Saed News: Next, you will get to know the most spectacular attractions of the city of Tabriz, which is also known as the City of Firsts and the City Without Beggars.
According to the Tourism Service of Saed News, Tabriz has always played a significant role in history, so much so that when talking about "firsts," it holds the most historical firsts in Iran. It might be interesting to know that the first street in Iran to have electricity was also in Tabriz. Generally, Tabriz is known as the "City of Firsts," and in a way, many modern advancements in today’s world began in Tabriz.
1- Kabud Mosque | A Mosque as Old as History
Kabud Mosque is one of Tabriz’s historical attractions dating back 600 years. This mosque is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. The prominent turquoise tilework and various mosaic decorations seen on its entrance captivate every visitor. These beautiful turquoise tiles are why it’s called the “Blue Mosque.”
Currently, Kabud Mosque is the only remaining historical structure from the Qara Qoyunlu dynasty era, as many others were destroyed in an earthquake 300 years ago in Tabriz. Although the damage from that earthquake is still visible, Kabud Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful and attractive sights of Tabriz because it combines history, art, and religion in one place. The mosque is located on Imam Khomeini Street, close to Saat Square, and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Address: Tabriz, Imam Khomeini Street, opposite Sadr Alley, next to Khaghani Park.
2- Tabriz Grand Bazaar | One of the Largest Covered Markets in the World
A visit to Tabriz is incomplete without walking through this old covered bazaar with its tall arches and interconnected brick structures. The Tabriz Grand Bazaar stretches over one kilometer and is listed among the largest covered bazaars in the world, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the best place to buy souvenirs from Tabriz. The bazaar flourished especially during the Safavid era as it was a central market along the Silk Road. Like the Kabud Mosque, the bazaar was seriously damaged in a devastating earthquake in 1779 AD (1193 AH), but restoration began quickly and today the traditional and historic character remains intact.
The bazaar is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on non-holiday days. To fully explore the bazaar and its various sections, you might need a whole day.
3- Poets’ Mausoleum (Maqbarat-ol-Shoara) | A Place for Mystics and Poets
Another must-see attraction in Tabriz is the Poets’ Mausoleum. Especially if you are interested in poetry and literature and want to learn more about Iranian poets and writers, this site is fascinating. Its history goes back 800 years, but like many historical places in Tabriz, it suffered serious damage from natural disasters and earthquakes, remaining abandoned for several years. The current site is a newer, relatively modern reconstruction completed in 1971.
Over 400 notable figures in art and literature are buried here, including the famous poet Ostad Shahriar. The mausoleum is located in the Sheshgelan neighborhood of Tabriz and is open for visits from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Visiting hours may vary due to events and holidays, so it is best to check beforehand.
Address: Tabriz, Saqqeh-ol-Eslam Street.
4- Jameh Mosque of Tabriz | A Blend of Old and New Architecture
Some parts of Tabriz have survived earthquakes, including the Jameh Mosque. This mosque dates back to the Seljuk period and with renovations over time, it shows a combination of old and new architectural styles.
It is located next to the bazaar, making it easy to visit while exploring the Grand Bazaar. What makes this mosque unique are its octagonal brick columns and delicate, artistic plasterwork. The mosque’s history dates back to the Seljuks.
Address: Tabriz, Shahid Motahari Street, end of the bazaar.
5- Ali Shahi Citadel (Arg-e Alishah) | Tabriz Citadel
Ali Shahi Citadel, also known as Arg Tabriz, is another historical landmark with a rich history. Its age is around 700 years, and it is one of the tallest and oldest historical walls in Iran.
You can see the cracks and scars on its surface from past events, telling the story of its history. Its functions have varied from a mosque to a granary and military fortress. Although it might seem like just an old wall, if you are interested in history, you shouldn’t miss visiting this monument. The citadel is open to the public 24/7 and free of charge. You just need to go to downtown Tabriz to see it.
Address: Tabriz, southern side of Imam Khomeini and Ferdowsi Street intersection, near Saat Square.
6- Constitutional House of Tabriz | The Start of the Constitutional Movement
This old house and museum, with an area of 1300 square meters, is built in the Qajar architectural style. The Constitutional House of Tabriz is enchanting with its lush courtyard, beautiful pool, and a two-story building that attracts attention even before entering the museum. Inside, its stained glass windows create a mesmerizing scene as colorful light passes through them.
Originally the residence of a famous merchant named Haj Mehdi Kozehkanani, it later became a gathering place for leaders of the Azerbaijani Constitutional Revolution, including Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan. Since 1996, it has served as a museum displaying documents, statues, and busts related to the Constitutional Revolution. Visiting the Constitutional House allows you to see a historic building with unique architecture and learn about the history of the revolutionaries.
Address: Tabriz, Shahid Motahari Street, opposite Jameh Mosque.
7- Parvin Etesami House | The Famous Iranian Poetess
The house of Parvin Etesami is one of the most popular attractions in Tabriz. Parvin Etesami is a celebrated poet in modern Persian literature, and her birthplace has become a must-visit site. Those interested in Persian poetry and literature will certainly want to visit this 1300-square-meter house.
It is located in the Sheshgelan area of Tabriz and is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, although hours may vary during holidays, so it’s best to check before visiting.
Address: Tabriz, Abbasi Street, next to Mir Agha Mosque, Saveh Bolaghi Alley, No. 6.
8- Azerbaijan Museum | The Second Largest Archaeological Museum in Iran
The Azerbaijan Museum is a great spot for lovers of ancient treasures. It is the country’s second archaeological museum after the National Museum of Iran, housing many historical and artistic artifacts from pre-Islamic and Islamic periods. Its proximity to Kabud Mosque makes it possible to visit both in one day.
Opened in 1962, the museum displays antiques, old coins, and a virtual reconstruction of the historical development of Tabriz.
Address: Tabriz, Imam Street, next to Kabud Mosque.
9- Saint Stephanos Church | A Famous Religious and Cultural Center for Armenians
Saint Stephanos Church in Tabriz is the second most important Armenian church. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the church is located in a beautiful and pleasant climate. Besides being a place of worship, it is also a gathering place for artists, scholars, and historians. The monastery consists of three main parts: the chapel, bell tower, and Daniel’s fireplace.
The church is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM (depending on the season).
10- Ostad Shahriar Museum | Creator of the "Heydar Baba" Poem
Mohammad Hossein Shahriar, known as Ostad Shahriar, is a well-known contemporary Iranian poet, famous especially for his work “Heydar Baba.” Born in 1906, his father was a scholar and calligrapher from Tabriz. Shahriar’s education was interrupted seven months before completion due to his love for a girl and rejection, which drove him deeper into poetry.
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11- Qajar Museum | Residence of a Qajar Statesman
The Qajar Museum is one of the old houses with unique architecture and design, formerly known as the Amir Nezam Groosi Mansion.
This man was considered one of the wise men during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah and held a high status among the people of Tabriz. The architecture of the Qajar Museum, like other old Iranian houses, features a special design and is divided into inner (andaruni) and outer (biruni) sections. During your visit to this museum, you can also explore the Stone Hall, Weapon Hall, Architecture Hall, Coin Hall, and other parts of the museum.
12- Clock Tower | The First Museum of Tabriz
The Clock Tower, located at the very center of Tabriz, is recognized as the first museum of the city. This tower was built in 1935 by German architects and officially opened in 1939.
On each of the tower’s four corners, there is a clock face that announces the time every 15 minutes to the people of Tabriz. When visiting the Clock Tower, you can also see old objects such as carpets, luxury cars, and other valuable items preserved there.
13- Iron Age Museum | The Most Unique Museum of Tabriz
The Iron Age Museum, discovered in 1997 during excavation, is considered the most unique museum in Tabriz. The items found here indicate historical periods related to the Ilkhanid and Timurid eras and include mass graves.
Most of the buried are children, and interestingly, they were buried with their belongings—for example, children with toys, women with jewelry, and men with weapons. This allows you to easily identify the social class of these individuals.
14- Pineh Shalvar Cemetery | The Oldest Cemetery in Tabriz
In a pleasant, green area among the foothills of Mount Sahand lies a historic cemetery dating back to pre-Islamic times, known mostly for its strange and unusual grave shapes.
According to locals, some mystics and rulers from the 7th to 9th centuries are buried here. It is interesting to note that this cemetery has been repeatedly vandalized and looted, so you might only be able to see a few of these unique tombstones.
15- El Goli Park | One of Tabriz’s Free Attractions
One of the attractions in Tabriz you must not miss is the beautiful El Goli Park, also known as Shah Goli. This beautiful and historic park is one of the most popular recreational spots for tourists and locals alike, offering a peaceful place for walking and spending a pleasant afternoon. Since entry to this park is free, El Goli is considered one of Tabriz’s free attractions. The park features a 200 by 200 meter lake with a depth ranging from 3 to 9 meters, and boating is one of the recreational activities there.
The El Goli mansion, an octagonal two-story building, currently functions as a restaurant. So, after exploring this lovely recreational area, you can enjoy local Tabriz dishes at the park’s restaurant or one of the nearby eateries.
Address: Tabriz, Southern Bypass Highway, El Goli Metro Station
16- Kandovan Village | Similar to Turkey’s Göreme
Tabriz’s attractions are not limited to museums and historical structures—you can also see one of Iran’s unique natural sites just a short distance from the city. Kandovan Village, located 48 kilometers from Tabriz, is one of the places you must visit during your trip.
This rocky village was formed over many years due to volcanic activity of Mount Sahand. Today, this volcano is dormant, so there is no danger to residents. The village’s notable features include homes carved into the rocks and mountains where people still live. Entering this village feels like stepping into a different and dreamy world.
Address: East Azerbaijan Province, Osku County, Central District, Sahand Rural District, Kandovan Village
17- Ainali Mountain | A Beautiful Recreation Area
If you’re looking for a pristine location for photography, visit Ainali Mountain.
This mountain is one of Tabriz’s important recreational spots and offers facilities such as a cable car, an artificial lake, a zip line, the Aji Chai River, and an area for rock climbing practice. At the top of Ainali Mountain is a tomb attributed to Aoun ibn Ali, dating back to the Ilkhanid era.
18- Arasbaran Forest | A Green Paradise in Tabriz
The Arasbaran region stretches extensively from Kaleybar County to Siahroud and can be accessed via the Jolfa road, leading to this green paradise in East Azerbaijan Province.
Within the lush Arasbaran forest, you can also visit other Tabriz attractions such as Babak Castle, Makidi Forest Park, the Ainalu Protected Area, and various plant and animal species. The best time to visit is from late May to late September when the forest is at its most beautiful.
19- Miniature Park
This is the first themed park in Iran where you can see many miniature models of Tabriz’s historical sites. Golestan Park is another of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Tabriz, covering an area of about 52 hectares.
Its highlights include old, sturdy trees, fountains, and beautiful natural scenery.
20- Aladaghlar Colored Mountains
Another attraction in Tabriz that you must visit is the stunningly beautiful Aladaghlar Colored Mountains. Located 25 kilometers northeast of Tabriz, these mountains extend from Mahneshan in Zanjan Province to Mianeh, and from Tabriz to Ahar.
The colorful mountains of Tabriz are a geo-tourism spot where the vividly colored soils will amaze you.
