This article examines the historical-geographical status of the town of Dilmaqan (also known as Dilman) as the administrative center of the Salmas Province during the Qajar period. Following the destructive Safavid-Ottoman wars and the ruin of Old Salmas, the region lacked any urban settlement until the early Qajar era. The Lak tribe was relocated there to ensure security and demographic balance. With the establishment of stability under the Donboli Khans, a township named Dilmaqan emerged. In the second half of the 12th century AH (18th century AD), Ahmad Khan Donboli fortified it with walls and turned it into the governmental seat of Salmas.

The name Dilmaqan is of Turkic origin, likely meaning "possessor of language" or "interpreter." The town possessed a strong fortification with five gates, a moat, and watchtowers, playing a crucial defensive role against multiple invasions, including the assaults of Simitqu. Its economy thrived on trade with neighboring states (the Ottoman Empire and Russia) and agriculture.

Citing historical sources, travelogues, linguistic, and archaeological evidence, the author rejects the theory that the modern-day "Kohneh Shahr" (Old Town) is the same as ancient Salmas. He emphasizes that Dilmaqan was the Qajar-era administrative and political center of Salmas, whereas ancient Salmas was a distinct city with a history of over 1,700 years.

Dilmaqan was completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1930. Subsequently, the new town of Shahpur (later renamed Salmas) was built at another location. Drawing on Ottoman documents, local memoirs, foreign travelers' accounts, and historical texts, the article presents a comprehensive picture of Dilmaqan's position, identity, and fate, while firmly distinguishing it from both ancient Salmas and the present-day Kohneh Shahr.