Urmia

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Urmia, a City Flanked by Mountain and Lake

The Geographical Location of Urmia

Urmia is an important city of Iran’s Azerbaijan and the capital of West Azerbaijan Province. It is of the oldest northwestern cities and the 10th populated city of Iran. So, it is considered as one of the most significant Iran’s metropolises.

What does Urmia Mean?

Urmia is an integration of two words of “Ur”, which means city in Assyrian language, and “Mia”, which means water. So, it means “the city of water” along with each other. It is interesting to know that this city was called “Rezaieh” for a while due to the high interest of Reza Shah in this city. However, it returned to its original name after the lslamic Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The History of Urmia in Brief

According to historians and historical documents, this city dates back to the years BC. The archeological hills around this city bears this witness. In addition, some researchers believe that it is the birthplace of Prophet Zoroaster. And Zoroastrian Religion was disseminated to the other parts of Iran from this point.

It was still one of the strategic parts of Iran in Post-Islamic eras. This city took on doubled importance, especially after Ottoman Empire got into power. In this regard, lots of fortifications were constructed around the city for security goals. Of the most important events having taken place in this area, we can mention Chaldoran War. This war led to the separation of Kurdistan, Iraq and East of Turkey from Iran.

The Monuments of Urmia, from UNESCO-listed Sites to the Historical Bazaar

As mentioned, this city has high historical importance. You can find two UNESCO-listed sites 2 km way from this city. These sites include Takht-e Soleyman (Throne of Solomon) and two churches listed as Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran.

Takht-e Soleyman used to be the capital of Iran in the Parthian era. It was considered as the largest educational, religious and social center in the pre-Islamic era. It is 4 km way from the capital of Western Azerbaijan Province.

Saint Thaddeus Cathedral and St Marry Church are also listed in UNESCO as Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran. Although the two mentioned churches are relatively far from Urmia, it is worth taking time to visit there.

To know more about the other historical and cultural attractions of this city, read the following:

Se Ganbad (Three Domes), a Tower Made of Brick and Stone

In the southeast of this monument there are three domes. This structure is the tomb of a Seljuk king. There are different theories about the antiquity and main function of this monument. The main materials used in this structure are brick and stone. This tower is column-shaped, 13 meters high, and has two stories.

Se Gonbad of Urmia

Urmia Museum

This museum is of the most popular and the most significant sites of this city. So, many of the tourists put this museum on the top of their list. This museum includes two sections, archeology and anthropology halls. Some of the objects held in this place dates back to 7000 BC. The manuscripts that are preserved in this museum are written in cuneiform and date back to a millennium BC.

St Marry Church, One of the Oldest Assyrian Churches of the World

St Marry Church is one of the oldest Assyrian churches of Iran. This church, dating back to the Sassanid era, has been described in Marco polo’s travelogue. St Marry Church has no plaster and painting decorations. Some researchers believe that it once was of the most famous Zoroastrian temples.

St Marry Church

Beautiful, Simple and Historical Bazaar of Urmia

The historical bazaar is located in the historical district of the city. This bazaar, the oldest part of which dates back to the Safavid era, was developed in the Qajar era. Like many of Iranian historical bazaars, there are mosques and baths in this bazaar that prove the lively environment and significance of this city.

This traditional bazaar features simple and, at the same time, beautiful architecture. The most important material having been used in this monument is brick. Being at the vicinity of Jameh Mosque, it has taken on added beauty and fascination. It covers and area of 60,000 m2 and include five old baths.

The Attractions of Urmia at a Glance

This city, located between Urmia Lake and a part of the Zagros Range, features relatively cool summers and chilling winters. It is also surrounded with fertile fields that set the stage for cultivation of fruit and citrus.

Urmia Lake, the Vastest Slat Lake of Iran

This lake is the most important natural attraction being located close to the capital of Western Azerbaijan Province. It is also known as the vastest Salt Lake of Iran, including 100 islands. Each of the islands has doubled the beauty of this lake. In addition, it is home to many native and migrating animals. More to the point, more than 60 rivers feed this lake.

It used to be the 6th vast Salt Lake of the world. It was also known as the vastest lake of the Middle East. Unfortunately, it has reduced in vastness due to the insufficient seasonal rainfall and doughtiness today. However, the rainfalls of 2019 and 2020 made an influence in improving the lake’s condition.

Urmia Lake

Khoshaku Ski Resort

Khoshaku Ski Resort is a hub of winter sports, located in the northwestern Iran. This ski resort is 30 km away from the capital of Western Azerbaijan Province. And has an eye-catching view to the mountains.

Sheikh Tappeh Forest Park, a Beautiful Outlook to Urmia

Sheikh Tappeh Forest Park is located in the heights overlooking to the city, and close to the archeological Sheikh Tappeh Mound. This park is filled with pine and cypress. Standing on the vantage point, you are offered a beautiful view to the city. The archeological mound in the vicinity dates back to the Medes.

Urmia, a Crossroad of Ethnic Groups and Religions

This city has invariably been home to different ethnic groups and followers of different religions. Actually, it is the confluence point of Caucasus, Armenia, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. That is why you can find many mosques and churches in the city and its surrounding. In addition, different ethnic groups such as Azeri, Kurd, Assyrian and Armenian live with each other in this city.

Urmia

Traveling to Urmia, a Magnificent City Intertwined with History and Nature

On your trip to Iran, don’t miss visiting this city. This lively city shines like a diamond among the beautiful nature of Iran. It is also the birthplace of many historical stories that are worth hearing. It is close to two world heritages, whose reputations have gone beyond the borders.

1001 Nights Tours has organized special tours to this beautiful city. To know more about such tours, click here. You can also click here to know about the other attractions of Western Azerbaijan Province.
We always welcome you’re the opinions you share with us via about special and thematic tours.

 

Country: IRAN