Salmās, Iran
Region: West Azerbaijan province
Geographic Coordinates: 38.201700, 44.768600
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 30.0°C (41°F to 86°F)
Population: 127864
Language: Persian
Salmās is a city located in the northwestern part of Iran, In the province of West Azerbaijan. The city has a population of approximately 110, 000 people and is situated at an altitude of 1, 300 meters above sea level. Salmās is known for its rich history and culture, As well as its beautiful natural surroundings. One of the most significant historical sites in Salmās is the Babak Fort which was built by Babak Khorramdin during his rebellion against the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century.
The fort sits atop a mountain overlooking the city and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another important landmark in Salmās is the Jameh Mosque which dates back to the 14th century. The mosque features intricate tilework and beautiful calligraphy on its walls and ceilings making it one of Iran’s most impressive examples of Islamic architecture. Salmās also has several natural attractions that are popular with tourists such as Lake Urmia which lies just outside the city limits. The lake boasts stunning turquoise waters that are surrounded by picturesque mountains.
In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Salmās also has a vibrant bazaar where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts such as carpets, Pottery, And textiles while sampling traditional Iranian cuisine at one of its many food stalls. Overall, Salmās offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Nature, And cuisine that makes it an excellent destination for anyone looking to explore this fascinating region of Iran whether you’re interested in exploring ancient fortresses or hiking through scenic mountainsides or simply immersing yourself in local culture – there’s something for everyone here!
- Salmās Castle: A historic castle dating back to the Ilkhanate era.
- Imamzadeh Seyyed Hamzeh: A shrine dedicated to a grandson of Imam Ali.
- Qareh Tappeh: An ancient hilltop settlement dating back to 3000 BC.
- Shahr-e Yeri: An archaeological site with remains from the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
- Salmās Dam: A large dam on the Zarrineh River providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
- Baghche Joo Park: A public park with gardens, fountains, and recreational facilities.
- Salmās Bazaar: A traditional market where visitors can buy local handicrafts, spices, and food items.
- Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat: An ancient Elamite temple complex located about 120 km from Salmās in Khuzestan Province.
- Salmās, Iran is renowned for its agriculture and diverse crop production, including:
- wheat
- barley
- fruits
- vegetables
- tobacco
- The city boasts a significant textile industry with numerous factories that manufacture:
- fabrics
- clothing
- Salmās also has major industries in:
- food processing and packaging
- construction materials production
- small-scale manufacturing of consumer goods like furniture and household appliances
- Furthermore, the city’s tourism industry is expanding due to its:
- historical sites
- natural attractions such as Lake Urmia
- Salmās witnessed a significant conflict in 1827 between Persia and Russia during the Russo-Persian War.
- During World War I, Salmās was a hub of resistance against British occupation.
- Mirza Kuchak Khan, an influential Iranian revolutionary who battled against British and Russian forces, and Hajj Sayyah, a renowned Kurdish poet, are notable historical figures associated with Salmās.
- The city is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage that includes traditional music and dance forms like the Chubak dance.
- In recent times, Salmās has emerged as an essential center for trade and commerce in northwestern Iran with a thriving agricultural sector producing crops such as wheat, barley, and grapes.
- Salmās Castle is a historical landmark that dates back to the 6th century, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- The Salmās Museum showcases the rich history, culture, and traditions of the region.
- The Sheikh Haydar Tomb is a monument dedicated to Sheikh Haydar, an important religious figure in Iran.
- The Qarah Chay River runs through the city and offers breathtaking views of nature.
- Kandovan Village is a unique village built into volcanic rocks with traditional houses and stunning scenery.
- The Naneh Maryam Church is an ancient Armenian church located in the heart of Salmās that dates back to the 10th century.
- Maragheh Observatory is one of Iran’s oldest observatories built during the Ilkhanate period in 1259 AD.
- Babak Castle is a historic fortress located on top of a mountain near Salmās that offers panoramic views of its surroundings.
- Takht-e Soleiman Lake is surrounded by mountains and greenery, making it perfect for nature lovers and hikers alike.
- Jolfa District is known for its unique architecture, churches, and cultural heritage sites such as Saint Stepanos Monastery UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Kabab-e-Torsh: a traditional grilled meat dish marinated in sour pomegranate juice and served with rice.
- Ash Reshteh: a thick soup made with noodles, beans, herbs, and spices.
- Baghali Polo: rice cooked with dill and fava beans.
- Sholeh Zard: a sweet saffron rice pudding topped with cinnamon and pistachios.
- Shandiz Restaurant: a popular restaurant serving traditional Persian dishes such as kebabs, stews, and rice dishes.
- Bistoon Restaurant: known for its delicious kebabs and warm hospitality.
- Ghasr-e-Shirin Restaurant: offers authentic Persian cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the city of Salmas.
- Saray-e-Sofreh Khaneh Restaurant: specializes in Iranian stews made from lamb or chicken served with bread or rice.
- Salmās Park is a well-known public park in the city that provides various recreational activities, including walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.
- Salmās Sports Complex has multiple sports facilities like football fields, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
- Qarah Chay River is an excellent location for fishing and boating during the summer season.
- Sahand Ski Resort can be reached within an hour from Salmās and offers skiing and snowboarding options during the winter months.
- Lake Urmia is approximately 30 minutes away from Salmās and is a popular destination for swimming and water sports in summers.
- Hiking Trails are present in the nearby mountains that provide stunning views of the city as well as surrounding countryside.
- Historical Sites such as ancient castles and mosques are also present in the city that visitors can explore to learn about its rich cultural heritage.
