Guide to The province of ardebil

Commonly written as Ardabil or Ardebil, this province consists of a stunning mountain range and villages, bazaars, historical bridges, old public baths, castles and mausoleums to be visited all year round. Some of the villages include: Bilehsavar, Khalkhaal, and Meshkin Shahr. The tribesmen of this region are also worthy of visitng and seeing. The main city of Ardebil, the capital of the province, is located 639 km from Tehran. The weather of the province ranges from extreme cold on the mountainous areas, to moderate on the plains. It is said that the name of the city came from a Zoroastrian name of "Artavil" (mentioned in Avesta) which is a "holy place".

Things to See

1. The Tomb of Amin-edin Jebrail in Ardebil

The mausoleum and tomb dedicated to the belongs Amin-edin Jebrail of the Safavid Dynasty the father of Sheikh Safi-edin Essaq. Located in a village called Kalkhoran in Ardebil, the original structure is approximately 500 years old. It prominently displays architecture of its time with simple, yet very decorative hand work on the exterior and interior of the building such as the staple blue tile work. The entrance to the Tomb of Amin-edin Jebrail boasts a beautiful and elaborate wooden door with intricate carvings. Although the structure was renovated about 400 years ago, it remains in tact and quite an attraction today for visitors.

2. Sheikh Safi Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily Mausoleum Sheikh Safi

The Sheikh Safi Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily Mausoleum is located in the province of Ardebil in a place called Sheikh Safi. The site is unique and interesting as it is showcases a series of structures which were built in various periods. Originally, Shah Tahmasb and then later the ambitious Shah Abbas added to complex and rebuilt various sections of it.

Because of the numerous Safavid Kings who were buried here, the site is one that is closely related to the era. Among those kings are Shah Esmail I. The main section of the memorial has a circular tower with that is 22 m across and 17 m high. Inside, near Sheikh Safi's tomb, the tomb of his son (the founder of mausoleum) and those of other family members can be seen. Over time, through various renovations such as the one by Naseredin Shah Qajar, major renovations took place and some changes were made. Other sections of interest include the front gate, a large interior court, a smaller side court, the graveyard, Shahidgah, Janat Sara Mosque. There is also the Cheleh Khaneh which encompasses the Qandil Khaneh, Haramkhaneh and Chini Khaneh. Perhaps the most stunning site is the Allah Allah Dome which is quite famous and worth a visit.

3. The Sabalan Mountains of Ardebil

Perhaps one of the most stunning mountains of Iran, the Sabalan mountains are located in Ardebil and worth a visit. With an altitude of about 4,800 m., the Sabalan mountains possess volcanic tendencies but have been inactive for a long time. The summit of the mountain is located 41 km from Ardebil and can be seen from the orad to Sar Ayn and Ardebil. The mountain offers breathtaking views, hiking trails and a chance to spend time in nature. Occasionally visitors will also be able to see the local nomads and tribemen that frequent the region during the warmer season. At the top of the mountain lies a beautiful laken, which is a major attraction and destination for professional hikers and backpackers.

4. The Towns Of Ardebil Province

Other towns in Aredbil province include Bilehsavar, Khal-Khaal, and Germi. In Bilehsavar, the local language "Bileh" means "a land between two rivers" as the town is located between two rivers of Belha and Bigloo. The city is located in a level plain enjoying a hot climate in summer and a pleasant and moderate weather in winter.

The famous city of Khalkhaal is located in a mountainous region of Ardebil. The Tallesh Mountain Ranges extends from eastern Khalkhall southward as a barrier between the Caspian Sea and Gilan and Azarbayjan provinces causing less annual precipitation in western parts, compared to that of eastern side, with poor vegetation. Here you will find rich pastures, resort areas, stunning landscapes and natural promenades around the city. This town is worth a visit to see the contrast of climates Iran provides within such small distances.

Other townships include Germi, which is said to date back to the the Parthian period. Also, the Meshkin Shahr, also known as "Khiav", is said to date back to the Safavid era. Another town is called Pars Abad, which is located between Aras River (south) and the northern parts of the mountain chain of Talesh that is called Moqan. Today, this area is one of the industrial and agricultural centers of the province enjoying a warm climate in summer and moderate weather in winter. All these towns offer beautiful kilims and kilim handicrafts which are the work of the local people and quite a nice souvenir of the region as they are unique in the choice of design and coloring.

5. The Castles of Ardebil

There are four old castles in Ardebil that will be worth your trip. The first is the Aghcheh Castle, located in Meshkin Shahr. The structure dates back to the first millenium and offers relics and objects from that period include ceramics and artwork. A second caste, also in Meshkin Shahr, is the Kohneh Castle. Located by the river, this castle displays an old Pahlavi inscription from the the Sassanian era. The final caslte in this town is called the Deeve Castle.

Ultan Castle in Pars Abad is just outside the village and is also very old, dating back to the Parthian period. In addition, Ardebil also offers Heer Castle, in the south of Ardebil, and Ghiz Castle in the town of Germi.

6. Historical Bridges of Ardebil

Since the province dates back to many centuries ago, there still are very many historical bridges which are some of the oldest in the world. These include the Jajin (Dash Kasan) Bridge constructed on the Baliqly Chay River with seven arches. A fine example of construction and art from that period, the bridge contains gypsum and mortar. The Jajin Bridge dates back to the the Safavid period and is made of stone with zigzag barrel-arches made from brick. Other noteworthy bridges include the Kalkhoran Bridge (three arches), the Neer Bridge (four arches), the Qarah Soo (Zaqan) Bridge, the Samiyan Bridge, the Seyed Abad Bridge, Ya'qoobieh and Ebrahim Abad Bridges on the Baliqly river, Almas, Sorkh and Shahr Chay Bridges and Khoda Afarin Bridge in Asaldooz.

Other Noteworthy Sites in Ardebil

1. Avazol khavas-ebne Firooz Shah Zarinkolah Tomb in Ardebil

Close to the Sheikh Jebrail Tomb in Kalkhoran Village, this structure contains the buried personality is the forth ancestor of Sheikh.

2. Seyed Mohammad-ol-A'raby Tomb, Ardabil

This mausoleum is located in the northwestern part of the Sheikh Jebrail Mausoleum. It is believed that the person burried here is the 15th ancestor of Sheikh Safi.

3. Sheikh Heydar Tomb, Meshkin Shahr

This mausoleum, shown on the left, is an unusual structure compared to some of the tombs of its time. It contains an 18 m cylindrical unit built in the late 7th or 9th century AH. Art work and tile work of its time are prevalent on the main entrance and the exterior of the building, including delicately decorated brick-work, and inscriptions with the sacred and religious.

4. The Old Bathhouses of Ardebil

The province of Ardebil is filled with historic public bath houses (hammam) that are worth seeing. As it was normal to visit a public bath house in old Iran, these baths are across all the villages and towns. The mentionable ones include the Haj Sheikh Bath, located in Ali Qapoo Alley in the city of Ardebil. The entrance to this bath house is simple but beautiful, with a central dome. The 300 year old house contains many alcoves and corners to visit and admire.

Other bath houses include Peer (Haj Rahim) Bath, in Sar Cheshmeh, the Peer Abdol Malek (Mirza Habib) Bath, the Peer Zargar Bath, the Uchdokan Bath, the Mollah Hadi Bath, Safavieh Bath in Nayebi Street and Aghanghi and Mirza Iman baths.