Ardebil is a historical city in north-western Iran. Ardebil is centre of Adabil province. Its population is estimated to be around 650,000. Famed for its silk and Carpet trade tradition. Ardabil is the seat of the sanctuary and tomb of Shaikh Safî ad-Dîn, eponym of the Safavid Dynasty.

Location

Ardebil stands about 70 km from the Caspian Sea and has an area of 18011 km². Neighbouring on the Caspian Sea and the Republic of Azerbaijan, this city is of great political and economical significance. The province of Ardebil has been blessed with splendid natural beauty and numerous sights. It is located on an open plain 1,500 m above sea level, just east of Mount Sabalan (4,811 m), where cold spells occur until late spring.

Tourism

It has many hot springs and beautiful natural landscapes and these attracts tourists. The mineral springs of Ardebil are Beele-Darreh, Sar'eyn, Sardabeh and Booshloo, being famous for their medicinal qualities throughout Iran. It has also many beauty lakes: the largest of which are Ne'or, Shoorabil, ShoorGel, NouShahr and Aloocheh that are the habitats of some species of water birds. The beautiful Lake Ne'or is located in a mountainous area 48 km south-east of the city of Ardebil. It covers an area of 2.1 km² and has an average depth of 3 metres. It is fed by springs in the lake bed. Lake Shoorabil is located in a hilly area south of the city of Ardebil and covers an area of 640,000 m². The surface of the lake is covered with a thin white layer of minerals, being useful for healing skin diseases and rheumatism. Near the lake there is the leisure complex of Shoorabil. Being a city of great antiquity, the origins of Ardebil go back 4000 to 6000 years (according to historical research in this city). This city was the capital of Azerbaijan province in different times, but its golden age was in the Safavid period. The other significant historical monuments are as follows: the mausoleum of Sheikh Jebra'il, located 2 km north of Ardebil, the old but always lively bazaar, the Friday mosque, and a few ancient bridges. In addition to these, in many villages of Ardebil, relics of ancient monuments, including tombs have been found

The complex of Sheikh

Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabili is an impressive ancient monument, comprising the following components: the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma'il, Chini khaneh (meaning the house of chinaware), a mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise), Khanaqah (the house of Dervishes), Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps), Shahid khaneh (the house of martyrs) and Chelleh Khaneh (the place where devotees shut themselves up during the forty days of Lent). The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of which is called "Allah-Allah" has an octagonal interior.

People

• Population: 650,000
• Religion: Mostly Islam Shi'a Islam
• Ethnicity: Azerbaijani Turks, (Azeri)
• Language: Turkish, Azeri

External links

• Azerb Link Of Ardebil
• Encyclopedia of Orient About Ardebil
• Ardebil-Iran Carvan Tourism