Tabriz

Tabriz is a city in northwestern Iran and the capital of East Azerbaijan Province. Located along the southern foothills of the Sahand mountains and on the Quru River, it has long been a major commercial and cultural hub at the crossroads of Iran and the Caucasus.

Ancient settlements in the Tabriz area date back to pre-Islamic times. It served as a regional capital of Atropatene and later became a key center on the Silk Road. During the Safavid period it briefly served as capital; the city was a focal point of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution in the early 20th century.

Tabriz's historic core includes the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable monuments include the Blue Mosque, Arg-e Tabriz fortress, and the surrounding Armenian and Azerbaijani cultural sites. The nearby Jolfa district contains St. Stepanos Monastery, part of the region's Armenian heritage.

Today Tabriz is an industrial and educational center, with industries such as automotive production and textiles, and home to the University of Tabriz and other institutions. The city serves as a transportation hub with an international airport and rail connections to other Iranian cities and the neighboring Caucasus.

The city is predominantly inhabited by Azerbaijani Turks, with Persian widely used in administration. It has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.