Tourist Attractions & Activities in West Azerbaijan Province

West Azerbaijan Province

Azerbaijan Province is one of the historical regions in northwestern Iran dating back to the Median and Achaemenid eras. In 328 BC, Alexander the Great appointed an Achaemenid Satrap called Atropates the ruler over territory of western Media, the satrap gave his name to the region which is called Azerbaijan today. This prominent province has played a significant role in the political destiny of Iran during the history, mainly in the Safavid era when Tabriz was the capital of this prosperous dynasty and in the Qajarid era, specifically during the constitutional revolution.  

The west Azerbaijan covers an area of 37,411 making it the 12th largest province in Iran. It is bordered by Turkey and Nakhjavan from the northwest, Zanjan and East Azerbaijan from the east, Iraq and Turkey from the west, and Kurdestan from the south. According to the 2010 census, its population is 3,080,576, comprising mostly Azeris and Kurds. 

 Aside from housing the most important lake of Iran, Lake Urmia, the province comprises significant archeological and architectural sites including Takht-e-Soleiman which is a UNESCO-Heritage Site. It is also well known for its handicrafts namely carpets, wood turning and sweets.