Sightseeing places in West Azerbaijan Introduction + photo and address – Flytoday

West Azerbaijan province is located in the northwest of the country and borders with Turkey. The sights of West Azerbaijan are so old and ancient that their history is tied with legends! This land is a place where you will find traces of great people such as Shams Tabrizi, Puria Vali and even Cyrus the Great. In this province, the most amazing ancient places and the most spectacular and pristine natural landscapes are waiting for you. In this article from tourism magazine flytodayWe will introduce the sights of West Azerbaijan. We hope this information will be the basis of an exciting trip for you.

Where is West Azerbaijan?

As we said, West Azerbaijan is a province in the northwest of Iran and its history goes back to the time of the Medes. The center of this province is Urmia, known for its famous lake. This cold land is located in a mountainous region; Therefore, it is better to choose spring and summer season to travel there.

The population of this land is mostly made up of Azerbaijani people, followed by Kurds, Assyrians and Armenians; Therefore, after Turkish, the common languages ​​of this province are Kurdish, Armenian and Neo-Assyrian Aramaic languages. West Azerbaijan province has many natural attractions. In the heart of some of the beautiful plains and hills of the province, there are ancient attractions that are several thousand years old. The natural beauty of the region and the age of these works will amaze every viewer.

Sightseeing places in West Azerbaijan From the oldest church in the world to the rolling meadow

The sights of West Azerbaijan are not only prominent in Iran, but also in the world. The attraction of these sights goes beyond beauty and antiquity and is mixed with legends and strange natural phenomena. This province also has rare religious attractions; So that some of them are also famous in the world. In the continuation of this article, we will first introduce the historical and religious places of the province and then its natural attractions.

Historical and cultural places of West Azerbaijan From Takht Suleiman to Burj Shams

Some of the historical places of West Azerbaijan are so old that we don’t know their exact age. The remains of these works show the magnificence that these buildings had in their era. Also, the architecture of the buildings and the works discovered in them represent the skill, intelligence and civilization of the people of that period. The historical monuments of this province are connected with big names and this issue has added to their attractiveness. In this section, we will introduce some of the most historical sights of West Azerbaijan.

Takht Suleiman | An ancient area with many secrets

Takht Suleiman is the fourth most valuable historical building in Iran and a mysterious place. It is interesting to say that UNESCO mentions this ancient work as a sign of the architectural genius of the people of that period; The same issue shows that this attraction is one of the most prominent sightseeing areas of West Azerbaijan. In this area, a series of valuable buildings are located around a very deep lake. Also, this place was the base of Zoroastrian religion and the largest educational, social and religious center. Its date is not exactly known; But it goes back to about 3000 years ago.

There are many legends about Takht Suleiman. In some of them, the name Takht Suleiman refers to Hazrat Suleiman (AS). In this group of legends, it is stated that the lake of this complex was created by hitting the staff of Hazrat Suleiman on the ground; But Zoroastrian theologians believed that this lake belonged to Anahita, the goddess of waters. According to many, the treasure of Cyrus the Great is located at the bottom of this lake. Many researchers went diving and searching to discover this treasure; But the heavy water and the depth of the lake prevented further search. Among other places of interest around this attraction, we can mention Suleiman prison.

• Visiting days: Every day except mourning days.
• Visiting hours: in summer from 8:00 to 20:00 and in winter from 8:00 to 17:30.
• visit fee: 30,000 Tomans
• address: Southeast of West Azarbaijan province, 45 km northeast of Takab, Nasratabad village.

Azargashsp fire temple The lost shrine

Azargashsp fire temple is one of the most important buildings of Takht Suleiman complex. Before this building was discovered in excavations, there were various speculations about its location. According to the old texts, some people knew the location of this building by the Urmia Lake, others in Takht Suleiman and others in the city of Shiz. Later it became clear that Shiz is the old name of the region where Takht Suleiman is located.

This fire temple had a high position in the past and only important people were allowed to enter it. The importance of this place of worship was so great that the kings used to visit it on foot before ascending the throne or going to any war. If you go to visit this fire temple, we suggest you to see Suleiman’s prison mountain, which is located near this work.

• Visiting days: Every day except mourning days.
• Visiting hours: In spring and summer from 8:00 to 20:00 and in autumn and winter from 8:00 to 17:30.
• visit fee: 30,000 Tomans
• address: Southeast of West Azarbaijan province, 45 km northeast of Takab, Nusratabad village, Takht Suleiman ancient area.

Saint Thaddeus Church or Qara Church The oldest cathedral in the world

This church is undoubtedly very important among the sights of West Azerbaijan. According to Armenian historians, Saint Thaddeus Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the world and was built in 66 AD. This building is located on the grave of one of the apostles of Jesus (PBUH) named Thaddeus; But due to its location in Qara village, it is also known as Qara Church.

The building of this attraction is made of black and white stones, and various designs are carved on its walls, turning the church into a work of art. Parts of these motifs also narrate the stories of the Shahnameh. On the other hand, the decorations of the church altar are also very spectacular and eye-catching. To visit this attraction, it is better to travel in spring and summer so that the cold of Chalderan does not bother you. Also note that it is not possible for non-Christians to visit the church during religious ceremonies. Around the church, you can also visit the tomb of Sandecht, the wife of Saint Thaddeus.

• Visiting hours: In spring and summer from 9:00 to 20:00 and in autumn and winter from 9:00 to 17:00.
• visit fee: Yes
• address: West Azarbaijan, 20 km northeast of Chaldaran city, Qara Kila village.

Nanemarim Church A fire temple that became a church

Some of the sights of West Azerbaijan have interesting and interesting stories. Saint Mary Church is also one of the same attractions. This church was built by the same devotees who went to see the baby Christ after seeing the comet. This building was originally a fire temple; But after the advent of Christ, it became a church. According to historians, this ancient building is considered to be the second oldest church in the world, which was rebuilt during different eras and shows signs of the Parthian and Sasanian architectural styles.

Inside the Church of Nanemarim, instead of the high ceiling and the usual carvings of churches, you will face a short ceiling and stone walls. Also, instead of arranging benches, Iranian carpets are spread there. These items have distinguished the appearance of Nanemarim Church from other churches. To visit this attraction, we recommend choosing spring and summer seasons so that the cold weather does not bother you.

• Visiting days: Every day except holidays.
• Visiting hours: from 9 to 19.
• Visit price: Free
• address: Urmia, Imam Khomeini Street, South Khayyam Street, behind Angelic Church.

Hasanlu ancient hill Evidence of 8000 years old civilization

In Hasanlu village, there are remains of a very civilized ancient city. This complex is considered as the largest city and fortress of the Middle East in the Iron Age. The history of living in this city is also divided into 10 different periods, the oldest of which (tenth period) is attributed to 6000 thousand years BC. In the fourth period, that is, between 1300 and 800 BC and when it had an advanced civilization, architecture and art, the Hasanlu Hill suffered a great fire. The skeletons of the victims of this fire were discovered in the excavations.

The most famous artefact found in this area is the Hasanlu Golden Cup, which dates back to 3000 years ago. This cup with a delicate pattern shows the high technical skill and art of the people of that period and is considered a great work of art. The design on the cup is also very important and provides valuable information about the myths and culture of that period.

• Ticket price: 20,000 Tomans
• address: 9 km northeast of Naqdeh city, between the villages of Aminlu and Hasanlu.

Three domes A building without a dome!

Three Domes (Och Gonbez) is considered a beautiful architectural relic from the Seljuk era, and the most impressive part of this building is the decorations and motifs of its entrance. Among the sights of West Azerbaijan, the building of this attraction has a strange name. It is known as three domes, while this building does not have any domes, and this issue contradicts its name! Some say that there were probably two other similar buildings in this city in the past; But so far, no remains of the other two buildings have been found.

There are 3,000-year-old stone inscriptions around the three domes, which are engraved with Kufi, Assyrian and Ashnavite scripts. This area is also known as an open-air stone and inscription museum. The three-domed building is considered a tomb of 800 years ago.

• Ticket price: 15,000 Tomans
• Visiting days: Saturday to Thursday
• Visiting hours: from 9 to 19.
• address: Urmia, Bazarbash Quarter, Beheshti St., Janbazan St.

Red Mosque of Mahabad | The glory of a unique architecture

The Red Mosque is located in the old context of Mahabad and its history goes back to the Safavid era. The major part of this mosque is made of red clay and the name of the mosque is derived from this. The Red Mosque is one of the oldest Islamic historical buildings in the west of the country and one of the most important sights in West Azerbaijan.

This spectacular mosque has 10 domes and there are 10 stone pillars in its nave. The engineering of the arch and dome of the nave of this mosque is considered to be one of the balanced and proportionate examples, and it is still intact and intact. Mahabad Grand Mosque is also registered in the list of national monuments of the country. This mosque is opened during morning prayers; But for tourists to visit, its doors are opened to the public from 9 am.

• Visit price: Free
• address: Mahabad, Imam Shafi Street.

Mausoleum of Puria Vali A famous warrior from Khoi

The Mausoleum of Poriya Vali is a simple building without luxuries; But for Khoi people, it is considered one of the most important places to visit in West Azerbaijan; Because it belongs to Puria Vali, the well-known hero of Iranian stories. This mausoleum consists of 4 columns and a roof, and next to it, there is a ring with the name of Puria Vali engraved on it. There are two assumptions about the place of life and tomb of Puria Vali:

1. There is a tomb in Uzbekistan that some attribute to Puria Vali; But others believe that the tomb belongs to the son of Poriya Vali.
2. The second case is Shahr Khoi tomb. In an old scroll related to the Safavid era, it is mentioned that Puriya Wali was from Khoi city.

At 900 meters from this mausoleum, there is a tomb and Shams Tabrizi tower, which is worth seeing.

• Visit price: Free
• Visiting hours: 24 hours a day
• address: Khoi, Imam Hossein Blvd.

Tomb of Shams Tabrizi A minaret full of horns and skulls

Tomb of Shams Tabrizi is considered as one of the symbols of Khoy city. At a distance of 10 meters from the tomb, an 11-meter-high minaret has been built, the wall of which is decorated with numerous horns and skulls of wild rams. This issue distinguishes this building from other sights in West Azerbaijan. It is said that all these rams and sheep were hunted by Shah Ismail Safavi.

According to the documents and paintings that are available from the tomb of Shams, there were 3 minarets around it; But due to war and natural disasters, two minarets were destroyed and only one remains. This minaret has a spiral staircase that takes you to the top of the tower.

• Visit price: Free
• Visiting hours: 24 hours a day
• address: Khoi, Shams Boulevard, Shams Alley.

Baghchejoq Palace and Museum A chance to watch an aristocratic life

Bagchejoq Palace Museum is a 120-year-old magnificent building and one of the most spectacular sights in West Azerbaijan. This building was built by Iranian architects and Russian designers in collaboration. At the very first glance, signs of non-Iranian architecture can be seen in the palace. The interior of this two-story palace is decorated with wallpaper and beautiful ceiling paintings. One of the most important parts of this palace is the Hall of Mirrors on the first floor. There is also a pond in the middle of this hall.

This Qajar palace belonged to the Mako ruler and now it has become a museum to show his life and belongings. One of the strangest features of the palace is that its windows are insect proof; The colored glass of these windows acquires such a property after being exposed to sunlight. This window was made by Iranian artists of that era. Among the sights of this palace, we can also mention the paintings drawn by members of this family.

• Ticket price: 20,000 Tomans
• Visiting days: Thursday to Tuesday
• Visiting hours: from 8 to 17.
• address: 6 km from Mako, Bazargan road, Baghchejoq village.

Historical market of Urmia A historical place full of life

This historical market was left from the Safavid era; But even today it is one of the main shopping centers for people. Various parts of this place, including a number of timchehs, baths and mosques, belong to the Zandian and Qajar eras. In Urmia market, in addition to being in a living historical place, you also have the opportunity to buy and buy souvenirs. This market has different sections such as Attaran row, dairy row, copper row, crystal row, rug seller row, goldsmith row, etc. This historic market is one of the most popular Sightseeing places in Urmia is considered

• Hours of operation: Every day from 9 to 20.
• address: Urmia, Imam St.

Natural attractions of West Azerbaijan Watching the wonders of nature

West Azerbaijan is a land of little rain, but full of water. Just take a look at the names of the lakes, rivers and waterfalls of this province in the list of places to see in West Azerbaijan to see how green this land is. In addition to being spectacular, different parts of nature in this province have other attractions. Some of them are associated with legends and others are so strange that their characteristics do not have a definite scientific explanation. In the following article, we will review and introduce some of the most important and special scenic areas of West Azerbaijan in nature.

Suleiman prison From demon legend to reality

3 kilometers west of Takht Suleiman, there is a strange mountain that local people tell many legends about. This mountain is a conical and hollow hill that sometimes the wind blows inside and produces a sound like the sound of imprisoned demons! Sometimes sulfur vapors come out from its bottom. This strange mountain is called Solomon’s prison and they believe that Prophet Solomon used to imprison demons and goblins in this place.

But what is the truth? In the distant past, there was a mineral water spring in this place, which turned into a lake over time. Over the years, the water salts around the lake were deposited and raised the walls of this mountain. At present, the water of the lake has completely dried up and only the surrounding sedimentary walls remain, which is called Suleiman’s prison. From time to time, sulfur vapor rises from the bottom of this dry mineral spring. Although science explains the whole story, this place is still considered one of the strangest places to visit in West Azerbaijan!

• address: Southeast of West Azarbaijan province, 45 km northeast of Takab, Nusratabad village, Takht Suleiman ancient area.

Chamli moving grass A floating island in the middle of the water

15 km from the historical city of Takab, in the middle of a green valley, there is a lake with a diameter of 60 meters. Inside this lake, there is an island covered with reeds that floats on the water. Such a phenomenon is considered as a rare phenomenon even in the world. This 80-meter island moves in different directions in the lake and is one of the most amazing sights in West Azerbaijan.

The cause of these movements is not definitely known. Some believe that the island moves due to the wind, and others believe that the movement of the island is influenced by the positional movement of the earth. Around the lake, a beautiful meadow is spread on the ground and makes this place ideal for a walk. Of course, due to the cold weather in the region, we recommend visiting the moving island in spring and summer. Chamli Gul is another name of this island.

• address: Takab city, Qezal Qashlaq road, Baranja road.

Lake Urmia A valuable attraction for the country

Lake Urmia is undoubtedly one of the most famous sights of West Azerbaijan and one of the most valuable attractions of the country. This lake was the largest internal lake of Iran. Lake National Park is also a valuable habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, storks and mammals such as rams and deer. Today, more than 95% of Lake Urmia has dried up, the main reason for which is the creation of illegal dams and the reduction of water entering the lake.

However, sometimes with rain and water supply to Lake Urmia, this valuable and beautiful attraction gets a new life; But the risk of complete drought still threatens it. We recommend that you prioritize visiting Lake Urmia and go to Urmia in the rainy season to see the most beautiful state of this lake.

• address: Urmia, Darya Road.

Silvana | The lost paradise of Iran

Silvana Urmia is a green area with a plain, mountains and a spectacular lake that looks like paintings. This land is considered as one of the famous places of West Azerbaijan with a world reputation for having very clean air. It is interesting to say that 19 regions in the world are known for having pure oxygen (clean air), and one of them is Silvana, the lost paradise of Iran.

The best time to visit this area is spring and summer; In the second 6 months of the year, the weather in the region is favorable and the trees have given flowers and fruits. When you return from the area, you can also buy souvenirs from handicrafts and local products there, such as dairy products, honey, fruit, jajim and glim.

• address: 30 km west of Urmia city, Silvana city.

Gravan mineral spring Land of living limestone rocks

Kani Gravan mineral spring is also considered as one of the most beautiful scenic areas of West Azerbaijan. This mineral spring has salty, carbonated and non-drinkable water; But its beneficial properties for skin, hair and muscle and joint diseases are famous and many tourists go to this area.

In addition to these healing properties, Kani Gravan mineral spring is a very spectacular area and has a special view. This landscape was created by the salts of these springs; Around the spring, beautiful limestone structures have been created over time, which increase in height every year. The best time to visit this area is spring and summer; During these times, the cold weather will not be severe and annoying, and the greenery and beauty of this area will double.

• address: Sardasht city, 2 km from Rabat, adjacent to Kani Goyz village.

Seholan Cave Boating opportunity in the 70 million year corridor

Seholan is the second largest water cave in Iran and one of the oldest attractions in West Azerbaijan. The water in this cave is between 15 and 30 meters deep and all of it is supplied from the springs at the bottom of the cave. Visiting Seholan will be a memorable adventure. You first go down about 110 steps, then get on a boat and go along this beautiful natural phenomenon and finally come out the other side of the cave. The other entrance of the cave has about 180 steps.

It seems that people have always lived around this 70-million-year-old cave, hunting and sheltering in it. The interesting thing to note is that the remains and ancient artifacts discovered in this area date back to the Parthian and Ilkhanid eras. Of course, we recommend that people with breathing problems and bat phobia avoid entering this place. Among the attractions that exist around this cave, we can mention Sule Dukol waterfall.

• Ticket price: 60,000 Tomans
• Visiting hours: From 9 am to 5 pm
• address: Bukan Mahabad road, 28 km from Bukan city.

Sule Dukol waterfall A foggy waterfall

Sule-dukal waterfall is known as one of the most watery waterfalls in Iran. Its water intensity is so high that it spreads water particles around like fog. In the spring season, when the winter snows are melting, Sule Dukal reaches its wateriest state.

To watch this waterfall, you must first reach the village of Sule Dukal and walk about 200 meters upstream from the parking lot of the village to reach the upper part of the waterfall. The waterfall flows into the valley from this place. Of course, due to the risk of falling, it is better not to take children with you and be very careful yourself. If you plan to camp in this area, there are plains below the waterfall that are suitable for this.

• address: Urmia, Mergur region, Dalanpar mountain slopes.

Amazing sights of West Azerbaijan Stunning attractions

In this article, we talked about the sights of West Azerbaijan. We saw that this province alone can compete with many countries in terms of the number and importance of natural and historical attractions. Apart from the historical and cultural importance of this province, the natural attractions of West Azerbaijan are also important at the international level and attract many foreign tourists there. You can travel to this beautiful province plane ticket And book your hotel online.

If you have been a traveler to West Azarbaijan Province before, tell us which of the attractions of this region was the most interesting for you? Which attractions were left empty in this article? Write us in the comments section.

Frequently asked questions about the sights of West Azerbaijan