The complex includes different commercial, religious, cultural, health, sports, hygienic and residential functions; the complex including many houses for local and non-local traders is the masterpiece of Iranian architecture.

Architectural styles, arches, high domes, extensive variety of interconnected brick structures, shops order, inns and Timchehes, and different occupations have made this market an outstanding testimony to trading, exchange and Islamic and oriental life setting.

Bazaar elements have being named in many different ways: sometimes the profession, the name of founder, the location and market place,  the traders' home and  religion and the size and shape of place considered as the basis of naming.

The Tabriz bazaar complex is composed of different sections: orders, corridors, Sera (Khan), inn, Timcheh, Char Soo, Square, market, tomb, mosque, bath, school, Hussainia, gym, library, museum, ice house, and bridge.

The largest section is the dome of Amir Timcheh and the most beautiful one is Mozaffariyeh Timcheh.

The width of the market varies between four to five meters and its roof height is from five to six meters, which is shorter than the roof of markets in tropical regions.

As one of the most beautiful and largest interconnected markets, Tabriz Bazaar is an evidence for the originality of trade and architecture in the East.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1346

The construction of the Jame’ (Grand) Mosque of Tabriz (East Azarbaijan province) dates back to the Seljuk period up to the Qajar period.

The Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz, also known as the “Friday Mosque”, which is also referred to in historical books as the “Kabiri Jame’”, is located in the middle of Tabriz Bazaar. This historical, rectangular mosque has two entrances and a large shabestan and its arches and domes are placed on octagonal brick columns decorated with delicate and artistic plaster works.

The mehrab or niche of the mosque is high and decorated with plaster works and its high dome is decorated with various mosaic tiles. There are two inscriptions in this mosque one of which is the decree of the Safavid king, Shah Sultan Hossein, and the other one is the narration of a dream by Shah Tahmasb I. The basement of the mosque and the old prayer hall - and its niche - of this ancient building, contain traces of colored plaster works, which belong to the Seljuk and Ilkhanate eras.

The current building of the mosque, which was formerly of one porch and another one was added to it later on, is built entirely of brick and plaster. In fact, the current Jame’ Mosque consists of four interconnected mosques namely “The Great Hojjat al-Islam Mosque, The Small Hojjat al-Islam Mosque, The Ismail Khan Qoli Mosque, and The Alchaq Mosque, which together form the Jame’ Mosque.

Presently, part of the yard of the Jame’ Mosque has been turned into a library and rooms of seminary students and it is considered one of the centers for the religious sciences of the city.

Clock towers are one of the most important symbols of modern cities and usually a large clock is installed in the main squares of the city to tell everyone the time. Such a clock was also created in one of the localities of Tabriz, which has come to be known as “Sa’at Square”.

This square is located in one of the old and central areas of the city of Tabriz and many historical monuments of the city are located around it. Therefore, visiting this scenic square as the starting point for going around the historical city of Tabriz can create a unique memory for tourists.

Nomenclature

As the name clearly suggests, Sa’at Square is a place where a clock is placed on a high tower to inform the people of the time. This clock tower, also known as the “Municipal Building”, has a four-faced clock facing the four main directions of the city. This clock was brought from England in the 1930s.

History of Sa’at Square of Tabriz

The place where Clock Square is located today was a cemetery that had been abandoned about 100 years before the construction of the Clock Tower. In 1935 AD, the municipality of Tabriz put forward a plan to make a building in this area as its headquarters. The implementation of this plan lasted for four years under the supervision of German engineers, and finally, the Clock Tower, or the “Municipality Building was completed in 1939. Presently, after several decades since its construction, this building is used as a museum, a place to hold public meetings of the city council of Tabriz, and a venue for receiving high-ranking guests of Tabriz municipality. Tabriz Municipality Museum is located in the basement of this palace, which has various sections for displaying old equipment related to photography, sound recording and broadcasting, and printing and publishing. Being known as the “City of the First”, Tabriz was the first city to receive world-class equipment in many fields. For this reason, parts of the museum have been dedicated to displaying equipment such as the first fire engines or the first taxi in Iran.

Tabriz Clock Tower has been built over an area of 9600 square meters with an infrastructure of nearly 6500 square meters and on three floors. The height of this tower stands at nearly 30 meters. The clock installed at the top of this tower can be seen from distant places and rings at every hour.

The northern and eastern sides of the exterior façade of the Clock Tower are made of carved stones and the southern and western sides of a combination of brick and stone. In the design of the tower, German engineers have left certain pre-World War II architectural symbols of their country on this building. For instance, the general design of the building resembles an eagle with open wings, which was one of the symbols of this country at that time.

Until 1945 AD, Sa’at Square had the shape of a crossroads, but thereafter a square was created and a bust of Baqer Khan, the national hero of Azarbaijan and one of the leaders of the struggle of the constitutionalists of this region against the tyranny of the Qajar dynasty, was installed in the middle of it. Later on, during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi the statue of Baqer Khan was removed and replaced by his. During the course of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the statue of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was pulled down by people and after the victory of the Revolution, the shape of the square was changed to what it looks today and can be used for people’s gatherings.

Sa’at Square is one of the busiest squares of Tabriz and has been the central point of most of the events in the contemporary history of this city. In addition to being quite close to numerous historical monuments, its proximity to modern shopping centers and the use of this square to hold religious and national events such as Nowruz make visiting this square a pleasant experience for tourists.

Sa’at Square of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1998.

The Clock Tower of Tabriz, also known as the “Municipal Building”, has a four-faced clock facing the four main directions of the city. This clock was brought from England in the 1930s.

There are several churches in Tabriz, of which the Saint Mary Church is the oldest and largest. This Armenian Apostolic Church is the main venue where Iranian Armenians hold their national religious ceremonies. Only Armenians can have the membership of this church and people play an important role in its administrative structure.

History of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

There are several tombstones around this place of worship, some of which date back to the 16th century AD. However, the presence of a portal at the entrance and the arches that have unique decorations strengthen the speculations about the construction of the church in the 13th or 14th centuries AD (coinciding with the rule of the Ilkhanate Mongols in Iran).

There is a small marble inscription at the entrance of the church, on which the date 1782 AD is written in Aramaic script. This date is related to the reconstruction of the church after the Tabriz earthquake in 1780 AD. In this incident, the church was almost completely destroyed. Today’s church was built on top of the previous structure and following its previous plan; although certain architectural principles of the Safavid era were also used. The reconstruction operation took three years and ended in 1785 AD.

Features and Architectural Style of Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

The entrance of the church has eight stone pillars that together form a room-like space. Both bells of the church have been placed on these eight pillars.

The tree-filled courtyard of the church is the first sight that attracts attention after entering it. The first printing press of Tabriz was installed in this place by a person named Stepanos Mokhtarian the bishop of the Armenians of Azarbaijan, in 1889 AD to print the educational books of the Aramiyan school.

This church was built in a special style of Armenian architecture. This architectural style is more than 4500 years old, invented by Armenians, and evolved over the centuries. Of course, some parts of the building are somewhat different from the principles of Armenian architecture, which shows that the Saint Mary Church of Tabriz has been restored or some parts were added to it in different eras. This fact can also be recognized from the difference in the materials used. While the walls and columns of the church are made of stone and brick, and its arch is made of brick, its exterior has been made of unhewn stone and lime.

The general shape of the church is cruciform and four thick columns can be seen in it, which hold the central dome. Beautiful paintings can be seen on all four columns, two of which are older than the others. Paintings of Saint Mary, Jesus Christ, apostles, and Christian saints can be seen on the walls of the church. The paintings are designed on canvas using oil paint and in a European style.

Armenian Museum of the Saint Mary Church of Tabriz

The Armenian Museum, which contains historical artifacts and objects related to Armenians, is located in a part of the church. Since this museum is managed under the supervision of the Armenian Diocese of Azarbaijan, it is also called “Museum of the Armenian Diocese of Azarbaijan”.

Printed and manuscript books written in Persian, Armenian, and Arabic languages are among the most important objects in this museum. 35 volumes of these books are written in Armenian language in Hebrew script and on deer skin. Khamsa of Nizami, Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi, Me’raj al-Nabuwah, and the translation of the Holy Bible into Armenian are among the exquisite books of the museum.

All kinds of gems, coins, statues, ornaments, fabrics, tables and chairs, old crosses, the attire of Armenian bishops, royal crowns, scrolls and edicts, paintings, weapons, scepters, and copper, silver, and clay dishes are among the other objects put on display in this museum.

The Saint Mary Church of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2002.

The Saint Mary Church of Tabriz is the main venue where Iranian Armenians hold their national religious ceremonies.

Located in the north of Tabriz, this mountainous area comprises several peaks, hills, and valleys. Since the tomb of Aun ibn Ali is located on this mountain, it is called “Aun ibn Ali” Mountain the short form of which is “Eynali”. Having many recreational facilities and new attractions, this mountain is considered one of the main tourist spots of Tabriz. Although it is less visited in winter, because of its cold weather, this site is full of local and other tourists in summer.

Where is Eynali Mountain of Tabriz Located?

Eynali Mountain is located in the north of Tabriz City and on the northern ring road of this city (Pasdaran Highway). The red soil of this mountain has doubled its grandeur and charm. This mountain is a part of the Sorkhab Mountain Range, and neighbors the Talkheh River (Aji Chai), Urmia Lake, and the Ahar valleys in the north, the Kohlik Spring (Kohlik Bolaghi) in the east, the Tabriz airport in the south, and the new urban areas of this city in the west.

Sightseeing Places of Eynali Mountain

The height of the highest peak of the Eynali Mountain is 1960 meters. One of the most beautiful sights of this region is the view of the residential areas of Tabriz city, which is very spectacular, especially at night. In recent years, in order to make the environment of Eynali Mountain more attractive, many trees have been planted in a large part of it and some recreational and sports facilities have been created in it. Structuring a training rock for rock climbers, building an artificial waterfall, and creating statues of Shahriar (the great Iranian poet of Tabriz) and several celebrities of Tabriz are other activities that have been carried out in this area in recent years.

There is also an ostrich breeding farm near Eynali Mountain of Tabriz, which is open to tourists.

The Statue of Azim Gheychisaz

There is a statue of Azim Cheychisaz, an Iranian Himalayan climber and one of the legends of Iranian mountaineering on the road leading to Eynali Mountain. Gheychisaz is the 18th person who has conquered all 14 Eight-thousanders of the world without using any supplemental oxygen and without being accompanied by Sherpa people.

Eynali Cable Car

This cable car was started in 2011. The length of the cable car facility is more than 1400 meters, which starts from the slopes of the mountain and ends at the highest point of Eynali Mountain. There is a plan to expand this facility in the future. By riding this cable car, tourists can see Tabriz in its entirety. Once the remaining phases of the Eynali cable car facility are inaugurated, it will make it the longest cable car system in Iran.

The original building of the tomb of Aun ibn Ali dates back to the Ilkhanate era (14th century AD). It is said that Aun and Zayd, two sons of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first imam of the Shiites, are buried in this tomb. According to some historians, there was a fire temple in this place before the advent of Islam, which was then converted into a mosque and shrine.

The tomb was almost completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1193 AH (1779 AD) but was rebuilt in the last years of the 13th century AH (late 19th century AD). A memorial place has been created for eight unidentified martyrs of the Iran-Iraq war next to the tombs of Aun and Zayd. This memorial place, the construction of which was completed in 2006, has been built according to the traditional architectural principles of Tabriz city and by complying with some famous buildings of this city.

Eynali Wind Farm

A wind farm with a capacity of 1.98 megawatts of electricity was inaugurated in Eynali Mountain in the year 2009. This power plant, whose number of turbines is going to increase in the coming years, is a manifestation of the coexistence of modern man with nature in this region. This power plant is active most days of the year.

Having many recreational facilities and new attractions, Eynali Mountain is considered one of the main tourist spots of Tabriz.

Situated in the northwestern region of Iran, Tabriz has had a leading role in the foundation of many rather modern establishments in Iran it is the reason that Tabriz is also called the “City of Firsts”. The first municipality of Iran was established in Tabriz and subsequently, many city services, such as the fire department, were established in this city for the first time. The Tabriz Fire Tower, which is located in the central areas of this city is reminiscent of the first fire station in Iran. This brick tower is called “Yanqin” in the Azari language.

Tabriz Fire Station was the first one to be established in Iran. This fire station was built in 1844 AD under the supervision of Russians. Later on, the second and third fire stations were established in southern cities of Iran to provide relief to oil refinery establishments.

Features of Tabriz Fire Tower

This fire tower the construction of which dates back to 1917 AD i.e. the Qajar era (19th century) is 23 meters high. The tower looks circular on the inside, but it is octagonal on the outside. A spiral staircase is the access route to the top of the tower. The firefighting station of Tabriz, which was the first firefighting station in Iran, had been established in 1832.

At that time, Tabriz's fire department was equipped with advanced equipment and could reach the place of fire as soon as the warning was issued. Using the equipment at their disposal, the firemen filled their tanks from the nearby reservoirs for extinguishing the fire. Since using automated vehicles was not so common at that time, several barrels filled with water were placed on the carriages that were located at the fire station to be used for attending to the accident incidents.

Some of the equipment used by the Tabriz fire station, including the copper hand pumps that two people used to stand on both sides to pump water are now kept in the Tabriz Firefighters’ Museum.

Functionality of Tabriz Fire Tower

The main function of the fire tower was observation. In the distant past, when the means of communication were not very advanced, a watchman from the top of the tower would monitor the entire city, so that in case of a fire or an accident, he would ring a big bronze bell installed in the tower and send the firefighters to the scene of the accident. The sound of this bell was so loud that the whole city would be aware of an incident and, if needed, they would rush to help the victims. The eight skylights of the tower in different directions allowed the observer to see every part of the city.

The height of the tower also made it possible for the public to see it from different parts of the city. Therefore, a lamp was ignited on the top of the tower so that the city center could be shown to travelers from a distance, and in the event of an accident, people could quickly attend to it. For this reason, some people had given the title of “Tabriz Lighthouse” to this tower. Although this tower is not functional today, its height and magnanimity attract viewers.

Tabriz Fire Tower was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1998.

The Tabriz Fire Tower the construction of which dates back to 1917 AD i.e. the Qajar era (19th century) is 23 meters high and although it looks octagonal on the outside it is circular on the inside.

Perhaps many tourists are interested in choosing cities with historical sites or pleasant weather as their destination. There are, however, some cities, which, in addition to having these features, have also provided modern attractions for tourists to make their trip more enjoyable and memorable. Tabriz, which is known as the most important city in the northeast of Iran, in addition to numerous natural and historical attractions, modern tourist attractions have also been created so that tourists can have pleasant and unforgettable memories by visiting them.

In different countries of the world, miniature parks are considered tourist attractions. These types of parks are usually created in open spaces and the miniature models of important historical sites are put on display in them. In some parks, the scales may be comparatively quite large and the height of some models may be more than 100 meters! Some miniature parks, similar to what can be seen in the Miniature Park of Tabriz, represent the historical monuments and sights of a particular city, but in some miniature parks, buildings and important sights of the world can be seen. The Miniature Park of Tabriz is one of these modern tourist attractions that can provide visitors with an overview of the city of Tabriz and its history at a glance.

History of the Miniature Park of Tabriz

The idea of founding the Miniature Park of Tabriz was proposed in 2011 and, subsequently, a group of 17 people were assigned to simulate the historical sites and tourist attractions of Tabriz city in small dimensions. After the inauguration of this park by unveiling 10 works, the activities of this group continued and the number of simulated works represented in this park began to gradually increase.

Features of the Miniature Park of Tabriz

The structures in the park were built using fiberglass and other materials resistant to moisture, sunlight, and climate change so that, in addition to the resistance of the structures, it would be possible to adapt them to the main places the models of which were being made. Thus, by visiting the Miniature Park of Tabriz, tourists can get to know the shape and features of historical buildings and tourist attractions of Tabriz City.

The height of the models made for this park is rarely more than one meter as a result of which visitors have easy access to subjects for taking photographs. There is a talking board next to each model, that provides the visitors and tourists with the information they want to know about the historical work in several languages.

El Goli Mansion, Tabriz Municipality Palace, Khalat Poushan Tower, Alishah Castle, Maqberat Al-Shoara, Kaboud Mosque, Yanqin Tower, St. Mary’s Church, National Bank Building, Railway Station Building, Cable Bridge, and Governor’s Palace are some the historical sites of Tabriz the models of which can be seen in this park.

The model of the Tabriz fire extinguishers’ tower has been built with a height of nearly two meters with utmost elegance such that part of the model completely resembles the original building. The model of the Tabriz railway, which is built on a plot of land with an area of four square meters and a height of less than one meter, displays one of the main centers of passenger and cargo transportation in Tabriz.

The Kaboud (Blue) Mosque of Tabriz is another model erected in the Miniature Park of Tabriz, representing this important historical site of the city in a unique and beautiful way.

Among the models put on display in this park, the cable bridge model of Tabriz is the tallest one with a height of about four meters.

Where is the Miniature Park of Tabriz Located?

This park is located on Golkar Street and near Analar and Atalar parks. The attractiveness of this park has made the local residents, in addition to tourists, also visit it from time to time. During the academic year, too, many student camps are held in this park.

El Goli Mansion, Tabriz Municipality Palace, Khalat Poushan Tower, Alishah Castle, Maqberat Al-Shoara, Kaboud Mosque, Yanqin Tower, St. Mary’s Church, National Bank Building, Railway Station Building, Cable Bridge, and Governor’s Palace are some the historical sites of Tabriz the models of which can be seen in the Miniature Park of Tabriz.

Every city usually has one or two sites that are referred to as its symbol or symbols. One of the main historical sites of Tabriz, which can be considered the symbol of this city, is “El Goli”; a building that is located in the middle of an artificial lake with the same name.

The story of El Goli

The history of El Goli dates back to the era of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty that ruled parts of Iran, Iraq, Anatolia, Armenia, and today’ Azerbaijan in the middle of the 14th century AD during which El Goli was the biggest source of fresh water in Tabriz. In addition to drinking, the water of this lake was also used for irrigation purposes in the past.

Due to the importance of the city of Tabriz for the Safavid rulers, extensive construction operations were carried out in El Goli during their era (16th century AD). During this period, the trash around the lake was cleaned and a stone wall was built around it. Several years later, during the Qajar era (19th century), streets were created for easier traffic to this area, and extensive tree planting was done on both sides of these streets.

During the Pahlavi era (20th century), El Goli was handed over to Tabriz municipality to become a public park. In the past, El Goli was located outside the urban area of Tabriz, but with the expansion of the city’s borders, it is now located on the southeast edge of this city.

Features of El Goli Lake and Mansion

El Goli Complex has an area of nearly 55 thousand square meters. The lake gets filled by one of the branches of the Liqvan River and can hold about 720 thousand cubic meters of water. The water of the Liqvan River enters the lake in the form of a small stream from the southeast. Artificial waterfalls have been created in the hills situated to the south of the lake, the water of which also flows into the lake.

El Goli mansion looks like a peninsula. This mansion is an octagonal structure that was built by Tabriz Municipality in 1967 AD, replacing the old El Goli building, which was built on one floor using clay and mud and was almost destroyed. Haj Ali Akbar Naderulvojud, who was one of the famous architecture professors of that period, designed and administered the construction of this building. The current building has two floors and is used as a reception hall.

Where is El Goli Located and What Facilities Does It Have?

In the Azari language, “El” means clan or tribe, and “El Goli” means “Tribe’s Lake”. This spectacular attraction is located in the southeast of Tabriz, seven kilometers from the city center. There are some relatively high hills located to the south of the lake that have created pleasant scenery for tourists. Since the El Goli complex is considered one of Tabriz’s recreational areas, many recreational facilities such as cycling, boating, minigolf, camping, sled riding, skating, and walking trails have been arranged for visitors. A street has been made between the southern side of the lake to the mansion to make accessing it easier.

Due to the existence of numerous accommodation places around El Goli and its easy access by subway, this complex can be one of the main destinations for tourists.

El Goli Complex (comprising the lake and the mansion) was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2000.

The first cases of public bathhouses (called Hammam or Garambeh in Persian) were seen in ancient Iran and later on, spread to other countries as well, and public baths were built in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and Southern Europe.

These public bathhouses provided services to men and women in separate shifts every day. Sometimes, twin bathhouses were built in which the parts used by men and women were separated.

Public bathhouses were not merely used for bathing. Until a few decades ago certain special traditions usually related to wedding ceremonies would take place in them, for some people, it was also considered a place of recreation, some used to get together there to talk and have fun by eating snacks and drinking hot drinks. Today, many bathhouses in Iran have been turned into museums (mainly anthropological museums) and places to display the traditions and customs of the local people.

Architecture and Features of Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz

Located in a neighborhood in the middle of the city and opposite the Tabriz Municipal Palace, the use of different geometric shapes is considered one of the characteristics of Nobar Bathhouse. The combination of these forms had made the interior architecture of the bathhouse very special and pleasing. Like many other old bathhouses of Iran, this bathhouse was built next to a caravanserai.

The architectural style of the Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz is similar to other historical bathhouses of Iran, consisting of a “Sarbineh” (dressing area) and a “Garmkhaneh” (washing area). The Sarbineh of this bathhouse is an octagonal space with eight columns. The dome-shaped roof of the bathhouse is mounted on these eight columns, and an arch is formed between each two columns. In the middle of Sarbineh, an octagonal pond was built, which was in alignment with the overall structure of this part of the building. Sarbineh has two entrances: the first is from the main door, which ends in Sarbineh after a long hallway. The purpose of the unusual length of this corridor was to prevent cold air from entering the bathhouse. Keeping the bathhouses warm was very important, especially for a city like Tabriz where the cold season is hard and long. The second entrance to Sarbineh is through a staircase. A coffee house and a shop had been built at the end of this staircase.

The Garmkhaneh, which, unlike Sarbineh, has a square structure and four columns, has a dome-shaped roof and arches built over these columns, which are not round octagonal in shape. A few stone stools can be seen in the bathhouse, which were used for sitting, resting, and changing clothes. Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz has an attractive and pleasant combination of bricks and tiles and beautifully illustrated inscriptions.

History of Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz

The available documents and maps show that the Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz was built about 150 years ago, during the Qajar era. A person by the name of “Balakazem”, who was from Qara Aghaj City, had designed the architecture of this bathhouse. Bricks were used in the main structure, plaster was used in the joists and ceilings, and carved stones were used in the columns and floor, and dados.

The bathhouse has been renovated several times. Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz was turned into a traditional restaurant and the largest of such restaurants in Tabriz and hosted the Naqali and other traditional entertaining programs, which were sometimes performed on the roof of the bathhouse.

The historical Nobar Bathhouse of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1999.

The first cases of public bathhouses (called Hammam or Garambeh in Persian) were seen in ancient Iran and later on, spread to other countries as well, and public baths were built in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and Southern Europe.

Tabriz is one of the important historical and industrial cities of Iran. The variety of its tourist attractions makes it possible for every tourist to enjoy an unforgettable journey. Tabriz has delicious sweets and very beautiful handicrafts and artifacts that can serve as souvenirs. In addition, the existence of great recreational and entertainment facilities creates a memorable trip for every tourist.

There are so many attractions in Tabriz that it may not be possible to visit them all in a few days’ trip. However, knowing the top and most famous tourist attractions of this city can be useful for tourists.

Historical Attractions of Tabriz

The history of Tabriz has been associated with confronting different ethnic groups, fighting against oppression and tyranny, and foreign invasion. The name of this city can be seen in the surviving Assyrian documents from about a thousand years BC. The passage of the Silk Road, which was the most important route for transporting goods between East Asia, Europe, and Africa, made this city prosperous. Tabriz was the capital of several kings in different eras.

In the 19th century, Tabriz was caught in turmoil due to the wars between Iran and Russia. Sometime later, during the struggle against the tyranny of the Qajar kings, this city was the center of the constitutionalists. It was later occupied by the Allied forces during World War II. It is, presently known as one of the most important industrial cities of Iran, and several important industries, including tractor manufacturing, foundry, component manufacturing, and a refinery, are operating in it.

Most of the historical attractions of Tabriz are related to the Qajar era (18th and 19th centuries AD) and the people’s struggle against tyranny. The Constitutional House, which was a gathering place for constitutionalists, Ganjei Zadeh House, Nobar Bathhouse, Fire Brigade Tower or Yanqin Tower, Ali Ali Musyo House, Qari Bridge, the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz, which has been the commercial center of this city since the distant past, comprise some of the historical attractions of this city. The Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz the tiling and brickwork of which represent the architecture of the Seljuk period (1037 to 1194 AD) is located next to its bazaar. Alisha Citadel is also one of the attractions left over from the Ilkhanate era (1256 to 1356 AD).

The Blue Mosque, Il Goli, the Saint Mary Church, the tomb of the poets, the Khal’at Pooshan Tower, and the houses of Parvin Etisami and Shahriar, two great contemporary poets of Iran, are places that are worth visiting.

The Azerbaijan Museum, with its various modern and old artifacts, the Municipal Museum in the Municipal Palace, and the Iron Age Museum, which exhibits artifacts left from more than four thousand years ago, are considered the most spectacular museums in Tabriz.

Natural Attractions of Tabriz

With an altitude of 1390 meters above sea level, Tabriz has a relatively mild climate in the hot seasons and a cold climate in the winter. Except for the western part of Tabriz, other parts of this city are surrounded by mountains, and two rivers named “Aji” and “Quru” pass through it. The annual rainfall of this city is more than 300 mm.

Due to its geographical location, there are many natural attractions in this city and its suburban areas. The historical and stone village of Kandovan, which is located 40 kilometers southwest of this city, was founded more than 700 years ago.

Mount Aun bin Ali or Aynali is another natural attraction of Tabriz. The existence of recreational facilities such as a cable car that provides the opportunity to see all the beauties of Tabriz from the top invites many tourists to this mountain park every year.

Gori Lake of Tabriz has an irregular geometric shape and its water is supplied from the nearby springs and the melting snow of the nearby mountains. The deepest part of this wetland is 13 meters deep. This lake is located at a distance of 45 km from Tabriz.

There are so many attractions in Tabriz that it may not be possible to visit them all in a few days’ trip. However, knowing the top and most famous tourist attractions of this city can be useful for tourists.

Mosque is one of the main social and cultural centers of Islamic cities. In every Iranian city, there is a jame’ mosque, which is the main place for gatherings and holding religious rituals and ceremonies. Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz, which is also known as “Friday Mosque”, and referred to as the “Kabiri Jame’ Mosque” in historical books has been one of the main centers of religious and social activities of this city since its establishment.

History of Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz

The name of the builder and the historical period of the construction of this mosque are not known correctly, but some experts date back its construction to the early Islamic period (7th and 8th centuries AD) while some others believe that it was built during Seljuk era (11th and 12th centuries AD).

The shabestan (nave) of the mosque is probably the oldest part of the building. This nave was built in the Seljuk era. Later, during the rule of the Ilkhanate dynasty (13th and 14th centuries AD), this building was restored and new parts were added to it. The long plastered mihrab (niche) of the mosque is a relic of this period.

A lofty dome was added to the building during the reign of Uzun Hasan (late 16th century AD) of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty. This dome was decorated with beautiful tiles and Seljuq Shah Begum, the wife of Uzun Hasan, supervised its construction. Presently, only a part of the tiling of this part is left.

The massive earthquake that happened in Tabriz in the 19th century (during the Qajar rule), caused extensive damage to this Jame’ Mosque. A few years after this earthquake, this mosque was rebuilt by a person named Hossein Qolikhan Danbali, the then governor of Tabriz. The building that is known today as the Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz is largely the result of this restoration. However, the main building of the mosque, the high arches, and the thick brick foundations of which are still standing, is left over from previous periods.

It seems that the initial structure of the mosque had a single vault, but after the addition of different parts and restorations, it became a double-vaulted mosque.

Architecture of Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz

The overall structure of the building is rectangular. Brick and plaster are the main materials used in its construction. The mosque has two entrances in the northern and southern parts, the northern entrance opens to the courtyard of the mosque, and the southern entrance to a corridor. This corridor, which is called “Alchaq” (meaning short) in the Azari language, was created with the aim of preventing the cold air of winter days get into the mosque.

The length of the structure is about 60 meters and it is divided into two parts, which are 28 and 32 meters long. The southern part has a simple mihrab (niche) made of white marble in the architectural style of Safavid buildings (16th century AD) and it is beautifully designed. There is an inscription written in the Kufic script in the niche of this part, which is related to the Ilkhanate era, in which plaster was commonly used for decorating buildings. Similar decorations can also be seen in the basement and the old prayer hall. Of course, in the course of restorations that have taken place in the mosque in different eras, many of these plaster works have been seriously damaged.

The Jame’ Mosque of Tabriz, which is now one of the major tourist attractions of this city, was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1931.

In the contemporary period, which is considered the era of modernity and all modern cities look more or less similar, the old neighborhoods of historical cities are the symbol of their identity. Usually, in these cities, a few localities that have preserved their authenticity are more prominent than other neighborhoods and create an atmosphere in which tourists can fathom the mood of the old days. Maqsoudiyeh Locality of Tabriz, which is one of the historical cities of Iran, is a neighborhood that houses many historical monuments and welcomes many tourists every year.

History and Features of Maqsoudiyeh Locality

This locality was established during the rule of the Aq Qoyunlu Dynasty and was named “Maqsoud Bieg”, the son of Abu Nasr Uzun Hasan, who was the founder and the most powerful sultan of the Aq Qoyunlu Dynasty and ruled over parts of Iran, Iraq, Eastern Anatolia, Armenia, and the today’s Republic of Azerbaijan. Uzun Hasan began his reign in 1453 AD with Diyarbakir of Iraq as his capital. He, however, changed his capital to Tabriz in 1471 AD. Maqsoudiyeh neighborhood was built when Tabriz was the capital of the Aq Qoyunlu Dynasty.

Despite the fact that some old neighborhoods of Tabriz have changed a lot, the Maqsoudiyeh neighborhood has preserved its appearance and originality.

Historical Monuments of Maqsoudiyeh Locality

This neighborhood houses many historical mansions, some of which were the center of leadership during the historical events of Tabriz, such as the constitutional movement.

Ganjei-Zadeh Mansion

This mansion belonged to a person by the name of “Reza Ganjeizadeh” and was considered one of the biggest mansions of Tabriz. One of the important features of this house is the presence of two different parts in it with Qajar (19th century) and Pahlavi (20th century) architectural styles. Ganjei-Zadeh Mansion was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2002.

Salmasi Mansion

This house was also built during the Qajar and has been converted into the “Sanjesh Museum of Tabriz”. The presence of gilding in the closets of the rooms, the fireplace, and the plaster works of the ceiling have made this mansion astonishingly beautiful. Salmasi Mansion was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1997 AD.

Shahriar’s House

Mohammad Hossein Bahjat Tabrizi, who nicknamed himself “Shahriar” in his poems, is one of the most famous contemporary Iranian poets. The house where he once lived was built in the middle of the 20th century and has been converted into the “Shahriar’s House Museum” containing his books, handwriting, and memorabilia. This house was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 2008.

Behnam House

The construction of this building dates back to the end of Zand and the beginning of the Qajar eras (18th century AD). This building is now considered a part of the Faculty of Architecture of the Tabriz University of Art.

Haidarzadeh House

Despite the fact that there is no historical document about the construction time of this building, experts attribute it to the end of the 19th century by taking into consideration the architecture and the type of materials used.

Ghadaki House

The construction date of this building is similar to that of Behnam House, and like that house, it has been dedicated to the Tabriz Art University.

Nikdel House

This historic house belonged to a person named “Seyyed Ebrahim Nikdel” who engaged in importing household appliances to Iran. The house was built during the Qajar era.

Where Is Maqsoudiyeh Locality of Tabriz Located?

If you happen to travel to the city of Tabriz, it will not be difficult to find this locality. It is one of the most well-known neighborhoods of the city and Tabriz Municipality Palace is located in it. The footpath in the Maqsoudiyeh locality has been created by using 5,000 square meters of cobblestones, reminiscing the atmosphere of Tabriz in the 19th century.

Maqsoudiyeh Locality of Tabriz, which is one of the historical cities of Iran, is a neighborhood that houses many historical monuments and welcomes many tourists every year.

A mosque is considered one of the most important places in every Islamic society, where religious ceremonies and social events are organized. Therefore, mosques are usually built in the best and most frequented places of every city and maximum artistry and skill are used in their construction. There are many historical mosques in Tabriz, which is considered one of the most important cities of Iran, each of which has great importance in terms of its history and aesthetics. With its unique and extraordinary beauty, the Blue Mosque of Tabriz is one of the most important mosques of this city. The mosque is currently located in the middle of the city and hosts many tourists every year.

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz, which is also known as “Jahanshah Mosque” among local people, is one of the first monuments of this city the name of which was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage.

History and Features of the Blue Mosque of Tabriz

The Blue Mosque is one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture built in the Qara Qoyunlu era (15th century AD) and one of the largest brick constructions built by Islamic architects at that time. The magnitude and glory of this building have caused it to be given the title “Emarat” (lit. monument) in some historical books and referred to as “Emarat-e Mozaffariyeh”. The European tourists who have visited Tabriz, have described the beautiful tiling, tall porch, and Vault of this historical mosque in their travelogues.

The founder of this mosque was Abul Muzaffar Jahanshah, nicknamed Qara Yousuf, who was one of the rulers of the Qara Qoyunlu Dynasty. The construction of the mosque was done under the supervision of his wife, “Beigum Khatun” or his daughter “Saleha”. According to some historical texts, the construction of the mosque took 30 years.

This mosque was extensively damaged in the 1779 AD earthquake and reconstructed. Another reconstruction operation was carried out on the mosque in 1966 AD. Several small and large restoration operations have also been carried out in this mosque.

Architecture of the Blue Mosque of Tabriz

The use of azure color in the mosaic tiles of this mosque is the most prominent issue that has made this mosque world famous. Due to the abundance of this color, the Blue Mosque of Tabriz has been nicknamed the “Turquoise of Islam”.

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz is a manifestation of the Azari architectural style. Some of the distinctive features of this style are the construction of a stem or gorge under the dome, creating uneven surfaces in the building, and using mosaic tiles.

The ceiling of the mosque has been decorated with a combination of gold and lapis lazuli; one of the unique works related to the interior decorations of Islamic buildings. There is a small Shabestan (nave) in this mosque in which a cellar with two graves can be seen. According to historians, these two are the graves of Jahanshah and his wife.

Rare types of stones have been used in the construction of the building. The mosque has a square courtyard where the bricks are strapped with strips of plaster. There is a pond in the middle of the courtyard and there are some covered spaces around it, which were both a shelter for the poor and a resting place for the people.

Standing in the courtyard facing the Qibla (south), one can see a square-shaped and enclosed area with a height of 12 meters. There was a dome above this part of the building that has collapsed. This dome had a lot of weight and was divided on several columns. This division requires delicate and precise calculations that prove the extraordinary expertise of the architects of that period.

Beautiful tiling and muqarnas work with arabesque designs and turquoise, azure, white, and gold colors can be seen in the niche of the mosque, seeing which can be quite exciting for every viewer.

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1930.

The Blue Mosque of Tabriz, which is also known as “Jahanshah Mosque” among local people, is one of the first monuments of this city the name of which was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage.

Tabriz has always had a prominent role in the culture and art of Iran. This city has been the birthplace of Azari Turkish literature and has presented many prominent writers and poets. Many of these literary figures are buried in the place that is now called “Maqbarat-o-Shoara (Mausoleum of Poets) of Tabriz”. In fact, Maqbarat-o-Shoara of Tabriz is a historical tomb, which was also known by such names as “Hazirah al-Shoara”, “Hazirah Al-Dhah”, and “Sorkhab Cemetery” in the past.

History

Maqbarat-o-Shoara is located in the Sorkhab neighborhood of Tabriz, which has been the residential area of nobles and literary figures of Tabriz since the distant past. The presence of famous historical sites such as Rab’- Rashidi, Tomb of Sayyid Hamzah, and Takyeh Haider in this neighborhood reflects its antiquity.

Maqbarat-o-Shoara has been the burial place of poets since the 11th century AD including such famous figures as Khaqani and Zahir-al-Din Faryabi. It seems that despite the importance of this tomb and the burial of famous figures in it, its name had not been mentioned in historical books written before the 13th century AD.

Being the capital of the Atabak Dynasty in the 11th century AD, Tabriz attracted many great poets who used to compose poetry and eulogies for the courtiers of the time. Many of these poets were buried in Maqbarat-o-Shoara after their demise, as a result of which this cemetery became the burial place of literary figures. During the Ilkhanate and Aq Qoyunlu eras, too, many poets resided in Tabriz.

The 19th-century earthquake damaged this tomb. But years later, a campaign was started to restore it. In 1971 AD Ettela’at and Kayhan dailies as well as Yaghma Magazine, which were among the most important publications of that period, published a call inviting designs for rebuilding this tomb, and eventually, a design presented by “Gholamreza Farzanmehr” was accepted. The construction of this site began a year later and was completed after the victory of the Islamic Revolution (1979 AD). Maqbarat-o-Shoara is, presently, one of the symbols of Tabriz.

Architecture

This site has been built in the middle of a large cemetery using concrete and metal. The height of this tomb reaches 30 meters and its intertwined arches have given it a magnificent beauty. The combination of traditional and modern architectural elements in this tomb distinguishes it from other monuments.

The base of this monument is a little higher than the ground level and there is a large room in one corner where Mohammad Hossein Bahjat Tabrizi nicknamed “Shahriar” is buried. Shahriar is one of the great poets of Iran, whose poems, both in Azari and Persian languages, are very popular. The poem “Heydar Babayeh Salam” is one of Shahriar’s most famous poems, which has inspired many different artists to create literary works. Shahriar passed away in 1989 AD and was buried in Maqbarat-o-Shoara of Tabriz.

Prominent Personalities Buried in Maqbarat-o-Shoara of Tabriz

Apart from Shahriar and Khaghani, this tomb has been the burial place of other personalities, including Asadi Tousi who, according to historical accounts, was the first poet to be buried in this tomb, Qatran Tabrizi, the first Persian-speaking poet of Azarbaijan, and Anvari Abivardi, a famous scholar and poet of the Seljuk era (12th century).

Where Is Maqbarat-o-Shoara of Tabriz Located?

This tomb is located in the Sorkhab or “Sheshghelan” neighborhood at the intersection of Thaghatul-Eslam and Aref streets somewhere in the middle of Tabriz.

Maqbarat-o-Shoara of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1999.

Maqbarat-o-Shoara has been the burial place of poets since the 11th century AD including such famous figures as Khaqani and Zahir-al-Din Faryabi.

Bazaar has always been the most important economic pillar in Iranian cities and this is the reason that most of the historical cities of Iran have bazaars that still maintain their efficiency. The Historical Bazaar of Tabriz is also one of these traditional markets, which has been the center of economic activities of this city since the distant past.

Almost all the foreign tourists who have traveled to Tabriz since the distant past have mentioned this bazaar in their travelogues and written about the variety of goods including fruits, precious fabrics, precious and semi-precious gems, and jewelry found in this market. The Historical Bazaar of Tabriz is one of the most important tourist attractions of this city, which must be included in the itinerary of every tourist who visits it!

History

Tabriz was located on the east-west trade route. The Silk Road, which once connected East Asia to North Africa and Europe and was the largest communication highway of the world trade network for 1700 years, passed near Tabriz and this made this city gain strategic importance.

Although the historical and geographical position of Tabriz had resulted in the foundation of many commercial infrastructures, the establishment of the Bazaar of Tabriz dates back to the Seljuq era (12th century AD). After the Mongol invasion of Baghdad in the 13th century and the destruction of this city, Tabriz became the center of attention resulting in the increasing prosperity of this city. Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, two famous travelers of the 14th century AD, have described Tabriz as one of the richest cities in the world of the time in their travelogues.

Although after the coming to power of the Safavids in the 16th century Tabriz maintained its glory, this city faced decline when Shah Abbas I moved the capital of the country from Tabriz to Qazvin. Nevertheless, through the efforts of its people, Tabriz managed to regain its position as one of the most important cities in northwestern Iran.

In the 18th century, a terrible earthquake almost completely destroyed Tabriz, and its bazaar, too, suffered a lot of damage. But being economically important, it was restored after some time and regained its glory. It seems that the current structure of this bazaar was created by a person named “Najaf Qoli Khan Danbali”, who was the governor of Tabriz at that time, about 300 years ago.

Architecture

The historical market of Tabriz is a complex in which there are several caravanserais, markets, and passages. These parts have been gradually formed and integrated according to the requirements of the time. The most prominent parts of this historical bazaar include the Amir Bazaar, which is a gold and jewelry market, the Mozaffariyeh Bazaar of carpets, and the Shoe Sellers’ Bazaar. The Historical Bazaar of Tabriz, which is the largest covered bazaar in Iran and the world, is located over an area of nearly one square kilometer.

Most of the arcades of this bazaar are built on three floors, the lower floor accommodates the warehouses, the ground floor is the trading place, and the upper floor is the resting place. The main corridors of the bazaar are connected with several sub-corridors, which house the arcades. The crossroads of these corridors are covered with brick arches. the largest of these arches is that of the Amir and Bazaar and the most beautiful of them is that of the Mozafariyeh Bazaar.

There are also several traditional teahouses in this bazaar, the layout and interior decorations of which represent a part of Iran’s history. There were also some caravanserais in this market, which were a resting place for commercial caravans. Certain chambers had been prepared in these caravanserais for the passing caravans to sell their goods.

The Historical Bazaar of Tabriz was inscribed on the list of Iran’s national heritage in 1975 and as one of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 2010.

Almost all the foreign tourists who have traveled to Tabriz since the distant past have mentioned this bazaar in their travelogues and written about the variety of goods including fruits, precious fabrics, precious and semi-precious gems, and jewelry found in this market.