About Tabriz
Tabriz is the most populated city in the northwest of Iran,[3] one of the historical capitals of Iran. Situated in the fastness of northwestern Iran, Tabriz is a historic city situated at the crossroads of Persia and the Caucasus and is a classic stop along the famed Silk Road. Known as the “city of firsts”, Tabriz is the capital of Iranian northern province of East Azerbaijan and hometown of many of the country’s pioneers. At about 1350 meters above sea level, Tabriz is usually cold in winter and cool in summer.
Its moniker, city of firsts, was not just given randomly, but it’s been wholly deserved after a stormy past and a glorious, revolutionary history. Severe weather conditions, harsh geographical features and, last but far from being least, proneness to seismic events may have as well influenced the residents’ personality, tough, proud and creative.
Land where the first constitutional revolution took place between 1905 and 1911, it’s thanks to obstreperous Tabriz and its two enlightened reformists, Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan, that a Parliament was established in Iran during the Qajar Dynasty, despite the ruling family’s obvious willingness in postponing the process. Albeit crucial, however, this wasn’t the only reason for such a monumental handle. Tabriz, in fact, is also home to the country’s oldest bazaar and one of the largest covered in the world, it was chosen as capital of Iran during the Safavid era, making it the first capital of Shia Islam, and it’s the place where many signs of modernity first appeared in Iran and from where spreaded throughout the country.
A fascinating bazaar, a deeply human heart and passionately helpful freelance guides make this gigantic, sprawling city a surprisingly positive introduction to Iran.
Climate
Tabriz has a semi-arid climate with regular seasons. The annual precipitation is around 380 millimetres (15 in), a good deal of which falls as snow during the winter months and rain in spring and autumn. The city enjoys mild and fine climate in spring, dry and semi-hot in summer, humid and rainy in autumn and snowy cold in winter. The average annual temperature is 12 °C. Cool winds blow from east to west mostly in summer.
Getting There
Tabriz International Airport receives flights from different countries and cities such as Istanbul and Dubai and …, as well as domestic traffic. Visitors may also use the train, with an overnight train from Tehran taking about 13 hours. International Trains also arrive from neighbor countries. Also being neighbor countries such as Turkey, Azarbayjan, Armenia and … it is easy to get there by car.
Tabriz Blue Mosque
Facade of damaged Blue Mosque
Built in 1465, Tabriz’s beautiful Blue Mosque was heavily damaged in 1779 by an earthquake that took the lives of thousands. Even though not much remained visible from the original building, what’s left definitely reveals its old splendor
Tabriz Museum
Ancient findings at Tabriz Azerbaijan Museum
Fascinating collection of artwork and daily tools, Tabriz’s Azerbaijan Museum was founded in 1958 and open in 1962 in Imam Khomeini Avenue, right near the Blue Mosque. The three-gallery exhibition displays shelves of elaborate knives, ornate pottery, and local-style jewelry and carpets. Slighty and gently ensconced, almost to protect their privacy, are two ancient skeletons, male and female, likely a couple, disposed in the way they were found in a burial ground. Almost like in a time-lapse journey, the museum will take you through Iran’s different periods of history and ruling dynasties, starting as early as the 5th millennium BC up to modern times.
Kandovan
Scenic hamlet less than an hour drive from Tabriz, Kandovan slightly reminds of Turkey’s Cappadocia both for its geographical conformation and laid-back vibe, and just like Cappadocia, here houses are carved into the mountain, rather than built on it. You can booked your hotel in Tabriz, but visitors who wish to have a little relax in a truly secluded space can book a fully furnished, all-comfort-included room right in Kandovan.
Tabriz Grand Bazaar
Pistachio for every taste at Tabriz Grand Bazaar Iran’s oldest city market, Tabriz Grand Bazaar is also one of the oldest and largest in the Middle East, and the economic heart of the city and all northwestern Iran. Suggestive string of covered domes, brick walls and endless meandering passageways, Tabriz bazaar sells just about everything you can think of, from a whole selection of nuts, one of the city’s claims to fame, to tightly woven Tabrizi-style carpets. The carpet section is huge and apparently such a big part of the whole deal that women just stay out of it and leave the hardcore bargaining to men. Listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010, the bazaar has been a pivotal commercial hub along the Silk Road, and still now proudly preserves the most traditional ways of conducting local business.
El-Goli Park
Last but not least, El Goli park (El-Gölü, formerly known as Shah Goli), pool and palace are definitely worth a stop, be it for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or just a stroll. One of the country’s largest outdoor pools, the park is a cherished weekend leisure spot for Tabriz residents who love to walk along the water streams or simply chill out at one of the many cafes and restaurants lined up along its edge. Previously used as summer residence by the Qajar rulers, el-Goli palace hosts now a restaurant and on the slopes of the park is even possible to spend the night in tents equipped with electricity and comfortable camping beds. While I didn’t stay there overnight, I did have the chance to enjoy a delicious Ash-e Dough, thick yogurt soup, at a quaint and colorful restaurant cafe.