About East Azerbaijan
East Azerbaijan Province is located in Iranian Azerbaijan, bordering Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ardabil Province, West Azerbaijan Province, and Zanjan Province. The center of this province is Tabriz.
Nature has graced Eastern Azerbaijan with thick vegetation, cool and pleasant summers, colorful autumns, and white winters.
Most of the souvenirs of this province are Carpet, rug, kilim, traditional print, embroidery, knitting, painting, textile weaving, and silversmithing are the most important handicrafts of this province.
You will understand the joys and pains of these people as you listen to their local Azari music. You can also discover the depth of their art when you observe the designs of the region’s hand-woven carpets.
Travel to East Azerbaijan to be a guest to its friendly residents. They would entertain you with fresh milk and bread. You will also find an opportunity to forget the hectic city life in the wonderful forests of Arasbaran, Lake Urmia, and Kandovan and Eshtebin villages.
The most outstanding features from a cultural point of view are the language, Azari/Azerice, and folklore of this region. According to Dehkhoda Dictionary, the language of Azerbaijan is original “a branch of the Iranian languages known as Azari”. However, the modern Azeri language is a Turkic language very closely related to the language of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The Land of Bravery and Honor
Nature has graced eastern Azerbaijan with thick vegetation, cool and pleasant summers, colorful autumns, and white winters. travel to east Azerbaijan to be a guest to its friendly villagers. They would entertain you with fresh milk and bread. you will also find an opportunity to forget the hectic city life in the wonderful forests of Arasbaran, Urmia lake, and Kandovan and Eshtebin villages. You will understand the joys and pains of these people as you listen to their local Azari music. you can also discover the depth of their art when you observe the designs of the region’s hand-woven carpets.
Kabud Mosque of Tabriz
The Kabud mosque, sometimes called “Turquoise of the Islamic world,” was built upon the order of king Jahanshah of Qara Qoyunlu dynasty in 11th century Ce. The importance of this mosque lies in magnificent designs on dark blue tiles of its walls.
Arasbaran Protected Zone
This protected zone is located on the southern banks of the Aras River near the town of Kalibar. It is registered in UNESCO World Heritage List as a biosphere reserve. The protected zone has an area of 72 square kilometers and is renowned for its wild animals and plant life.
Babak Castle
Also called Ghaleh Babak, the castle is located 5 km southwest of Kalibar with an altitude of 2600. Deep valleys surround the castle and there is only a single narrow passage into the castle. this castle was used by Babak Khorramdin who was the leader of the Iranian religious sect called Khorramdinan. The sect arose after the execution of Abu Moslem Khorasani who had rebelled against the Abbasid caliphate. Denying that Abu Moslem was dead, the sect preached that he would return to spread justice throughout the world.
Saint Stepanous Cathedral
The cathedral is located 16 km west of the town of Jolfa in a green valley called Darreh Sham. The architectural style is Armenian. There are hundreds of carved stone tablets in the Armenian language both inside and outside the building. The cathedral was built in the 10th or 12th century CE. The cathedral was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with other Armenian Monastic ensembles in Iran.
Khoda-Afarin bridges
Khoda-Afarin bridges are two historical bridges built over the Aras River. They are 100 meters apart. The first bridge dates back to the Seljuk dynasty of the 12th century CE. This bridge is 160 meters long (120 meters of which belongs to Iran and 40 meters belongs to Azerbaijan) with 15 unequal arches under it. The bridge is built using mostly stone and bricks.
Kandovan village
This village is located 22 km south of the town of Osku in a beautiful valley next to a river with the same name. The houses in this village are built uniquely- they are carved inside the rock and date back to pre-Islamic times. Besides its unique architecture, the village is a focus of attention for its refreshing water springs which are believed to be positively effective for various health problems.
The red dome of Maragheh
This is a square structure with a dome on top of beautiful plasterwork. the covered parts are placed on the top floor and there is a cellar under the building. Only a single door connects the cellar to the yard. The foundation and pillars are made of stone and the rest of the building is made of bricks. The interior is decorated using tiles and bricks.
Sarab Thermal Springs
Sarab thermal springs are located at the southwest of the town of Sarab. Water flows out from the ground with a huge amount of gas and runs to the nearby river. The warm water contains sodium sulfate.
Historical Attractions:
Kandovan charming, beautiful, and historical village in Osku district, old tree in the square of Azarshahr district, Ghahgheh, Jushin, Pashtu, and Noruz Castles in Ahar, Shahrdari Castle in Tabriz, Saint Stepanous Ancient Church known as Kelisa Kharabeh in Jolfa, stone Caravanserai in Sarab, Babak Castle in Kaleibar, and parts of a very famous observatory in the Il-Khan Period in Maragheh.
Natural Attractions:
Ashtbin beautiful village in Ahar, Shahnd beautiful mountainous valleys in Tabriz which is believed to be as the bride among the mountains of Iran, Ara’s beautiful shores in Jolfa, Allah Hagh and Abras hot springs in Sarab, Kaboutar Cave and Varjouy, Goshayesh, Sari Su, and Shur Su mineral water springs in Maragheh
Religious Attractions:
Emamzadeh Osku shrine and Mausoleum of Soltan Hessameddin in Osku, Shiramin, and Chaharsu Mosques in Azar Shahr, Ahar Congregational Mosque attributed to the Seljuk period (1038-1194 Ce), Tabriz Congregational Mosque, Alishah Mosque, and Masjed Kabud mosques of Tabriz, Jamal Abad stone Mosque in Sarab, Tasuj Friday-prayer Mosque in Shabestar attributed to the Il-Khan period (1256-1352 Ce) and Shah Ghasem shrines in Kaleybar attributed to the Safavid period (1501-1732 Ad).