Bandar-e Anzalī, Iran
Region: Gilan
Geographic Coordinates: 37.472800, 49.462200
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal weather patterns in Bandar-e Anzali, Iran include hot and humid summers, mild and rainy winters, and moderate temperatures in the spring and fall.
Population: 148564
Language: Persian
Bandar-e Anzali is a stunning port city located in the northern province of Gilan, Iran. It sits on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and has a reputation for its natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And trade activities. The city has been an important center for commerce since ancient times due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. One of Bandar-e Anzali’s most famous attractions is its picturesque lagoon, Which is one of Iran’s largest. The lagoon spans approximately 200 square kilometers and provides a natural habitat for several rare bird species like flamingos, Pelicans, And swans.
Visitors can take boat tours around the lagoon or go fishing for fresh catches. Another must-visit spot in Bandar-e Anzali is its vibrant bazaar where visitors can find local handicrafts such as colorful carpets, Traditional textiles, Pottery items, And wooden souvenirs. The bazaar also offers delicious Iranian street food like kebabs, Falafel sandwiches, And sweet pastries.
The city boasts several historical landmarks that showcase its rich cultural heritage such as Molla Sadra House – once home to one of Iran’s most prominent philosophers – Mulla Sadra Shirazi which has been converted into a museum displaying his works alongside other artifacts related to Iranian philosophy. For outdoor enthusiasts interested in activities like hiking or trekking can visit Talesh Mountains located just outside Bandar-e Anzali city limits offering stunning views from their peaks with lush green forests surrounding them making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
but not leastly are several pristine beaches dotted along Bandar-e Anzali’s coastline perfect spots to relax after exploring all that this charming port city has to offer with clean serene water offering water sports activities like swimming surfing kiteboarding. In conclusion, Bandar-e Anzali is a beautiful vibrant port city offering something for everyone with natural beauty rich cultural heritage bustling bazaar scene and pristine beaches making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore Iran’s northern region.
- Anzali Lagoon
- Bandar-e Anzali Port
- Selke Wildlife Refuge
- Masouleh Village
- Rasht Bazaar
- Gisum Forest Park
- Sefid Rud River
- Kuchesfahan Village
- Shapoori House Museum
- Imamzadeh Hashem Shrine
- Fishing industry: Bandar-e Anzalī is a significant fishing port in Iran that plays a crucial role in the local economy.
- Tourism: The city’s location on the Caspian Sea and its scenic beauty make it a popular tourist destination.
- Agriculture: The surrounding region is known for its agricultural production of rice, tea and fruits such as citrus and kiwi.
- Petrochemicals: Several petrochemical plants located in or near Bandar-e Anzalī produce various chemicals and plastics.
- Shipping industry: The port of Bandar-e Anzalī serves as an important hub for shipping goods between Iran and other countries in the Caspian Sea region.
- Construction industry: With increasing tourism demand, there has been a surge in construction activities such as hotels, resorts and residential buildings.
- Handicrafts industry: The city has a rich tradition of handicrafts such as carpet weaving, embroidery and pottery making which are sold locally or exported to other countries.
- The city of Bandar-e Anzalī was founded in the late 17th century by Shah Suleiman I Safavi, who established it as a port for trade with Russia.
- In 1920, during the Russian Civil War, British and White Russian forces landed in Bandar-e Anzalī and occupied the city for several months.
- During World War II, the city served as an important supply point for Allied forces fighting against Nazi Germany in Iran.
- Iranian revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini spent several years living in Bandar-e Anzalī during his exile from Iran in the 1960s and 1970s.
- The city was heavily damaged by a massive earthquake that struck northern Iran in June 1990, killing thousands of people.
- Notable people associated with Bandar-e Anzalī include Iranian poet Ahmad Shamlou, who spent part of his childhood there; former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami; and footballer Ali Daei, who was born in nearby Ardabil but grew up playing football in Bandar-e Anzalī.
- Anzali Lagoon
- Bandar-e Anzali Fish Market
- Sefidrud Dam
- Anzali Bazaar
- Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Rasht Museum of Anthropology
- Gilan Rural Heritage Museum
- Masouleh Village
- Rudkhan Castle
- Lahijan Telecabin
- Bandar-e Anzalī is a city in northern Iran that has a strong sports culture.
- Fishing and maritime activities have influenced the city’s sporting traditions, with rowing being one of the most popular sports. Both amateurs and professionals participate in this sport.
- Football (soccer), volleyball, basketball, and futsal are other popular sports in Bandar-e Anzalī.
- The city has several local clubs that compete at regional and national levels.
- Shahrdari Bandar-e Anzali F.C. is a notable football club from the city that was founded in 1967.
- It currently competes in the Azadegan League, which is Iran’s second-tier professional football league.
- The team has won several regional titles over the years and has made it to the quarter-finals of Iran’s domestic cup competition on multiple occasions.
- Although there may not be any major international-level teams from Bandar-e Anzali currently, it remains an important hub for local sporting activities.
- Fajr International Film Festival: This festival is held annually in Tehran and showcases films from Iran as well as other countries around the world. It includes competitions for feature films, documentaries, and short films, as well as workshops and panel discussions with industry professionals.
- Qeshm Island Day: Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf and is known for its unique geology and natural beauty. This day celebrates the island’s culture, history, and ecology with events such as traditional music performances, handicraft exhibitions, hiking tours of the island’s natural wonders such as Chahkooh Canyon.
- Shiraz International Poetry Festival: Shiraz has a rich literary tradition dating back centuries making it a fitting location for this poetry festival which attracts poets from around the world to recite their works in various languages including Persian (Farsi), English, French among others.
- Tehran Book Fair: The Tehran Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in Asia featuring publishers from Iran and abroad showcasing books on various subjects ranging from literature to science fiction to children’s books.
- Iranian National Handicrafts Exhibition: This exhibition showcases traditional Iranian handicrafts such as pottery-making, carpet-weaving among others with artisans demonstrating their skills while visitors can purchase these items directly from them.
- Mirza Ghasemi is a traditional dish that’s made from smoked eggplant, tomatoes, garlic and eggs.
- Baghali Polo is a rice dish that’s made with dill and broad beans.
- Kebab Koobideh is grilled minced meat on skewers served with bread and grilled tomatoes.
- Fesenjan is a stew made with pomegranate paste, walnuts and chicken or duck.
- Lavashak is a dried fruit leather snack that’s popular in Iran.
- Shomal Restaurant is known for their seafood dishes such as fish kebabs and fried fish platters.
- Anzali Café & Restaurant offers a variety of Iranian dishes including stews, kebabs and rice dishes.
- Koohestan Traditional Restaurant serves traditional Persian cuisine including lamb shank stew, grilled meats and saffron rice dishes.
- Marjan Café & Restaurant offers a mix of Iranian and international cuisine including pizza, burgers as well as Persian stews and kebabs.
- Chaykhaneh-e-Shomal (Northern Tea House) serves tea along with traditional snacks such as lavashak (dried fruit leather) or pastries like zulbia (deep-fried dough).
- Anzali Lagoon Park is a picturesque park situated on the shore of the Anzali Lagoon. It boasts walking paths, benches, and picnic areas.
- Bandar-e Anzali Beach is a well-liked destination for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy nearby cafes and restaurants.
- Sorkhabad Forest Park offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and camping facilities in the mountains near Bandar-e Anzali.
- Maralan Recreational Complex features an amusement park, water park, bowling alley, and several dining options.
- Mirza Kuchak Khan Park is a small but charming park with play equipment for kids as well as walking paths and benches.
- Shapoori Garden has stunning flowers and trees along with fountains, statues, and seating areas to relax in.
- Jangal-e Abrisham (Silk Forest) is located outside of Bandar-e Anzali in Rasht city (approximately 40 km away). It’s famous for its silk cocoons production industry that dates back to ancient times in Iran’s history; visitors can take guided tours or hike through this forest to appreciate its natural beauty.
- Watersports activities like boating or jet skiing on the lagoon are also popular recreational activities in Bandar-e-Anzalí.
