Varzeqan

Situated 35 km away from Ahar and 65 km away from Tabriz, Varzeqan City is the center of Varzeqan County, a county where most of its population lives in more than 150 villages.

Climate, Economy, and Population of Varzeqan

The geography of Varzeqan, which is located in a mountainous area has made the climate of this region moderate in summers and very cold in winters. This city has a population of more than 45 thousand people, of which more than 38 thousand live in rural areas.

Drought and climate problems, along with the uneven growth of cities, have caused living in rural areas to lose its favorability for the people of Varzeqan in recent decades and many of them have migrated to urban areas. However, the occupation of most of the people of Varzeqan is agriculture and animal husbandry, and lentils are the most important product of this region. In addition, beekeeping has turned this city into the third hub of honey production in the province. Varzeqan is one of the summer settlements of the Qara Dagh nomads.

The oldest book in which the name of Varzeqan is mentioned dates back to the 11th century AD. However, the remains of settlements dating back to the first millennium BC make the history of settlement in this area more than three thousand years. Saqai Cemetery, Dragon Dashi Castle, Dashi Castle, Kandibolagh Castle, Dashbashi Hill, and Joshin Castle are some of the prehistoric sites of Varzeqan.

Natural Attractions of Varzeqan

Varzeqan is surrounded by Aqdagh, Iridagh, Pir Saqqa, Jalehdagh, Joshun, Kharvana, and Moshk-Anbar mountains, which are quite popular among nature lovers.

Jaledagh Peak and Golakhor Waterfall

There is a peak called Jalehdagh near a village by the name of Arzil, which itself is considered one of the most spectacular villages and tourist attractions of the region. Golakhor means “small flow” in the Azari language and refers to the gentle fall of water from this 10-meter-high waterfall. The waterfall is jointly formed by three streams that pass through the village. There is a village, also called “Golakhor”, a little away from the waterfall, which is built in the form of steps and is full of apple, cherry, apricot, pear, and walnut trees.

Kasin Village

In addition to its unique natural sights, there is a historical mound in this village with a history of more than three thousand years. Having therapeutic properties, the hot springs of Kasin village (Yil Suyi, Qotur Suyi, and Saghlin Suyi), too, attract many tourists every year.

Astmal Village

If you are looking for a unique experience of coexistence with nature, Astmal is the best option! This pristine village can be described as a big forest where beehives can be seen everywhere. “Coupeh cheese, which is produced in a jar, and “Nahreh butter”, which is the traditional butter of the village, are souvenirs that you can take home after visiting this village.

Zarabad Dam of Varzeqan

Owing to the pristine scenery around it and the possibility of fishing in its lake, Zarabad Dam is considered a favorite place to spend leisure time. The surrounding mountains that are covered with snow, make the landscape of the river this dam indescribably beautiful. This dam is three kilometers away from Varzeqan and it is an earthen type with a clay core the volume of the reservoir of which is two million cubic meters. The presence of migratory birds is one of the most beautiful sights of the region during the migration season.

Chichakli, The Lost Paradise of Azarbaijan

From among the natural attractions of Varzeqan, Chichakli, which means “a place full of flowers”, has a special atmosphere for tourism. Mountain slopes that are full of flowers, pleasant and fragrant air, dense and green forests, rivers full of water, and birds whose voices can be heard at every moment of the day have turned Chichakli into an earthly paradise. Animal species such as boar, brown bear, and jackal and birds like partridge, golden eagle, green-headed duck, Eurasian teal, Lanner falcon, and Saker falcon can be seen in Chichakli.

The best time to visit Chichakli is in the middle of spring (April) when all kinds of flowers have grown in the plains and slopes and decorated the area in an astonishing way.

Situated 35 km away from Ahar and 65 km away from Tabriz, Varzeqan City is the center of Varzeqan County, a county where most of its population lives in more than 150 villages.