The province is located in the northwest of Iran and covers an area of approximately 47,830 sq. km. According to the latest divisions of the country in 1996 the various townships of this province are: ahar, Bostan Abad, bonab, Tabriz, jolfa, sarab, shabestar, kalibar, maragheh, marand, malekan, mianeh, haris, and hashtrood.The historical city of Tabriz is the reputed city of this province culturally and politically, even in the economic and commercial fields. The said province has common borders

with the Republics of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nakhjavan. East Azarbaijan can be accounted for being interesting in the fields of topography and so to speak the relief of the land. The highest peak of the Sahand Mountain is 3,722 m. in altitude lies to the south of Tabriz; whereas low lying areas can be said to be around Garmadooz (Ahar). Summits and heights of this province are in three sectors in the north namely, the Qara Daq Mountains, the Sahand and Bozqoosh Mountains and the Qaflan Kooh Mountains.

Generally, the East Azarbaijan Province enjoys a cold and dry climate, being mainly a mountainous region. But the gentle vapors of the Caspian Sea have some influence on the climate of the low-lying areas. Temperatures run up to 8.9° C in Tabriz, till 20° C in maragheh and in winters drops to -1° C. The ideal seasons to visit this province are in spring and summer months.Error processing SSI file

East Azarbaijan holds its own as being one of the archaic territories in the country. During the reign of Alexander the Macedonian in Iran that is 331 BC, one of the warriors, known as Attorpat revolted in this area then a territory of the Medes. There by naming it Attorpatkan. Since then this vicinity has been known as Azarabadegan, Azarbadgan and Azarbaijan.
Islamic researchers proclaim that the birth of the Zoroaster Messenger was in this area, in the vicinity of Lake Orumieh (Chichest), Konzak city. Needless to say, this province was subject to political and economical upheavals bringing about lasting evidences of interest to outsiders. The most outstanding features from the cultural point of view are the language and folklore. The former is 'Azari Turkish'. Apart from this the province boast of numerous learned scholars, Gnostics, 7 poets namely Mowlana Baba Mazeed, Khajeh Abdol Raheem Aj Abadi, Sheikh Hassan Bolqari, Abdolqader Nakhjavani to name a few and the contemporary poet Ostad Mohammad Hossein Shahriyar.Error processing SSI file

The mountainous township of Ahar can be said to be as one of the oldest sections of East Azarbaijan. The center of which being the city of Ahar located 103 km. northeast of Tabriz. Ahar experiences cold and snowy winters and moderate summers. Dense forests cover a major portion of its valleys and the Ahar Chay River flows through this vicinity. This sector being of importance both politically and from the military point of view has proved to be historically sound too. In the early 3rd century A.H., this territory was for twenty years one of the bloodiest battlefield between Babak Khorram Din and the Arab warriors.
During the reign of the Qajar Dynasty, the city of Ahar was the center of command of Abbas Mirza (the Crown Prince of Fathali Shah) being the commander of Iranian forces during the Iran-Russian war.Error processing SSI file

Bonab is situated southwest of Tabriz and the east coast of the Orumieh Lake. Its capital city Bonab is approximately 113 km. from Tabriz and 13 km. from the city of Maragheh. Bonab means 'A land in water' or near water. This city was a flourishing one before the Mongol attack, but owed its rebirth to the Safavid era. Its historical, economical and social advancement was influenced mainly by the city of Maragheh.Error processing SSI file

This township lies in the skirts of the Sahand Mountains with cold winters, moderate springs and summers. The capital is Bostan Abad which lies 55 km. east of the city of Tabriz. Furthermore, Bostan Abad is located north of the archaic and historical city of Ojan. Due to its ideal environment and climate Ojan was said to be the summer residing quarters during the period of the Ilkhanan Mongol, which then by the passage of time was totally ruined.Error processing SSI file

The township of Haris is located in the eastern sector of the province. Haris is 98 km. from Tabriz. It is one of the most fertile regions in this province. To the north of which are the mountains of Qooshadaq, Bozqoosh and Sahand. The summers of Haris being moderate and winters are cold. Haris is one of the historical regions of the province, and according to the records during the reign of Qazan Khan Mongol was extremely a prosperous area. A few ancient relics are found here too. Carpet weaving in Haris and in its surrounding rural areas has won both national and international fame.Error processing SSI file

This township is to the southeast of Tabriz, its capital city being Hashtrood is 122 km. far from Tabriz. This vicinity has a rural setting with 8 important rivers flowing through this area (as its name suggests Hasht means eight and Rood means river). Hashtrood has a variable climate, a part of its western sector, being mountainous and cold, part of its central portions are moderate. The remnants of the famous Castle of Zahak are situated here, and earthenware related to much before the birth of Christ have been found in this territory. This castle was in use during the Esmaili reign.Error processing SSI file

This township is in the northwest of the province and the Aras River flows through the north of which, near the borders of Iran and the Republic of Azarbaijan and Armenia. Jolfa, which is the capital city of the township, is located 150 km. from Tabriz. It has warm summers and moderate winters due to its relief, rainfall and vegetation are scanty.Error processing SSI file

This mountainous township is located to the northeast of this province. Its capital city Kalibar is situated in a beautiful valley, 45 km. from Ahar and 148 km. from Tabriz. Being under the influence of climatic conditions from the Caspian Sea, most of its higher areas are usually foggy. Kalibar also has forest areas and the Aras River flows through the north of this vicinity. The famous castle of Babak or Jomhori stands at an altitude of 2,600 m. west of Kalibar.Error processing SSI file

The township of Malekan is located in the south-western limits of the province of East Azarbaijan  and West Azarbaijan and the province of Kurdestan within 10 km. of the Lake Orumieh. In the south of Malekan is the remains of the historical city of Leilan. Malekan was a thriving and flourishing region due to its position in the communication network between Tabriz and East Azarbaijan to Kurdestan and West Azarbaijan. Further more, its fertile soil proves excellent for gardening and agricultural purposes. The main agricultural products are dried fruits, fruits, vines and cereal products. Its weather is cold in winters, warm and moderate in summers.Error processing SSI file

Marand lies northwest of the province and is semi mountainous. The historical city of Marand is 71 km. from Tabriz, having cold winters and moderate summers. Marand has been famous from long past such as the Assyrian and Kaldeh when it was a center of importance. It is narrated as being a place of burial of the prophet Noah. Its name is derived from the Pahlavi word Madvand meaning the 'living place' of the Medes. This area has also been subject to upheavals in the past.Error processing SSI file

The township of Maragheh is located to the south of Tabriz and in the southern slopes of the Sahand Mountains. The historical city of Maragheh is 126 km. from the center of the province and has variable climate, such as in the higher areas being of mountainous type, and in the regions around the Orumieh lake being warm. Throughout history, this city has been brought plenty of upheavals such as the battles of Babak Khorram Din against the Arabs. In the year 628 A.H., when it fell into the hands of the Mongols, in the year 656 A.H. become the center of command under Hollakoo Khan Mongol. The remains of the famous observatory which is reputed in the world stands here from these times.Error processing SSI file

Mianeh lies in the eastern most region of the province between the Bozqoosh and Qaflan Kooh mountain ranges. Mianeh stands 170 km. southeast of Tabriz. It has a warm Mediterranean climate with a maximum annual temperature of 19° C on an average.Error processing SSI file

Sarab is located east of the province of East Azarbaijan  and towards the Province of Ardabil. Its capital, Sarab city is 636 km. from Tehran, 130 km. from Tabriz to the east of Bostan Abad. This township rests amongst the high mountains of Bozqoosh and Sahand. It has a mountainous and moderate climate, with extremely cold winters and pleasant summers. Sarab being one of the oldest towns of this province bears ancient monuments. Due to the surrounding volcanoes, mineral water is in abundance.Error processing SSI file

The township of Shabestar is northwest of Tabriz and its capital city Shabestar is 60 km. northwest of Tabriz. It is en route on the railway line running between the city of Tabriz and Turkey, and is a part of the hilly region of Mishoo and northwest of the Lake Orumieh. It experiences hot temperate summers and cold, moderate winters. During the Safavid era the famous passage of Tabriz - Tarabuzan passed through this city. Shabestar is noted to be one of the oldest cities of the province of East Azarbaijan. Reputed personalities such as Sheikh Mahmood Shabestari, Sheikh Mohammad Khiyabani and Mirza Ali Akbar Mo'jez Shabestari are from this area.Error processing SSI file

The city of Tabriz is situated 619 km. northwest of Tehran and 150 km. from the borders of Iran and the Republic of Azarbaijan. This city is generally cold but due to its environment the climate is extremely pleasant. Rivers such as Ajy Chay Liqvan Chay, Maidan Chay and Soofian Chay flow through this area. In an inscription related to Sangar II one of the Assyrian rulers 714 BC, the name of Tabriz has been mentioned in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD when the city of Tabriz was of great importance.
For the first time in the 4th century A.H., the Raavadian family proclaimed Tabriz as their capital. During the said period and the Mongol reign, Tabriz experienced many earthquakes causing it to become a ruined city. But after the Mongol conquests this city was made capital by 'Abaqakhan' of the Ilkhanan. During the reign of 'Mahmood Qazan' (694 A.H.) the city thrived. Mosques such as Alishah, Robe Rashidy, and Shonab Qazan were constructed during this period. During the Safavid dynasty Tabriz was the capital of Iran. The Kabood Mosque is a relic from the time of the Turkamans. In later centuries Tabriz has been the seat of great warriors facing the Ottomans and Russians.Personalities such as Sattar Khan and Baqer Khan in their fight against despotism are on historical record. In the year 1911 AD., Sheikh Mohammad Khiyabani (one of the clergymen) revolted against the colonialist policies of the British government. The Islamic revolution owes its success partly, because of the participation of the people of Tabriz and their heroic deeds.Error processing SSI file

The former Shah Goli or the present Eil Goli (the Shah's pool) is one of the recreational areas of Tabriz and Iran located to the north east of Tabriz. The initial date of construction is not specified but this edifice has been repaired in the year 1970 according to the former lines of architecture.

These are the remnants of the ancient edifices from the period of the Ilkhanians. Robe Rashidy was the center of scholars and the learned people of those times.

This building is located in the downtown of Tabriz in the famous Clock (Sa'at) Square. This structure was constructed in the year 1933 A.D. under German supervision before World War II. The stony edifice is constructed on a ruined and ancient graveyard. There is a tower with a four sided clock on this building and at present is the municipality building of Tabriz.

Located 11 km. on the Ahar - Kalibar Road and is one of the evidences from the Sassanid era.Error processing SSI file

This castle is located 5 km. southwest of Kalibar, at 2,600 m. above sea level. Surrounding the castle are valleys and only access to this structure is through a narrow track. It was from this castle that Babak Khorram Din and his followers fought against the Arabs for 22 years. Historical evidences show that this castle was the center of rule in the 6th and 7th century A.H., of the territory. This castle has been repaired by The Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran.

The castle is located south of Pol-e-Dokhtar of Mianeh and the caravansary or ancient inn of Jamal Abad, one of the masterpieces of architecture.

Located on a height, 26 km. west of Varzegan, this castle belongs to pre-Islamic period and was also utilized after Islam.Error processing SSI file

This castle is on the fringes of the Aras River, in the village of Kordasht and is related to the Qajar era.

This castle is located 25 km. southeast of Ahar at a height region, dating back to the Sassanid period. It is built of stone, brick and gypsum, having a tall tower.Error processing SSI file

Located 13 km. from Kalibar and is related to the Parthian era. It is 18 km. from the Babak Castle.Error processing SSI file

This castle is one of the most important and valuable historical monuments of Ahar. Located on a high mountain 3,000 m. in altitude, this castle has high, rocky ramparts. The only access to this castle is by the 220 stony steps.Error processing SSI file

This castle has also been constructed on the mountains and during the Safavid era was used as a prison for political opponents. The architecture of this castle is unique on its own and worth mentioning.Error processing SSI file

This ancient fort is located on a high, stony hillock 26 km. north of Marand. To the east of this, huge stone slabs can be observed related to the periods before the birth of Christ.Error processing SSI file

The remnants of the said castle is east of the Khorassanak station on the railway line running between Tehran and Tabriz. This castle dates back to some centuries BC, but during the Esmaili reign was repaired and utilized. The said castle was most probably a watch-post of the times before being used for residential purposes.

The castle is situated 28 km. east of Ajabsheer on the eastern banks of the Lake Orumieh. According to historical evidences, this castle dates back to pre-Islamic period.Error processing SSI file

Besides the above mentioned castles, there are other castles in the province of East Azarbaijan, such as the Qizlar Qalasi Castle 20 km. southwest of Maragheh, the 'Aaq Gonbad' Castle in the Islamic Island, the 'Aabi Qalesi' and 'Ismaili Kandi' Castle in Haris, the Herati Castle in Khamneh to name a few.Error processing SSI file

This dome is noted for its beauty, being a ten-sided prism like in shape. It is said to be the tomb of the mother of Hollakoo. This structure dates back to the 6th and 7th century A.H.Error processing SSI file

The architecture of this dome is very interesting and resembles a watch-tower. It has been constructed on very simple lines and could be said to be a defense tower. Like the dome, the doorway of this structure has colorful decorations.

Dated 670-738 A.H. he is reputed for his famous poem 'Jaam-e-Jam'. It is located in the midst of a verdant garden close to the building of Cultural Heritage Directorate.Dated 670-738 A.H. he is reputed for his famous poem 'Jaam-e-Jam'. It is located in the midst of a verdant garden close to the building of Cultural Heritage Directorate.

This dome is from the 7th century A.H. and is square shaped.

This is the tomb of the great Gnostic and creator of the famous poem 'Golshan-e-Raz'. The said tomb is located in the city center in a garden called 'Golshan'.

The tomb of this great and famous Gnostic of the 7th and 8th century A.H. is located in downtown of Ahar and has several sections.

Maqbaratol Shoara or the Poets Tomb is to the east of the mausoleum of Seyed Hamzeh. This is where famous personalities such as scholars (both in the field of literature and art) are laid to rest. Such as Homam Tabrizy, Khaqani Shirvani, Asadii-e-Toosi, Abol Alla Falaki, Zahirudin Faryabi, Anvari Abiverdi, Qatran Tabrizy, Sheikh Mohammad Khiyabani, Seqatol Islam, and the contemporary famous poet of Iran, Ostad Mohammad Hossein Shahriyar.

This is one of the most ancient tombs of the city known as Qermezi Gonbad. Its oriental architecture is worth mentioning.

There are numerous Tombs (or shrines) in the Province of East Azarbaijan besides those mentioned above. Some of which are Vahsoodan va Mamlan, Dameshqiyeh, Jamal, Molla Bashi and Ilkhchi in Tesooj city of Shabestar, etc.

Located on the Aras River, near a place called Khoda Afarin, two bridges were constructed. The first is 160 m. in length and dates back to the 6th century A.H. (Saljuqian period). The second is 120 m. in length and is related to the Safavid era. The foundations of the former is in stone and the bridge itself of brick. The latter was constructed with sculptured stone and a combination of gypsum and limestone.Error processing SSI file

This inscription is on a rock in the Zaqan Mountains 12 km. north of Sarab (Razliq). It consists of 16 lines. The same dates to the time of Argishti II (685-730 BC) son of RussaiI.Error processing SSI file

This engraving is in the Zaqi Mountains, 2 km. east of Varezgan (Ahar). The length of this engraving being 115 cm and the width 47 cm having 10 lines inscribed on it. This inscription is related to Saardoo II, son of 'Argishti I (330-750 BC). It narrates the historical fact that after an attack to the mountainous region of Polow Adri and the opening of gateways of 21 castles, 44 or 45 cities were captured within one day.Error processing SSI file

This is the third recognized engraving of Orartooie', and is in East Azarbaijan  in a village with the same name. This is also in the Cuneiform script and in the Orartooie language dating back to Argishti period, son of Russai the sixth commander of 'Orartooie ' in the years 680-713 BC.Error processing SSI file

This structure is the remnants of the Qajar period and is on the list concerning Cultural Heritage.Error processing SSI file

This ancient building or 'house' was the gathering place for the constitutional revolutionary leaders. In the year (1868 A.D.) this building was constructed by the leader of the movement “Haj Mehdi Koozeh Kanani”.

Besides above, there are other ancient houses too such as 'Harirchi House' Tabriz, Sharbat Zadgan house, Tajer Bashi house, Doctor Ganjehie house, Mirza Hassan Vayiz house to name a few.Error processing SSI file

The ancient Bazaar of Ahar, is adorned in a spectacular fashion, with specific plaster moldings and unique oriental design. The bazaar is composed of various sections and has been repaired during the Qajar period.

This bazaar is one of the historical, largest and beautiful bazaars in Iran and the Middle East. Its excellent and fine architecture displays the commercial and oriental mode of life. The aggregate of this Bazaar consists of various sections.

This structure is in the village of Aqmiyoon 8 km. north of Sarab; at present only the stone foundations of which have been remained. Originally, the structure was a fire-temple of the Sassanid era, and during the Islamic period has become similar to a shrine. There is a tomb on an elevation in the center, well known as 'Imamzadeh Hassan' relative to the year (708 A.H.).Error processing SSI file

This temple is 6 km. southeast of Maragheh in the village of Varjooy. This temple is below ground level (and has been dug out in the earth) having only one entrance. In the 8th century A.H. it was approximately prone to some architectural changes. This historical temple is an extremely valuable relic from the point of view of art and engravings.Error processing SSI file

The remnants of this Sassanid fire-temple is full of ashes which the inhabitants use as a fertilizer. It is located in Gray hill northeast of the city.Error processing SSI file

This school is near the Jame' Mosque of Tabriz and is a relic from the 11th century A.H. built by Haj Talib Khan Tabrizy.Error processing SSI file

Besides the above there are numerous other schools in the area, such as Zahiriyeh, Ouch Keozli, Millee, Nasriyeh, Molla Bashi, Sadeqiyeh, Kazemiyeh, etc.Error processing SSI file

It is one of the oldest towers in the city, which dates back to about100 years ago. Its structure has architectural value.Error processing SSI file

The Qarlooja tower is located in the same village and is a remnant from the Mongol Reign. This tower like the Atash Neshani Tower is on historical record by The Cultural Heritage Organization in Iran.Error processing SSI file

This ancient bath of Kordasht (Kalibar) is located in the village of Kordasht, and from the point of view of internal arrangement and wall paintings is spectacular. Water for the bath is obtained from the Aras River and after being warmed finds its way to different pools within the bath. This bath is over two centuries old and is under ground level.

Other ancient baths that can be named are the public bah of "Khameneh" in Shabestar and "Amir Kabir" Public Bath in the village of 'Turkaman Chay' in Mianeh.Error processing SSI file

This graveyard is to the north of the village of Qadamgah and some of the tombstones display the dates from the 7th and 8th centuries A.H.Error processing SSI file

This historical graveyard is in the village of Panbeh Shalvar 6 km. south east of Tabriz. From inscriptions on the graves it can be noted that famous and reputed people were buries here in the 7th, 8th, and 9th centuries A.H. The grave of Soltan Ovais II (of the Ilkhani Dynasty) who ruled for 73 years in Iraq and East Azarbaijan is here.Error processing SSI file

Qobol Darahsi has been located at one km. from Chonab Village of Hourand, opposite the Hashtsar Mountain. It is narrated that this place was the main residential place of Babak Khorram Din. Considering the versatile natural, historical and environmental aspects, visiting this area would be an unforgettable experience.Error processing SSI file

Other graveyards are 'Peer Heyran' (Azar Shahr), Isfanjan in (Oskoo), Kaj Jan, Khosrow shah, Oshtabeen (Kalibar) and Hiq in (Haris) to mention a few.Error processing SSI file

The said mosque dates back to the Saljuqi and Atabakan periods and is an excellent and interesting piece of architecture. In the inscriptions here the date (1052 A.H.) can be noted.Error processing SSI file

This great edifice is the remnants of the mosque built in the years 716-724 A.H., by the Minister of Soltan Mohammad Khodabandeh and Abu Sa'eed Bahador Khan. In those times it was tile-worked with marble columns and inscriptions. Later on it came down to ruins. In the year 1320 A.H. (1941 AD), its courtyard was turned into a public park known as Baq-e-Melli or national garden. To which a few buildings such as official buildings and a hall have been added. But these in recent years have been demolished and the courtyard is now used as a place for Friday prayers in the city of Tabriz.Error processing SSI file

This mosque is located in the village of Asnaq. It has stone pillars and beautiful inscription. This mosque is one of the relics of the 8th century A.H.Error processing SSI file

The mosque of Jamal Abad village has fine, majestic pillars reaching to a height of 536 cm. adorned with decorative designs. The ceiling of this mosque is made of wood. The wood works seen here can be related to the Teimoorid and Safavid periods.Error processing SSI file

This structure is the remnants of the Turkamans in the year 870 A.H. The mosque was destroyed by the earthquake in the year 1192 A.H. and only the gateway remained as an excellent piece of architecture. The building of the mosque became under interest in 1310 A.H. and in 1318-1319 Shamsi (1939-1940) and after the Islamic Revolution, its northern facade was reconstructed.

Most probably originally this mosque was a fire-temple in Sassanid era. Due to upheavals this fire-temple was converted into a church. After the victory of the Muslims, the same was changed into a mosque in the 3rd century A.H. This mosque has oriental and spectacular architecture.Error processing SSI file

This mosque is from the Safavid era and has excellent oriental architectural display with numerous pillars.Error processing SSI file

This mosque has fine and suitable areas for nocturnal prayers both in summer and winter. From the architectural point of view including artistic measures it is extremely interesting. This structure is one of the very first to be erected during the reign of Shah Tahmasb end of 10th century A.H.Error processing SSI file

This mosque is one without minarets is a relic of the 9th century A.H., and has three altars, one of which is most beautiful with spectacular tile works.Error processing SSI file

 It is one of the historical mosques of the area. Throughout the ages this mosque has flourished and today is the seat of theology and place for religious ceremonies.Error processing SSI file

In Tark Village there is an old mosque with external facade adorned with sculptured stones.Error processing SSI file

It is one of the ancient religious relics. This mosque has 24 pillars and 35 brick arches. On its entrance there is a stone on which an inscription with 'Tholth' script has been written which belongs to 10th century A.H. of Safavid era.Error processing SSI file

Besides the above there are numerous other mosques in the area, such as Hajat mosques in Tabriz, Ajabshir Jame Mosque in Ajabshir, Ainaly Mosque in Tabriz, Mianeh Jame Mosque in Mianeh, etc.Error processing SSI file