Tabriz, a Historical and Mountainous Metropolitan

Get Better Acquainted with the Beautiful City of Tabriz

Tabriz is one of the major cities in the northwest of Iran and the center of East Azarbaijan Province. This city was the capital of Iran for many successive years. As a result, many of Iran's social, cultural and industrial developments started in this city.

Being located on the Silk Road, this city has always been well-known for the interested ones to travel and trade.

This historical city is home to many historical and natural attractions. The most important attractions are the globally renowned traditional Bazaar and the museums which are worth a visit. In addition, all the monuments have been the center of important political upheavals. The Sahand Mountain Ranges has also given a stunning beauty to the city.

What is Tabriz Famous for?

Before travelling to the city, you should know that this city is first-rated in many fields. This city is known with titles such as the city without beggars, the capital of Islamic tourism in 2018, the cleanest city of Iran and the cradle of investment in Iran. It is also called the second industrial city in Iran, the second largest academic city in Iran, the second largest city of tall buildings in Iran, the second largest center of medical sciences in Iran and the second city of health tourism in Iran.

Many people give it the title of “the chocolate city of Iran” due to many chocolate factories situated there. It is also pole of Iranian automotive industry, the world's largest carpet weaving city and one of the most important immigrant-hosting cities in Iran.

The Natural Attractions around Tabriz

The Sahand Volcanic Mountains range; the Bride of the Mountains of Iran

The Sahand Volcanic Mountains Range, located in the south of Tabriz, is the highest point of East Azerbaijan Province. It is over 3000 Meter high and includes 17 peaks.

Most parts of the Sahand Mountains Range are always covered with snow. As a result, it is known as the bride of Iran’s mountains. The slopes of this mountain range enjoys an eye-catching nature due to being covered with Fritillaries.

The slopes of the Sahand Mountains Range have a variety of fauna. The presence of 185 bird species and more than 11 mammal species has distinguished this area. As a result, this region can be memorable for those who are interested in mountain and mountaineering.

Arasbaran Forests, a Biosphere Reserve

Arasbaran Forest was registered in UNESCO as the Biosphere Reserve due to the presence of a variety of fauna and flora. It also known as Iran’s wildlife museum. Among the animal species, we can refer to Grouse and Brown bear.

Arasbaran Forest is in the north of East Azerbaijan Province and 200 km from the center of East Azerbaijan Province. Therefore, it takes more than two days to visit this region.

El Goli, the Most Famous Recreational Complex in Tabriz

Tabriz is one of the tourist cities of Iran. That is why picturesque and vast parks have been built in this city. El Goli Park, known as the symbol of the city, is one of the most famous and important ones. One of the features of the park is an artificial lake at the center of which there is an octagonal mansion.

In addition to El Goli Park, there are other parks and gardens in the city. Among them, we can refer to the Musical Park, Eynali Mountain Park, Bagh Lar Baghi Park and Miniature Park.

Tabriz, a City with Precious Monuments

Being the origin of many historical events, this city enjoys important monuments. Among the most important historical buildings of Tabriz, one can mention the Blue Mosque, Saheb-ol-Amr Mosque and the Arg.

Tabriz Blue Mosque, an Elegant Monument Decorated with Azure Tiles

Blue mosque is known so due to being decorated with azure tiles. Various arabesque motifs have also been engraved on the tiles. That is why this mosque is so popular among interested ones to art and architecture.

Blue Mosque, built in 1466, is a masterpiece in the Islamic architecture. Unfortunately, the mosque was seriously damaged in the earthquake which occurred in 1780 so that only the porch and its main entrance were not destroyed. In the recent years, some parts of the mosque has been renovated, and it still goes on.

The Historical Bridges in Tabriz

A few historical bridges span the rivers of the city. The most important one is Aji Chay Bridge dating back to the Safavid and Qajar era. Among the other historical bridges, one can mention Beilankooh Bridge, Stone Bridge, Qari Bridge, Monajem Bashi and Mansoor Bridge.

Tabriz Bazaar

The traditional bazaar of the city was registered in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1970. With an area of about one square kilometer, this bazaar is one of the largest and most important roofed markets in Iran and the world. Above all, the Rehabilitation Project of the Bazaar won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2013.

Because of being situated on the Silk Road, it was the commercial center of the Orient in the past. However, it is still one of the important trade centers of the city, and the owners of different guilds possess stalls there. Among them, one can mention the market of carpet merchants, shoe merchants and crystal merchants.

Jameh Mosque of Tabriz, a Seljuq-era Heritage

This building is the oldest mosque of the city and has a high historical significance. The mosque is also important geographically due to the traditional bazaar on both sides of the mosque. In fact, the Jameh Mosque was built during the Seljuk era at first then a traditional bazaar was formed around it.

Iranian-Islamic architecture is an evident feature in the design of the mosque. The building also enjoys stunning artistic elegance along being simple. For example, the artistic plasterworks along with beautiful tiles are very attractive for every visitor.

Maqbarat-o-shoara

Maqbarat-o-shoara, literally means mausoleum of poets, is a historical cemetery. However, the cemetery was destroyed and abandoned due to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. As a result, the tomb of many poets were ruined. Therefore, in 1971, a monument was built there as the symbol of Maqbarat-o-shoara.

The Historical Museums of Tabriz

Tabriz is the best city for the tourists who are interested to explore museums. There are about 14 museums in the city, which are so important historically.

Azerbaijan Museum, the Second Largest Museum in Iran

Azerbaijan Museum is the second Iranian historical museum after the "National Museum of Iran". The museum, located near the Blue Mosque, displays works from different pre-Islamic and post-Islamic eras for tourists.

Constitution House of Tabriz, the History of Political Upheavals in Tabriz

Another important museum in Tabriz is the Constitution House on the west of the bazaar. In the heyday of the constitutional revolution of Iran, this house witnessed important decisions made by eminent constitutional leaders such as Sattar Khan and Baqir Khan. In addition, works such as the statue of the constitutional leaders, the image of the constitutional documents and historical correspondence as well as the Constitutional Order are kept there.

The Most Important Monuments around Tabriz

Babak Fort, a Place for Nature and History Lover

There is a historical fortress in the heights of Arasbaran, called Babak Castle. This historical fortress is approximat three hours away from the center of East Azerbaijan province. In addition, deep and beautiful valleys around the fort, has given a special glory to this historical castle.

Babak Fort, which enjoys historical value, is so attractive for nature tourism as well. As a result, many nature lovers prefer to walk to the forth. The fort also offers you a spectacular view to Arasbaran Forests. In addition, you can visit Shahsavan Nomads on your way to the region if you travel in the summer.

Babak Fort is a remnant from the Sassanid era, whose name is attributed to Babak Khorramdin.

Saint Stepanos Monastery in Jolfa

Saint Stepanos Monastery is the second most important Armenian monastery of Iran, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery has a special place among Iranian Armenians, so they dedicate one day of the year to performing religious practices there.

The construction date of this building is not known precisely. The monastery, which was severely damaged in an earthquake, was renovated in the Safavid era.

Saint Stepanos Monastery is situated in an eye-catching nature. In fact, its spectacular landscape and historical features has led to attracting many tourists from all over the world. It is noteworthy that the monastery is located in Jolfa, near Aras River.

Kandovan, a Rocky Village at the Heart of the Sahand Mountains Range

Kandovan Village is known for the form of the houses. The rocky houses of the village, built in the shape of a honeycomb, has preserved its traditional structure.This 7000-year-old village is compared to Cappadocia in Turkey. The difference is that Cappadocia is abounded, but Kandovan Village population is estimated 117 households.

Tabriz Traditional Dishes That You Should Try

In order to know the culture of Tabriz, just visiting the monuments is not enough. Of course, the traditional dishes

are also an important part of the culture. Therefore, we recommend trying traditional foods to all tourists in their trip to the region.

Koofteh Tabrizi, the Most Popular Traditional Dish

This meatball is so popular among Iranians although its cooking process is time-consuming and full of details. Hence, you had better try its origin.

To cook this food, all the main ingredients; including split peas, meat and vegetables; are crushed. Then it is filled with barberry, dried plum and walnuts.

Oumaj Soup

Oumaj Soup, usually served in the winter, is among the most popular traditional foods of the city. The ingredients include lentils, fried onion, the extract of  beef shin and pieces of dough mixed with spice.

Carrot Stew

Carrot Stew is the most popular traditional stew in the city. The ingredients includ carrot, meat or chicken, saffron and tomato paste. In addition, lemon water balances the sweet taste of the food.

Exploring Tabriz, a Great City at the Heart of the History

If you are interested in both nature and history don’t forget to visit this beautiful city on your trip to Iran. Undoubtedly, the mountains nature of this region as well as the glorious architectural masterpieces is so attractive for every visitor. Iran enjoys many sites with globally renowned history. Hence, the tourists who are fond of art and history will enjoy exploring this country for sure.

1001 Nights Tours has tried to include visiting this wonderful city in the itinerary. In order to experience an attractive trip, click here. You can choose your desired tour after making a careful study of our tour itineraries. In addition, there are useful materials about Iran’s World Heritage here. Finally, In order to read more about the mounts of Iran click here.