Tabriz: City of Shahs

Located in northwestern Iran, Tabriz is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world.

With a population of over two million, Tabriz is the largest economic hub and metropolitan area in northwest Iran. The population is bilingual with most people speaking Azerbaijani as their native language and Persian as their second language.

The city is famous for its handicrafts, including hand-woven rugs and jewelry. Local confectionery, chocolate, dried nuts and traditional Tabrizi food are recognized throughout Iran as some of the best. Some of the most esteemed cultural institutions in northwest Iran are located in Tabriz, which is also a center for intellectual activity.

Tabriz contains many historical monuments, representing Iran’s architectural transition throughout its long history. Most of Tabriz’s preserved historical sites belong to Ilkhanid, Safavid and Qajar. periods Among these sites is the grand Bazaar of Tabriz.

From the early modern era, Tabriz was pivotal in the development, movement and economy of its three neighbouring regions; namely the Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia and Central Iran.In the modern era the city played a vital role in the history of Iran. As the country’s closest hub to Europe, many aspects of early modernisation in Iran began in Tabriz.Prior to forced ceding of the Qajar dynasty’s Caucasian territories to Imperial Russia, following two Russo-Persian Wars in the first half of the 19th century, Tabriz was at the forefront of Iranian rule over its Caucasian territories. Until 1925, the city was the traditional residence of the Qajar crown princes. One of Persia’s great dynasties, the Sassanid dynasty, which proceeded there Qajars. also has its roots in Tabriz

Destination: Iran