Babak Fort
PÄ?pak Fort or Babak Castle , also known as the Immortal Castle or Republic Castle , is a large citadel and National Symbol of Iranians on the top of a mountain in the Arasbaran forests , which is located 6 km southwest of Kalibar City in northwestern Iran . It has been identified as the stronghold of PÄ?pak Khorramdin , the leader of the Khurramites in Azarbaijan who fought the Islamic caliphate of Abbassids . Iranian Azarbaijanis gather at Babak Castle during the first weekend in July for the annual commemoration of Babak Khorramdin .
The ascent to the Castle is not for the infirm , elderly , or those afraid of heights . A series of long , and in places , broken steps lead the traveler to the top of a hill from where there are several choices for further ascent . The easiest is straight in front of the steps and consists of a long dirt track . As there are no sign posts towards the Castle , walk towards the peak on your left hand side but do not leave the dirt track . You will need hiking boots , a sun hat , plenty of water , and at least 3 hours for the climb , and 2 hours for the descent .
At the end of the dirt track , turn left onto the rocky mountain side , and beware of slipping . The first of sign of the ruins will appear on your left , but do not become too complacent : the actual Castle is another 2 peaks march away . The first peak offers spectacular views of the Castl . After ascending a second peak , with its own ruins , you will see the Castle perched on top a jagged cliff . Ascending the Castle steps is a dangerous process , as there are sheer cliffs on your right hand side , and no protective rails or fences to prevent a fall of several hundred meters . Take extreme care of the edge , and hold on to your children .
Once you have climbed the pinnacle of the cliff , you will truly appreciated the amazing effort in building and maintaining a fort at this altitude . Unfortunately , you will also have to tolerate the graffiti on the ancient walls , and young people playing chicken on top of the Castle walls . Under no circumstances should you even consider climbing these walls : first , this can damage the ancient structure , and second , a fall of several thousands of meters would lead to certain death . Nevertheless , the experience afterward is well worth the strenuous climb : the surrounding Arasbaran oak forest , jagged cliffs , mountains in the distance , and the history of the place combine to create one of Iran's most beautiful vistas .
The castle , built on 2300-2600 meter heights , surrounded by gorges as deep as 400 to 600 meters , is believed to belong to the Parthian dynasty and modified under the Sasanid dynasty . To reach the castle , one has to trek a tortuous and narrow passageway and then cross a corridor-shaped temple , 200 meters in lengths .
Saint Stepanos Monastery
The St. Stepanos Monastery or Monastery of St. Stephen the Protomartyr is an Armenian monastery about 15 km northwest of Jolfa city , East Azarbaijan Province northwest Iran . It is situated in a deep canyon along the Arax river on the Iranian side of the border between Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Iran . It was built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the Safavid era after several earthquakes damaged it .
Constitution House of Tabriz
The Constitution House of Tabriz , also known as Khaneh Mashrouteh , is a historical edifice located next to the Great Bazaar of Tabriz , on Motahari Ave in Tabriz , Iran . During the years which led to Constitutional Revolution and afterwards the house was used as a gathering place of the leaders , activists and sympathizers of the movement . Among them , the most famous people were Sattar khan , Bagher Khan , Seqat-ol-Eslam Tabrizi and Haji Mirza Aqa Farshi and the founder Haji Mehdi Kuzeh kanaani , himself a revolutionary activist and a well-reputed person of the time ; who was named Abolmele , i.e. the father of the nation at the time . The two story building was constructed in 1868 by Haj Vali Me'mar-e Tabrizi . It has numerous rooms and halls . The most beautiful part of the house is a skylight and corridor decorated with colorful glass and mirrors .
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a famous historic mosque in Tabrīz , Iran . The mosque and some other public buildings were constructed in 1465 upon the order of Jahan Shah , the ruler of Kara Koyunlu .
The mosque was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1779 , leaving only the iwan (entrance hall) . Reconstruction began in 1973 by the late Reza Memaran Benam under the supervision of Iranian Ministry of Culture . However , the tiling is still incomplete .
Arg of Tabriz
Arg-e Ali-ShÄ?h , is remnants of a big unfinished 14th century mausoleum and a 19th century military compound in city center of Tabriz , Iran .
Majarshin
Majarshin is a village in Gonbar Rural District , in the Central District of Osku County , East Azerbaijan Province , Iran . At the 2011 census , its population was 1,112 , in 304 families .
Majarshin is one of the villages of East Azerbaijan province which is located in Gonbar Rural District , in the Central District of Osku County and is located nearly 65 from the city of Tabriz , Majarshyn .
Majarshin is the ancient and historical village that has a green positive nature and is mountainous .
The Majarshin is considered as a treasure of monuments , landscapes and tourist attractions . The village currently has a population of approximately 1300 people .
Majarshin was originally Mirza neshin and in Reza Shah Pahlavi's time of policy of cultural assimilation which changing the name of cities was part of it , the name of village was changed . But , the residents of this village and surrounding villages apply the name of the village with its old dialect "Mirzeh Neshin" or (mirza neshin) the main activities of village's residents are in the areas of agriculture , horticulture , animal husbandry and carpet . The main source of income for the village Majarshin , is selling agricultural products such as nuts , raw rose and pussy . The milk production of heavy and light traps is another source of income that all these happen in the spring and summer . In winter , carpet weaving and selling it , is the most important source of income for village residents . It’s interesting to know that potatoes are the symbol of Majarshin .
In Majarshin often walnut and willow Tabrizi are to be seen . Livestock in the village due to the high meadows and postures , especially Suyukh Boulagh and Agh valley in comparison with surrounding villages is wider done . Income resulting from the sale of surplus dairy products and consequently contribute to the economy of rural households .
Majarshin is a mountainous village with beautiful staircase home . An asphalt road connects the village with the town Osku and Azarshahr . Majarshin village location is so that makes it a top rating to the surrounding villages . This village is the confluence of two roads , Azarshahr to Gonbar and Osku to Gonbar .
The highest point of village is the Orian Mountain ; the peak height of it is 2850 mtr .
Majarshin village is located in the foothills of Yeke Soura Majarshin village .
Bazaar of Tabriz
The Bazaar of Tabriz is a historical market situated in the city center of Tabriz , Iran . It is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest covered bazaar in the world . and is one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites .
El Gölü
El Gölü , also known as Shah Gölü is the name of a large park in Tabriz , Iran . It has an square artificial lake surrounded by side walk in four sides . There is also a building in the middle of the lake , with traditional architecture of Iranian Azerbaijan . In South of the lake there is a hill covered by trees . Two beautiful stairways connecting the side walks to the top of the hill . At top of the hill there is a building with modern architecture (Hotel Pars building) . There is also a small luna park next to the park .
Kandovan
Kandovan (also spelled Candovan) is a touristic village near Osku and Tabriz, Iran. Its fame is due to its special houses which are carved inside rocks. This houses date back to about 3000 years ago and are still being inhabited. Kandovan also has a scenic beauty. It's a popular resort and there are hotels and restaurants there to serve tourists. Its mineral water is also popular by visitors and is believed to be a cure for kidney disease
Maqbaratoshoara
On the east side of sayyed Hamzeh's grave and Ghaem Magham's grave, there is a grave yard is the place of too many poets, mystics, scientists and well-known people of Tabriz graves and has a special importance
Some people who are buried in this grave yard are recognized. To know their names, on should refer to some books that contain enough descriptions of this complex like "Azarbayjan archeological signs" by Mr.Abdwl Ali Karang
From 35years ago, attempts on the repairment of the grave yard area has been started. Some works has been done like construction of a new symbolic building on this site the white marble construction in the photos
Shahryar is the last poet who has been commerced in te Maqbarato-Shoara
Saat Tower
Saat Tower or Tabriz City Hall is the head office of the municipal government of Tabriz, the capital of East Azarbaijan Province, Iran. It was created in 1895 by Arfa'ol Molk. After World War II it was used by the Azerbaijan Democrat Party as a Government Office
After Iranian troops taking power back the building is used as Tabriz municipal central office
