Moghan

Moghan, also spelled Moghan or Mughan, is a geographic region in northwestern Iran and the adjacent South Caucasus. The Iranian portion lies mainly in Ardabil Province along the Aras River, forming the western extent of the larger Mughan Plain. The region straddles the Iran–Azerbaijan border and has long served as an agricultural belt due to its alluvial soils and irrigation networks.

Geography and climate: The Moghan Plain is largely flat, with fertile soils and a climate that ranges from semi-arid in the interior to more humid near the river. Summers are hot and winters cool, with most precipitation falling in the winter months.

Economy: Agriculture dominates the economy, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and fodder crops. The presence of irrigation canals and river water supports multiple cropping cycles. Livestock and dairy farming are common, contributing to local trade both domestically and cross-border.

People and culture: The region is historically associated with Azerbaijani-speaking communities, and today the population in the Iranian part is predominantly Turkic-speaking. The religion is mainly Shia Islam, with minority communities.

Name and historical notes: The term Moghan has appeared in various historical sources and is tied to the plain and its inhabitants. In Azerbaijan, a similar Mughan plain extends south of the Caspian area and along the Aras, reflecting shared geographic and cultural ties across the border.