Iranian Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Iranian Azerbaijan is an amazing destination in northwest Iran with its historical monuments, cultural heritage, natural scenery, and culinary wonders. This guide provides must-visit places, things to do, food to try, where to stay and practical travel tips for a memorable trip to Iranian Azerbaijan.


Introduction to Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan, also known as East Azerbaijan or Azerbaijan-e Sharghi, is a historical and unique region located in the northwest of Iran, bordering Armenia and Azerbaijan. The region has its distinct identity and culture, influenced by its multicultural history over centuries. The capital of the Iranian Azerbaijan region is Tabriz, the largest and most developed city in the region. Tabriz has always been a hub of cultural exchange since the Silk Road era and continues to be a center of commerce, trade, art, and science in modern-day Iran.

Iranian Azerbaijan’s diverse natural sceneries include splendid mountains, rivers, and lakes, which offer ample opportunity for adventure and outdoor activities. The region’s parks and forests are significant as well, comprising a third of Iran’s natural parkland, making it a destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts. The region is home to delicious cuisine, including some of Iran’s best kebab dishes, mouth-watering stews, and rich desserts.

This comprehensive guide will help you explore the beauty of Iranian Azerbaijan by providing a complete list of places to visit, activities to do, must-try dishes, best places to stay, and practical travel tips for a memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan offers various tourist sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures. Here is a list of some destinations to visit during your trip to Iranian Azerbaijan.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tabriz Bazaar Complex is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. It was once an essential meeting point on the Silk Road, and a significant trading center for precious goods from China and Europe. The bazaar consists of various interconnected structures, each section dedicated to different products, including handicrafts, spices, fabrics, rugs, jewelry, and antiques.

  • Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque of Tabriz is one of the most remarkable Islamic architectural masterpieces, located on the northwest corner of Tabriz bazaar. The mosque dates back to the 15th century and has undergone restoration and reconstruction work several times. The striking blue-tiled entrance and the impressive turquoise dome are the main attractions for visitors.

  • Kandovan Village: Located 60 km from Tabriz, Kandovan village is a unique tourist destination known for its fascinating and unusual rock-hewn houses. The inhabitants have dug their houses out of massive volcanic rocks, and the scenery is a true wonder of nature.

  • Azerbaijan Museum: This regional museum in Tabriz exhibits the region’s history and culture from prehistoric times to present-day Azerbaijan.

  • Qareh Klise Church: Known as the Black Church, in Jolfa, a town located on the Aras River’s banks, is a historical church built in 1810 by armenians.

Natural Attractions of Iranian Azerbaijan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Sabalan and Sabalan Hot Springs: Mount Sabalan is an inactive volcano standing 4,811 meters tall and offering fantastic trekking and hiking opportunities for visitors. Nearby, Sabalan hot springs offer a relaxing spa experience, particularly during cold winter months.

  • Lake Urmia: The world’s second-largest saltwater lake, Lake Urmia, is a must-see natural attraction in the region. The lake’s high salt concentration creates a unique pink color, and the birdlife around the lake is particularly impressive.

  • Alvand Mountain: Located in the town of Hamedan, Alvand Mountain, approximately 3474 meters and occupies a vast natural park that offers spectacular views and hiking opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan’s vast landscapes and mountains offer excellent opportunities for hikers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes to explore:

  • Asalem to Khalkhal Road Trek: Located in the Mazandaran province, this 25km hiking and biking trail offers breathtaking views of the Asalem and Khalkhal mountains, dense forests, and riverside trails.

  • Mount Sabalan Summit: The Mount Sabalan summit is a challenging trek, but the summit views are breathtaking, and trekking to the summit of Mount Sabalan is one of the most popular hiking routes in Iranian Azerbaijan.

  • Kandovan Village and Surrounding Area Hiking: Kandovan village offers several trails for guests wanting shorter hikes. Landmarks such as the high cave behind the village, the waterfall on the foothills, and the spectacular view from the top of the village are worth exploring.

Best Things to Do in Iranian Azerbaijan: Activities and Tours

Iranian Azerbaijan offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to do during your vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in Iranian Azerbaijan:

  • Food Tour in Tabriz: Tabriz offers several restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that serve mouth-watering traditional Azerbaijani dishes. A guided food tour of the city can help you discover the best eateries around the city.

  • Visit to Nomad Villages: Learning about the nomadic life and culture is a unique experience in Iranian Azerbaijan. Several tour operators offer visitors the opportunity to visit a nomadic family’s tent and enjoy their hospitality and home-cooked meals.

  • Ski Resorts Hopping Tour: Iranian Azerbaijan offers some of the best ski resorts in the country, and winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy hopping from one resort to another, experiencing the local culture, and enjoying the mountain scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan demands at least a week-long trip to take in its culture, sights, and scenery. Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day 1-3: Historical and Cultural Exploration in Tabriz

Start your trip by exploring historical and cultural attractions in Tabriz, including the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, the Blue Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum, Qareh Klise Church and then explore nearby towns such as Jolfa and Maragheh.

Day 4-5: Natural Wonders and Adventure Activities in Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve

Explore Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve’s natural wonders and scenic views and engage in adventure activities, such as trekking, hiking, and camping.

Day 6-7: Relaxation and Spa Experience at Sabalan Hot Springs

Finish off your trip with a relaxing spa experience, soaking in the hot springs of Mount Sabalan.

Food and Drink Scene of Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan offers some of Iran’s best food and drink options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kebab: The Azerbaijani Kebab is famous worldwide, and Texel Kebab, Qezelbash Kebab, and Solta Kebab are popular variations in Iranian Azerbaijan.

  • Ash: One of the region’s most famous and nutritionally balanced dishes, Ash, is a thick soup made of vegetables.

  • Tahchin: Tahchin is a layered rice dish, made of thinly sliced cooked chicken, mixed with yogurt and egg yolks, topped with seasoned rice, saffron, and barberries.

Local Beverages

  • Doogh: Doogh is a salty yogurt drink mixed with carbonated water and mint, making it a refreshing drink during hot summer days.

  • Aragh Sagi: Aragh Sagi is a distilled alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes and has a strong aroma.

Where to Stay in Iranian Azerbaijan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Iranian Azerbaijan offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay are:

  • Shahryar International Hotel, Tabriz: The Shahryar International Hotel offers excellent service and is conveniently located in the heart of Tabriz.

  • Darya Hotel, Ardabil: This resort-style hotel overlooks the beautiful Lake Urmia and offers a range of rooms and suites with spectacular views.

  • Amir Kabir Hotel, Tabriz: The Amir Kabir Hotel is a budget-friendly option located in the city center and is popular among backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Iranian Azerbaijan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Iranian Azerbaijani handicrafts and souvenirs make for unique and thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Here are some local products to bring home:

  • Tabrizi Carpets and Rugs: Azerbaijani carpets and rugs are world-renowned and make for excellent souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

  • Sofi Kilim: Kilims are flat-woven carpets designed by tribesmen in Iranian Azerbaijan’s Sofi region, and they make for a unique handicraft to bring back home.

  • Gaz: Gaz is a traditional Persian nougat made of pistachios and rosewater and makes for a sweet treat to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan’s local culture and customs have diverse roots and are heavily influenced by the region’s multicultural history. Azerbaijani people are known for their hospitality, welcoming nature, and love for art and music. In Iranian Azerbaijan, the indigenous population speaks Turkish instead of Persian and is heavily influenced by Azerbaijan’s neighboring country’s culture. You’ll find traditional Azerbaijani dress, music, and dance forms playing during regional festivals and celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Iranian Azerbaijan

The best time to visit Iranian Azerbaijan is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and there are minimal chances of rain or snow. Summer months can be scorching, and some mountainous areas can be inaccessible during the winter months, so it’s best to avoid visiting in winter if you plan on visiting the mountains.

Do’s and Don’ts of Iranian Azerbaijan

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Iranian Azerbaijan:

Do:

  • Dress Conservatively: Iran is a conservative Islamic country, and you must dress accordingly, covering your hair and body appropriately.

  • Respect local traditions: It is important to respect the local customs and traditions and interact with locals politely and respectfully.

  • Try Local Cuisine: Iranian Azerbaijani cuisine is diverse and delicious, and it is highly recommended to taste the local dishes when traveling to the area.

Don’t:

  • Bring or consume alcohol: Iran is an Islamic country, and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions: It is important to respect the local culture, behavior, and traditions, and interact with locals politely and respectfully.

  • Photograph without permission: It is considered impolite to take photos of people in Iran without their permission, so make sure you ask first.

Safety and Health

Iranian Azerbaijan is generally a safe destination, and crime rates are low. However, it’s always good to practice caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Safety in Iranian Azerbaijan

  • Political Unrest: Political unrest has been a concern in Iran and should be kept in mind while traveling around the region.

  • Traffic: Traffic is congested in some cities, and it’s always a good idea to leave ample time for travel and exercise caution while driving or crossing the streets.

Health in Iranian Azerbaijan

  • Vaccination: Visitors should seek medical advice about vaccinations before traveling to Iran.

  • Air Pollution: Some cities in Iran are prone to air pollution, and visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid respiratory problems.

Getting to Iranian Azerbaijan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Iranian Azerbaijan is accessible by various modes of transport. Here are some options available:

Airports Near Iranian Azerbaijan

  • Tabriz International Airport: Located in the city of Tabriz, it is the main air hub for Iranian Azerbaijan.

  • Ardabil International Airport: Located in the city of Ardabil, it is also a popular airport in the region.

Bus Stations Near Iranian Azerbaijan

  • Tabriz Central Bus Station: The Tabriz Bus Station is located in the city center and connects several cities in the region.

  • Ardabil Central Bus Station: Ardabil Bus Station provides excellent connections to several cities in Iranian Azerbaijan and other provinces within Iran.

Other Options

  • Train: The train is one of the best options for traveling long distances in Iranian Azerbaijan.

  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in the region, and renting a car can offer flexibility and convenience.

How to Get Around in Iranian Azerbaijan

  • Public Transport: Public transport is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around the towns and cities in Iranian Azerbaijan. Buses, Taxis, and Metro systems are available in most cities.

  • Private Transport: Private transport, such as taxis or renting a car, offers comfort and flexibility for longer distance travel within the region.

Where to Go Next from Iranian Azerbaijan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Iranian Azerbaijan is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding regions. Here are some nearby destinations you can visit:

  • Azerbaijan: Cross the border and explore the neighboring country’s cities and towns, such as Baku and Shaki.

  • Ardabil: Ardabil Province is home to the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other historic sites and natural attractions.

  • Zanjan: Zanjan is a city located south of the Caspian Sea and holds ancient wonders such as Soltaniyeh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Iranian Azerbaijan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of northwest Iran. This comprehensive travel guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, from must-visit places, best things to do, food to try, where to stay, and practical travel tips. A week-long trip to Iranian Azerbaijan will leave you mesmerized and forever enchanted with the region’s rich heritage and spectacular scenery.

Four provinces in Iranian Azerbaijanː West Azerbaijan (west), East Azerbaijan (middle north), Ardebil (east), and Zanjan (south). Four provinces in Iranian Azerbaijanː West Azerbaijan (west), East Azerbaijan (middle north), Ardebil (east), and Zanjan (south). Saint John Church of Sohrol in Shabestar Saint John Church of Sohrol in Shabestar Tabriz International Airport. Tabriz International Airport. Tabriz Railway Station Tabriz Railway Station St.Stepanos monastery St.Stepanos monastery


    Kandovan
    Osku
    Sardroud
    Zanjan