Saveh (, also transliterated as Sāwa) is a city in Markazi Province of Iran. It is located about southwest of Tehran. As of 2016, the city had a population of 220,762 people. History In the 7th century BC it was a stronghold of the Medes. During the Parthian rule of Persia, it was called Saavakineh, and was one of the main hubs of the empire. In the 11th century, it was a residence of the Daylamites and of the Seljuks. It was severely damaged by the Mongol invasion in the 13th century; it was restored during the Ilkhanids. Saveh was again sacked by the Timurids, but later grew under the Safavids. In the summer of 1725 the city was besieged and captured by the Afghans after a battle with Tahmasp Mirza. It eventually lost much of its importance when Tehran became the official capital of Persia and, in the mid-19th century, many of the inhabitants moved to Tehran. Climate Saveh has a hot semi-arid climate, (BSh) in Köppen climate classification and (BS) in Trewartha climate classification. Its summers are very hot and dry, while its winters are cool to cold and somewhat rainy. Main sights Jameh Mosque of Saveh, built by the Seljuks during the 11th century. It includes a courtyard, porch, a 14 m tall minaret, nocturnal areas, a tiled dome (14 m tall, with a diameter of 16 m) and two altars with inscription in Kufic script. Red Mosque of Saveh, also known as Enqelab Mosque. Dating to the Seljuk-era, it has a brickwork dome, an 11th-century minaret, three porticoes, and internally houses an altar with plasterwork and inscriptions. Imamzadeh Soltan Seyed Eshaq Mausoleum Sorkhdeh Bridge, south of the city Khamseh-Abad caravansarai Outside the city are the fortresses of Esmaeilieh (35 km), Alvir and Ardemin (56 km, on the road to Hamadan), as well as the archaeological sites of Aveh and Alishar. Economy Saveh produces large amounts of wheat and cotton. It is also well known for its pomegranates and melons. Kaveh Industrial City, the largest industrial city in Iran, is located in Saveh. Legends According to Iranian tradition, the Magi who visited the infant Jesus traveled from Saveh, and are buried among its ruins. Marco Polo described the tombs of the Magi in his travel book, Il Milione: Saveh is said to have possessed one of the greatest libraries in the Middle East, until its destruction by