Rostamkola

Rostamkola is a city in the Central District of Behshahr County, Mazandaran province, Iran.

History
The origin of the name 'Rostamkela' is not known for certain, but local folklore connects it with a man named Rostam (to be identified possibly with the legendary warrior of that name) who helped unite the people of the area.

The main economic activity is based on Agriculture. Other productions are Avi-culture, Brick manufacturing, Flour manufacturing, Metal Industries and Limestone.

The first school was built in 1925. In addition, Rostamkela has a religious school that was built by Allameh Ayazi.

During the Second World War the Trans-Iranian railway was constructed and Rostamkela Depot was built at the same time. There is a special railway which conveys from Rostamkela to Amir Abad seaport and a special road will be opened between them soon.

Qanat was used to provide reliable supply water for irrigation in Rostamkela. Rostamkela is located in ancient district which included Gorji Mahale, Asiabsar, Kouhestan, Troujan villages. Gohar Tape is a city (1800–3000 BC) mounded near Rostamkela.

Rostamkela had a powerful economy 200 years ago because we can see historical buildings that were built about 200 years ago for example Soltani tekye, Haj Hasan tekye, Alizade hoseinie, Farahi hoseinie, Rostamkelaei and Tavakeli Houses. The Imamzade building was built 800 years ago.

There are many beautiful places in Rostamkela such as Mirevoun (Mehravan, a famous place that is located in jungle).

The descendants of Rostamkela's original "founders" are still to be found here, and they can relate numerous stories concerning the founding of the city. In all these stories obtained from numerous descendants, it is believed and confirmed that their ancestors were of noble lineage. The origin of this noble lineage is unknown, yet the suspicions are strengthened by numerous anecdotes. All are linked to a man with deep-set blue eyes who settled the land, where after the village slowly grew into a town. The descendants often have blue eyes, though also green and brown. The descendants believe steadfastly that they are of noble lineage, though their exact ancestry is unknown. The land has been filled with Persian and Parthian nobles throughout the ages.

Population
At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 11,306 in 3,055 households. The following census in 2011 counted 11,553 people in 3,457 households. The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 11,686 people in 3,979 households.

Location
Rostamkola is situated between Neka and Behshahr near Road 22.It is 38 km away from the provincial center, (Sari) and 13 km and 11 km from Neka and Behshahr respectively.