Shahr-e-Rey, Sacred and Dynamic City in Iran (Part 1)

SepidehAfsharRezaee

Translated by Shiva Shakib

Around 6 Kilometers away from Tehran lies a city which bears an ancient history and is called Rey. This city, Rey, is among both the world’s and Iran’s oldest cities which leads to Tehran from the north, towards the city of Qom from the south, is limited to Varamin and Pakdasht from the east, while it finds its limits from the west to the cities of Islam-Shahr, RobatKarim and Zarandieh. The city of Rey has three major parts regarding the countries administrative divisions which are Fashapouyeh, Kahrizak and Markazi, that is in addition to 6 rural districts and 130 villages all of which are inhabited by people. The weather in Rey is moderate and dry; somehow it can be described as semi cross-country. During summer the climate reaches maximum degree of 42° C, while in winter the minimum weather reaches -4° C. The average yearly rainfall of Shahr-e-Rey is about 200 millimeters. Shahr-e-Rey, the city of Rey, is located in a plain field and it does not have any natural forest. Yet it is fairly rich in pasture and meadow. The mountains of this region are not high and the most famous ones areBibiShahrBanoo Mountain, Arad Mountain, Marreh Mountain, etc. A number of the major Iranian rivers which flow across the central Alborz like the rivers of Karaj, ShorFashapouyeh, Jajroud, which is located in the eastern border of Shahr-e-Rey, all flow this city and finally join the rivers of Karaj and Jajroud. The region enjoys a great range of herbal plants including hedge-mustard, borage, chicory, castor-oil and mint which are grown in several parts of this city. Rey is well known for its yoghurt and lettuce.

Meaning of Rey

Lexically, Rey refers to a royal city and the inhabitants of Rey were known as Razi. Historically, Rey has had various names and titles which were attributed to it depending on the occasion and time.

Historical Origin of Rey

There are diverse stories and narratives about the initial construction and history of Rey. Based on the potteries discovered by archeologists, its date and age goes back to 4000-6000 B.C. In ancient eras Rey was one of the largest religious and sacred cities. Since Rey is located in the path of the Silk Road, in addition to its religious significance, it also found prominence in trade as well. As a result generally most of the people of Rey were traders and merchants. During various historical eras, the city of Rey has faced several changes, ups and downs and was even ruined a few times until it finally earned its true significance. At the beginning of the fourth century, Rey started a magnificent process of development and growth and was chosen as the capital by a few dynasties. It was about the same time that Rey turned into the political and cultural center of Iran and also the Islamic world. This issue led to the further progress of knowledge and literature in the city of Rey.

To be continued….