Arak: Early Days

After the downfall of Zand Dynasty and the rise of the Qajar Kings, Luri tribes, who feuded with them, frequently troubled the new government. The attackers, initially because of poverty and, later, due to jealously, continually threatened the central government through committing murder or looting different regions. By establishing the Soltan Abad Fortress in Arak, Lieutenant General Eraq (Yusef Khan-e Gorji) tried to drive the hostiles and stop their invasions in the center of Iran. Moreover, through counseling with the heads of tribes and local ethnic groups, Yusef Khan built a new city in the south of Farahan plain; a city with brick buildings and curbed pathways, which turned into one of the active cities of central Iran in less than 10 years. During a short time, 50 carpet weaving companies were established in this city and, finally, Arak turned into the economic center and connecting cross road of Iran.