Thursday, October 24, 2024 Tabriz , the fourth largest city in Iran, serves as the capital of East Azerbaijan province and stands majestically at 4,485 feet above sea level. Known for its continental climate with extreme seasonal variations, this city is nestled in a valley surrounded by hills, residing within a notable earthquake zone. The historical narrative of Tabriz, whose name hints at its thermal spring origins—meaning “causing heat to flow”—spans rich chapters from being a capital in various eras to a hub of significant cultural and political movements.
In 2023, Tabriz contributed to the significant 43% increase in international tourists to Iran, hosting part of the 5.9 million visitors compared to 4.1 million in 2022.
Tabriz’s storied past includes its time as the capital of Atropatene after Alexander the Great’s campaigns, with subsequent rebuilds, notably in 791 CE following an earthquake. It flourished under various rulers including the Mongol Il-Khan dynasty and Turkic conqueror Timur. The city was a seat of power for the Kara Koyunlu and later the Safavids until the capital moved to Kazvin in 1548.
Its strategic importance led to repeated occupation, notably by the Russians in 1826 and its role as the center of the Nationalist movement in 1908. The city also witnessed the grim executions of the Bāb and his followers in the 1850s. Visa free Countries list:- France Germany Italy Spain Austria Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Switzerland Singapore A.
