Markazi Province (Persian: استان مرکزی, Ostān-e Markazi) is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. The word markazi means "central" in Persian and the province lies in central Iran. The capital of the province is the city of Arak. At the time of the National Census of 2006, the province had a population of 1,326,826 in 364,155 households.[3] The following census in 2011 counted 1,413,959 people in 426,613 households.[4] In 2014 it was placed in Region 4.[5] At the most recent census in 2016, the population had increased to 1,429,475 in 455,866 households.[1]Persians make up the majority of the province,[5] but there are significant minorities of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, etc.[6]
The Congregation Mosque of Narāgh. Markazi province is rich in historical and architectural heritage.
Markazi province was part of the Median Empire in the first millennium BC, which included all of the central and western parts of modern-day Iran. The region is considered to be one of the ancient settlements on the Iranian plateau. Numerous remaining ruins testify to the antiquity of this area.
In the early centuries of Islam, the name of the area was changed to Jibal or Kuhestan. By the early 10th century, Khorheh had become a famous city of Jibal province, followed by Tafresh and Khomein.
In recent times, the expansion of the North-South railroad (commonly known as the Persian Corridor) and the establishment of major industries have helped boost development in the area.
