Tabrīz, Iran
Region: East Azerbaijan province
Geographic Coordinates: 38.081400, 46.300600
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and hot summers with low precipitation.
Population: 1558693
Language: Persian
Tabrīz is a city in the northwestern region of Iran and is the capital of East Azerbaijan Province. It has a rich history dating back over 4, 500 years and has been an important center for trade since ancient times. The city lies on the banks of the Aji Chay River and at the foothills of Mount Sahand. One of Tabrīz’s most notable landmarks is its historic bazaar, Which covers an area of over 7 kilometers and comprises numerous interconnected structures that house shops selling everything from spices to handmade carpets.
It was once a major hub for silk road traders who would stop in Tabriz to trade their goods before continuing on their journeys. Another significant landmark in Tabrīz is its citadel, Also known as Arg-e Ali Shah or Ark-e Tabriz. The citadel was built during the Ilkhanate period (1256-1353) and served as a military fortress until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1779. The Blue Mosque or Masjed-e Kabud is another iconic site in Tabrīz that attracts tourists from all over Iran and beyond.
Built during the Safavid era (1501-1736), This mosque features stunning blue-tiled domes with intricate calligraphy inscriptions adorning them. Tabriz also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage including Azerbaijan Museum which houses artifacts from prehistoric times up until present day; Qajar Museum which displays objects related to Qajar dynasty; Iron Age Museum featuring relics from Urartian Kingdom; Carpet Museum showcasing exquisite Persian rugs; and Constitution House where Iranian Constitutional Revolution began. In addition to these historical sites, Modern-day Tabrīz offers plenty for visitors to enjoy such as parks, Gardens, Shopping centers, Restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.
Tabrīz hosts an annual International Carpet Fair showcasing Persian carpets along with other carpets from countries such as Turkey, India, And Pakistan. Tabrīz is a city rich in history and culture with plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Its bazaar, Citadel, Blue Mosque and museums are just some of the many landmarks that make this city worth visiting. With its modern amenities and traditional charm, Tabrīz offers a unique experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit it.
- Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
- Blue Mosque (Kabud Mosque)
- Arg-e Tabriz (Tabriz Citadel)
- El Goli Park
- Constitution House of Tabriz
- Saint Mary Armenian Church
- Mashrouteh Museum
- Azerbaijan Museum
- Qajar Museum
- Tabriz Municipality Palace
- Tabrīz in Iran is a significant industrial center with various businesses and industries.
- The city boasts of several major industries, including:
- The textile industry that produces a wide range of fabrics, such as silk, cotton, wool, and synthetic materials.
- An automotive industry that produces cars, buses, trucks and other vehicles.
- Numerous food processing companies in the city that produce dairy products, meat products canned foods and other food items.
- Several petrochemical plants that manufacture chemicals such as ethylene glycol and polyethylene.
- Many companies producing construction materials like cement bricks tiles ceramics among others.
- The electronics sector in Tabrīz comprises several companies producing consumer electronics like televisions computers among others.
- Finally, Tabriz is a popular tourist destination with historical sites like the Blue Mosque (Masjid-e Kabud) attracting visitors from all over Iran and beyond.
- The city was the capital of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century.
- In 1906, a group of intellectuals and activists established a parliament in Tabrīz to challenge the absolute rule of the Qajar dynasty, marking the beginning of Iran’s Constitutional Revolution.
- Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan, two influential leaders during this revolution, hailed from Tabrīz.
- During World War II, Allied forces used Tabrīz as a vital supply route for their operations against Nazi Germany.
- After World War II, Azerbaijan People’s Government was created in Tabrīz with an aim to establish an independent state for Azerbaijanis living in northern Iran.
- Ayatollah Khomeini lived in exile in Tabrīz while opposing Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime (1964-1978).
- The infamous prison massacre occurred on September 17-18, 1988 at Evin Prison near Tehran where Iranian authorities executed thousands of political prisoners; some were transferred from prisons across Iran including those from Tabriz prisons.
- Notable people associated with Tabriz include poets like Shahriar (Hossein Gol-e-Golab) and Parvin E’tesami; painters such as Bahman Mohasses; musicians such as Ali Salimi; political figures such as Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan during constitutional revolution era; religious figures like Sheikh Mohammad Khiyabani who was one of Shia religious scholars during Safavid era.
- Tractor Sazi Tabriz Football Club: Tractor Sazi is a professional football club based in Tabriz, Iran. The team was founded in 1970 and has won several domestic titles, including the Iranian league championship in 2011 and 2013.
- Shahrdari Tabriz Volleyball Club: Shahrdari Tabriz is a professional volleyball club based in Tabriz, Iran. The team was founded in 1990 and has won multiple domestic championships.
- Petrochimi Bandar Imam Basketball Club: Petrochimi Bandar Imam is a professional basketball club based in Tabriz, Iran. The team was founded in 1966 and has won several domestic championships.
- Sanat Naft Abadan Futsal Club: Sanat Naft Abadan is a professional futsal club based in Abadan, Iran but plays its home games at the Sahand Stadium in Tabriz due to its larger capacity for fans. The team was founded in 2005 and has won multiple domestic championships.
- Aluminium Arak Handball Club: Aluminium Arak is a professional handball club based in Arak, Iran but plays its home games at the Sahand Stadium in Tabriz due to its larger capacity for fans. The team was founded in 1987 and has won several domestic championships.
- Tabriz International Carpet Fair: This annual event showcases the best of Iranian carpets and is a major attraction for carpet enthusiasts from around the world.
- Tabriz International Book Fair: Held annually in May, this event attracts publishers, authors, and book lovers from all over Iran.
- Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage site hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including traditional music performances and handicraft exhibitions.
- Kite Festival: Held every spring, this festival sees locals take to the skies with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes.
- Tabriz International Festival of Urban Art: This festival brings together street artists from around the world to create unique murals and installations across the city.
- Ashura Mourning Ceremonies: A deeply religious event held in commemoration of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom during the Battle of Karbala.
- Nowruz (Iranian New Year): Celebrated on March 21st each year, Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and is one of Iran’s most important cultural festivals.
- Qara Kelisa Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage to St Thaddeus Monastery (also known as Qara Kelisa) takes place every summer in nearby Chaldoran County attracting Armenian Christians from around Iran and beyond.
- Dizi: A traditional Iranian dish made with lamb or beef, chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes. One of the most famous places to try dizi in Tabriz is called Abgoosht Restaurant.
- Ash Reshteh: A hearty soup made with beans, lentils, vegetables and noodles. You can find this dish at many local restaurants such as Ash-e-Shirin.
- Kebabs: Grilled meat on skewers is a staple of Iranian cuisine and there are many kebab restaurants in Tabriz such as Kababiye Sheikh Al-Mamoum.
- Gheymeh: A stew made with lamb or beef, split peas and tomatoes served with rice. You can try this dish at Rastgoo Restaurant.
- Baghali Polo: Rice mixed with dill weed and broad beans served alongside roasted lamb shank or chicken breast is another popular dish you can find at Lotfali Khan Zand Restaurant.
- Shourma: Cooked meat that has been marinated in spices like garlic, onion & turmeric for several hours before being grilled over charcoal fire available at Shourmaei Baran restaurant.
- Shekar Polo: Sweet saffron rice mixed with sugar cubes & raisins served along side fried chicken wings. This delicious meal could be found at Cafe Naderi.
- El Goli Park is a vast area with a serene lake and gardens, ideal for picnics and strolls.
- Tabriz Municipality Park is a well-kept park that has playgrounds, walking paths, and sports facilities.
- Khaqani Park is an exquisite green space adorned with fountains, flowers, and benches for visitors to relax on.
- Tabriz International Exhibition Center hosts numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Tabriz Olympic Village is a sports complex equipped with swimming pools, tennis courts, football fields, among other amenities.
- Sheshgelan Forest Park is an all-natural park that has hiking trails through the forested hills surrounding Tabriz city.
- Arg-e Ali Shah Citadel Complex is an ancient site featuring ruins and architecture from Iran’s Safavid era of history.
- Kabood Mosque Garden surrounds an old mosque located in the heart of Tabriz city; it’s a beautiful garden worth visiting.
- Qajar Museum Garden showcases art and culture from the Qajar-era in Iran; it’s surrounded by a tranquil garden area perfect for relaxing walks or picnics.
- Baghlarbaghi Recreational Complex offers visitors various sporting facilities such as basketball courts, football fields swimming pools etc., as well as cafes/restaurants suitable for families to enjoy together.
