shahrsheher

Shahrsheher is a small municipality in the northwestern region of Iran, situated within the administrative boundaries of West Azerbaijan Province. It lies approximately 45 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital, Urmia, and is positioned on the foothills of the Zagros mountain range at an elevation of about 1,200 metres. The town's coordinates are 37.2333° N latitude and 45.6000° E longitude, which places it within a temperate climate zone featuring cold winters and mild summers.

The first recorded mention of Shahrsheher dates back to the early 19th century, when it served as a modest trade post along a caravan route connecting the Caspian Sea basin with Anatolia. Over subsequent decades, the settlement expanded through the gradual influx of Kurdish and Azerbaijani populations, and it maintained a largely agrarian economy focused on cereal cultivation and livestock rearing. Official census data from 2016 indicate a population of roughly 3,800 residents, with a demographic mix that includes approximately 55% Azerbaijanis, 40% Kurds, and smaller numbers of Persians and Assyrians. The population density is roughly 200 individuals per square kilometre.

Administratively, Shahrsheher falls under the jurisdiction of the Namakshahr District and is governed by a municipal council elected every four years. The local economy remains primarily agricultural, although recent developments have introduced small-scale handicraft manufacturing and eco-tourism initiatives that leverage the area's scenic landscapes and historic architecture. Infrastructure improvements over the past decade have included the construction of a paved road linking the town to Urmia, refurbishment of the municipal water supply system, and the establishment of a primary health clinic. Public education is provided by a network of seven schools, ranging from elementary to secondary level, with a teaching staff of approximately 60 educators.

Despite its modest size, Shahrsheher plays a role in regional cultural life by hosting an annual music and crafts festival that draws visitors from neighboring towns. The festival showcases traditional Azerbaijani and Kurdish music, dance, and artisanal work, and reinforces the town's identity as a cultural crossroads in Western Iran.