, which is linked to a maritime border through the port of Babolsar. This city is recognized as one of Iran's tourism centers, offering a variety of tourist attractions. The clock tower in Talaqani Square serves as the symbol of Qaem Shahr.

Until 1945, Qaem Shahr was part of Sari County. With the establishment of Shahi County that year, the city became its administrative center. Historically, regions like Shahmirzad District, Firuzkuh County, Savadkuh County, Juybar County, and Simorgh County were originally sections of Qaem Shahr before being designated as independent counties. As of the 2016 census, Qaem Shahr's population was approximately 204,953, making it the most densely populated city in Mazandaran Province and northern Iran.