Iranian highlands

The Iranian highlands are a significant mountainous region in western Asia, primarily located in Iran. This area forms the western boundary of the Iranian plateau and includes major mountain ranges such as the Zagros, Elburz, and the western Hindu Kush. The geology of these highlands features rocks dating back to Precambrian times, with significant limestone and shale formations from the Mesozoic and Paleogene periods.12

These mountains have historically served as natural barriers, influencing the development of cultures and empires, including the early Mesopotamian and Median cultures, and later the Persian and Ottoman empires. The region is home to diverse populations and has a traditional economy based on animal husbandry and rug production. Significant petroleum reserves are also found in the southwestern foothills. The Armenian Highland, also part of this region, has an average elevation of 5,000 to 6,500 feet and is rich in minerals.13