Dibaj is a city in the Central District of Damghan County, Semnan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 2,504, in 680 families. Dibaj is located north of Damghan, in the heart of the Alborz mountains. It is situated along the Mazandaran road, and is the main town in northern Damghan County. It was formerly named Chahardeh, a set of villages which was elevated to township status in 1995.
Geography
Located at the heart of Alborz, near the source of Damghan River, which starts from here and later combine with Ali Spring waters and pass through Damghan city to Dasht-e Kavir. It's very cold in Winter but nice in Summer. The main permanent spring, Sar Cheshmeh make the region fertile for Agriculture and Gardening.
History
There is not too much to say about this small town, but locals say the story of Zand dynasty invasion. Karim Khan's half brother, Zaki Khan invaded here pursuing Qajar troops. The people of village escaped to mountain. He took an oath on a brick, saying: "I swear to this, not to harm you". Peasants thought he swore to Quran, the Muslimholy book, came down, faced a massacre and their village devastated by Zand troops. Later, Karim Khan defeated Mohammad Hassan Khan Qajar, to show his kindness to Qajar tribe, assigns Hosseyn Qoli Khan to rule Damghan county, and keeps Agha Mohammad Khan with himself in Shiraz. Once the people of a village near Dibaj, rebelled against Hosseyn Qoli; in response, he burned the village. Hence, he is called Jahansooz.
Etymology
Earlier, called Chahardeh, as it was a set of 4 villages. Qaleh, Varzan, Zardavan and Amin Abad. Chahardeh means Four Villages, Chahar is the Indo-Iranianword for 4 and Deh is for Village. But actually now, there are only 3 villages, as Amin Abad destroyed by natural causes like earthquake, flood and/or as it is said by military invasion. Today, Amina abbad called by local people, Kherab Deh means ruined/destroyed village. When the Chahardeh changed to town, the name Dibaj was chosen. Adopted from an Imamzadeh on the south-west of town, in Qaleh village. The tomb said to be for Mohammad son of Imam Sadeq known as Mohammad-i-Dibaj. Dibaj is arabized for Persian Diba.
