Sari , also known as Shahr-e-Tajan and Shari-e-Tajan, is the provincial capital of Mazandaran and former capital of Iran (for a short period), located in the north of Iran, between the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains and southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Sari is the largest and most populous city of Mazandaran.
Excavations in the Hutto cave present evidence for the existence of settlements around Sari as far back as the 70th millennium BCE. Ferdowsi mentions the name of the city in Shahnameh, at the time of Fereydun and Manuchehr, when Manuchehr is returning to Fereydun’s capital, Tamisheh in Mazandaran, after the victory over Salm and Tur.
The city has been mentioned in Ferdowsi’s magnum opus, the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), which recounts Iran’s mythical and historical past. Excavations at Hutto and Kamarband Caves have provided evidence of the existence of settlements around Sari as far back as the 7th millennium BC.
Throughout its history Sari has served as the capital of several local dynasties including the Bavandids (651-1349). Resket Tower is one of the tomb structures from this era. Lajeem is another similar tower believed to be a post-Bavandid structure.
In the Safavid era, the founder of the dynasty Shah Abbas I (1571-1629) created his alternate capital in Farahabad just outside Sari. Shah Abbas is said to have chosen this location as his mother originated from Behshahr a town in Mazandaran Province.
When the Qajar’s came to power they made Sari the capital of Mazandaran once again and the city became the center of their rule for a short period. The founder of the Qajar Dynasty Agha Mohammad Khan (1742-1797) originally held a coronation ceremony in Sari before moving his capital to Tehran.
The laying of the first Iranian railroad network began from this city.
Sari has also been noted throughout history for its nature and many orange groves. The unique Badab Sourt Natural Spring, which is the second registered natural attraction of Iran, is located in the Chahardangeh district of Sari.
The city’s Clock Tower and Square is one of the notable landmarks of the city.