Heris

Heris is a city in the Central District of Heris County, East Azarbaijan Province, Iran, serving as the capital of both the county and the district.

Geography and Climate of Heris

The area of Heris County is about 2,300 square kilometers covering 3.2% of the total area of the province. Nearly 70% of the lands of this city are plains and the other 30% are mountainous areas. The lowest points of the ciouny are about 1,500 meters high, and the highest point is 3,143 meters above sea level. Bozghush, Sabolagah, Aqdagh, and Qashadagh mountains are among the important heights of the county.

The weather in this county is cold and icy in winter and mild in summer. The existing plains and climatic conditions have made agriculture flourish in Heris, such that agriculture, horticulture, and producing summer products (melon, watermelon, etc.) are known as its main economic activities. Wheat, barley, fodder, beans, onions, and potatoes are the most important agricultural products of the region. Spring and autumn rains, along with winter snow melt and natural springs, are the main sources of Heris water supply. Talkheh Rud is considered the most important river of the county. Heris is one of the nomadic summer areas.

History of Heris

Heris has been mentioned in Rab’-e Rashidi's endowment letter, which is a detailed description of the properties and administration of this old university. It can, therefore, be concluded that in the 14th century AD (7th and 8th centuries AH) there were large and prosperous settlements in the area known today as Heris County. The historical monuments from the Ilkhanate era (1256 to 1356 AD) are signs of its historical importance.

Natural and Historical Attractions

There are many natural attractions throughout Heris County. These attractions make Heris a suitable and attractive destination for nature lovers.

Shirlan (Shiran) waterfall is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level and on the northeastern edge of Shiran-Kandi Village. The height of the waterfall is about 12 meters and its catchment is a pond with clear water, which becomes a suitable place for swimming in the hot seasons.

One of the strangest areas of Heris is the Aqqum tourist area in the village of Minaq. This area is like a desert in the midst of green hills, with hills covered with wind-blown sand, where there is no trace of vegetation. There is also an old cemetery in Minaq.

Saplaq tourist area is located on a green plain in the north of the county and is three kilometers away from Heris City. The growth of plant species specific to this region doubles its beauty in spring.

Goravan Waterfall is located in a village with the same name. Despite its low height, the waterfall is located in a beautiful and pleasant area, and visiting it can be very soothing and memorable.

The artificial lake of the Param earthen dam, 25 km northeast of Heris, is one of the other natural attractions and resorts of this county.

There is a spring in Mount Akuzdaghi of Hiq Village - one of the historical villages of the region, which also houses a very old cemetery - the water of which is prescribed for treating kidney diseases. Every year when the weather warms up, the Shahsavan nomads migrate to the slopes of this mountain and settle in the three places that are marked for them. All kinds of medicinal plants grow on the slopes of this mountain.

The mausoleum of Sheikh Ishaq is one of the most famous historical monuments of Heris County, which is located in the Khangah Village of Khanmroud Rural District. The building of this mausoleum dates back to the Safavid era (16th century AD). The location of Sheikh Ishaq’s mausoleum next to Mount Akuzdaghi has doubled the pleasure of visiting it. This building was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1999 AD.

There are many natural attractions throughout Heris County. These attractions make Heris a suitable and attractive destination for nature lovers.