ARDEBIL PROVINCE A REFUGE FROM HUE-AND-CRY OF URBAN LIFE

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Sept 6 2005

Ardebil province in northwestern Iran known for its marvelous natural
beauties and memorable historical relics is one of the major national
tourist hubs and a refuge from the hue and cry of urban life, annually
attracting a remarkable number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Favorable climate along with natural wonders of the province such
as Sabalan heights covered with vegetation characterized by its
boiling springs and rare glaciers, Fandoqlu forest in Namin, the
eye-catching Heyran gorge along Ardebil-Namin-Astara route, warm
and cold water springs in the provincial towns of Saraein, Naier,
Givi and Meshkinshahr are some of the attractions of the province.

Moghan tropical plain, gardens and cold highlands in Khalkhal,
Akhar-Bakhar natural park, natural Neur lake on the slopes of Baghru
height, Shourabil lake as well as exquisite historical monuments in
the capital city of Ardebil such as Safyeddin Ardebili’s tomb, Friday
Mosque and ancient bazaar as well as old houses and bath-houses are
of special charm to the visiting tourists.

The province is annually visited by 3.5 million domestic and 30,000
foreign tourists.

According to historians, the history of the province, particularly
its capital city of Ardebil, started before the advent of Islam and
dates back to the rule of Kianian and Sassanid dynasties.

The scientific studies and archaeological excavations conducted by
the former provincial Cultural Heritage Department at Ardebil Friday
Mosque and the hill facing it in 1988 prove that its foundation and
raw mud brick walls date back to Ashkanid era.

Various ceramics and ancient artifacts unearthed during the survey
conducted on historical heights across the province prove that the
history of civilization in the area, in particular the city of Ardebil
or “Artavil”, started about 2000 BC.

On the other hand, Ardebil was the homeland of Sheikh Safi and the
origin of Safavid dynasty which played a significant role in officially
recognizing Shi’ites and contributed to the integration of Iran.

Over 100 historical monuments and ancient sites have so far been
identified and registered across the province, most of which date
back to the post-Islamic period, particularly the Safavid period.

Sheikh Safyeddin Ardebili’s historical tomb situated at Ardebil Aliqapu
Square annually attracting dozens of thousands of tourists from Iran
and the world is one of the top ten national ancient monuments.

This rare building was named after the ancestor of Safavid monarchs,
the famous mystic Sheikh Safyeddin Ardebili. It was built after his
demise in 735 AH by his son Sheikh Sadreddin Mousa.

In addition to Sheikh Safi’s tomb and that of Shah Ismail I, the
mausoleums of other Safavi princes and Qezelbash commanders such as
those martyred during Chaldoran and Shervan wars are situated at the
same complex.

Over the past centuries, many of the valuable objects belonging to
the collection of Sheikh Safi Complex have been smuggled out of the
country in various ways and part of them such as the famous Sheikh
Safi Carpet decorate American, Russian and European museums.

Ardebil Friday Mosque, the second major provincial historical
monument, is located on an ancient hill in central Ardebil. The
archaeologists survey shows that the mosque, dating back to Seljuq
period, was repaired during the 7th-8th centuries AH under the rule
of Bayanderids in Azarbaijan province.

It is said to have been a fire temple before the advent of Islam.

Despite being hit by devastating earthquakes and other natural
disasters and being seriously damaged, the veranda adjacent to the
mosque’s dome is still used by Muslims for praying.

Ardebil bazaar was constructed during the rule of Shah Tahmasb I from
Safavid dynasty and a number of stores were added to it during later
periods. In 1985 it was listed as a national monument.

Church of St. Mary was established in the city of Ardebil in 1876 and
the last religious ceremony was performed there by the Armenian priest,
Vartan Zhamagursian in 1944. Though the monument is only a century old,
its bathroom and school have been completely destroyed.

The provincial Cultural Heritage department was authorized to repair
the church in 1991 to be used in the field of culture and art.
Recently the monument was changed into a sports complex, while its
original architecture was preserved.

Sheikh Heidar tomb located at a green garden in the ancient graveyard
of the provincial town of Meshkinshahr is attributed to Shah Ismail
I’s father, Sheikh Heydar.

As the second highest upright mountain after Damavand, Sabalan, with
its major 4,811-meter peak of Savalan, is situated 40 kms to the west
of the the city of Ardebil.

Alvares ski resort on the slope of Sabalan mountain range is a proper
venue for winter sports, given that it is often covered by snow for
six months.

Heyran gorge located along Ardebil-Astara route at a short distance
from the Caspian Sea coast is another wonderful provincial attraction.

Though the aerial distance between the coastal city of Astara at the
southwesternmost point of the Caspian Sea and the city of Ardebil is
merely 40 kms, on approaching Ardebil one gets refreshed by inhaling
the cool air.