Shush, city in Khuzestan Province, Iran
Shush is a small city in southern Iran built near the ancient ruins and archaeological sites of Susa, which existed thousands of years ago. The town sits near three rivers and displays a mix of modern buildings and old remains, with quiet streets where local markets sell fresh produce and handmade crafts.
The city grew from the ancient metropolis of Susa, whose settlement began about 7,000 years ago and became the capital of the Elamite civilization. King Darius later revived its importance around 500 BCE by choosing it as his royal residence and administrative center for the Persian Empire.
The name Shush comes from the ancient city of Susa that once thrived here thousands of years ago. Local people maintain traditional ways of life, gathering in open spaces during evenings to share meals and conversations, keeping customs that connect them to their deep past.
The best time to visit is during cooler months, as summers become extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The city is reachable by train from Ahvaz, a nearby larger city with international flights, making it accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
In 2020, the city experienced a rare snowfall event, the first in a long time, which brought joy and lasting memories to residents. This unexpected natural occurrence in a region known for extremely dry summers shows how climate variations can surprise even the locals.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
