Geographically, the Astara region is a valley located approximately in the center of Talesh. The distance between the north-south mountain range of Talesh and the Caspian Sea and east of Ardabil plain.
After the Treaty of Turkmenchay between the two governments of Iran and Russia, Iran ceded the northern part of the Talesh to the Russian government. The southern part remained in the composition of Iran. Astara city is very close to the border of Iran, the Azerbaijan Republic after Russia turned into the Soviet Union and then to many independent republics. Astaracha is a small border river that separates the city of Astara in Iran from the city of Astara in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
After the establishment of customs and borders, Astara’s political and commercial importance increased. At that time, the Astara region was part of Iran”s Azerbaijan region under the rule of Prince Abbas Mirza. Later, Astara became a part of Ardabil province, and after that, it joined Gilan province.
The city of Astara is in the center of the Talesh region, between the Talesh Mountains and the Caspian Sea, and the north of Gilan province.
The city of Astara is the last border point of Gilan province with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Many caravans and merchants passed through this region slowly and cautiously because of the many swamps and wetlands. Since Astara was a border point and a port, it gained a good reputation as a trading center.
Due to the geographical conditions of Astara and its altitude, the city has a mountainous climate, and it is humid. The average monthly precipitation in total in Astara is 1345 mm. For this reason, Astara is one of the rainiest cities in Iran.
Plant species like winter alder, wild pomegranate, azalea, raspberry, and animal species of this region are fox, boar, otter, black crest, cranes, and pheasant.
Kilim weaving and jajim weaving are the main handicrafts of this city. Astara Grand Bazaar, which is called Basat among the natives of Astara, is one of the most important commercial centers of Gilan province, in the north of Iran, one of the most famous markets in Iran and one of the destinations for travelers entering Astara.
These days, in most parts of the world, using a spa is one of the most important ways to relieve joint pain and rheumatism. Astara city also has a hot spring called Ali Dashi, which receives numerous travelers annually. The therapeutic properties of Ali Dashi hot spring are very famous and treat pains such as joint pain, eye pain, abdominal pain, back pain, tympanites, and colic, and it’s also for nerve strengthening. In addition to its healing properties, this spring has beautiful scenery and tourist features.
There are several small and large waterfalls in the heights of Astara, the most important of which is Laton Waterfall. Mount Espinas is behind the Estil Lagoon, and Laton Falls originates on its slopes. The height of this waterfall is about 105 meters in an area called Laton. Laton Waterfall is quite a tourist area with a large number of resorts for the well-being of travelers.
Meanwhile, we cannot stress this enough that the northern region of Iran is famous for its delicious cuisine.
Mosamma is one of the most popular dishes of Astara port, which has a special place among the people of this city. The contents of this dish include local chicken, onion, wild plum, and a little tomato paste.
Duck Basturma is a dish cooked with duck meat. It is a combination of walnut kernels, onions, caraway paste, and sauce. All the ingredients are stuffed in the duck’s belly and under the rice to brew with the rice.
Levengi is a white fish or stuffed chicken with ingredients like olive.
Heyran is a summer village in the city of Astara, which attracts many tourists every year. This village is 30 km away from Astara city. Heyran Pass is one of the most beautiful sightsees in Astara, which is also a political and geographical protection area of Gilan province. Villages like Venehbin, Haji Amir Bala, and Haji Amir Pa’in in the Heyran region overlook the mountains covered with dense forests and valleys.
Heyran Gondola lift has a route of 1500 meters on the Astara road to Ardabil. Heyran Gondola lift of Astara has become one of the typical tourist areas in this city. When you enter the forest of Ardabil, you will have all kinds of amenities such as a karting track, hotels, and restaurants. Heyran Gondola lift has thirty medium six-person cabins and three VIP cabins. The Heyran Gondola lift is among the most standard stations in the country’s Gondola lift.
Astara International Estil Lagoon: This wetland is located 4 km from Astara city on the side of Astara to Talesh road. The eco-tourist importance of this wetland is due to its proximity to the road, diversity of natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, and surrounding fields and plains.
Forests and green vegetation cover its western side. On its eastern side, floating alder trees have created a fantastic view and the best resting place for travelers in spring and summer. Astara International Estil Lagoon is considered one of the most important tourist attractions.
One of the valuable features of this wetland is the residence of famous fish such as common carp and duck fish. Also, Astara International Estil natural Lagoon is a place for rare birds that migrate to this region for breeding from Central Europe, Trans-Caspian and Arctic regions, the most important of which is the red-beak Csengeri bird.
This wetland has an area of 138 hectares and is one of the tourist attractions of Gilan province. The presence of alder trees in this lagoon gives an impression.
One of the features of Astara International Estil Lagoon is the trees of this wetland because their roots are in the water, that they always move with the width of the lagoon. For this reason, Astara Wetland is also known as the Estil Wetland for its floating trees.