Tabriz

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Tabriz تبریز ancient names: Davrezh, Tavrezh, Tavrez
Tabriz Municipality (city hall), built in 1934, by Arfa'ol molk,
Nickname(s): The City of Firsts
Tabriz
Coordinates: 38°04′N 46°18′E / 38.067°N 46.3°E / 38.067; 46.3
Country	Iran
Ostan	East Azerbaijan Province
Shahrestan	Tabriz County
Bakhsh	Tabriz Central district
Established date	N/A
Government
- Mayor	Alireza Novin
Area
- Total	140 km2 (54.1 sq mi)
Elevation	1,351.4 m (4,434 ft)
Population (2008)
- Total	1,579,312
- Population Rank in Iran	4th
Time zone	IRST (UTC+3:30)
- Summer (DST)	IRDT (UTC+4:30)
Area code(s)	0411
Website	Tabriz municipality

Tabriz (Persian: تبریز, Azerbaijani: تبریز) is the fourth largest city of Iran and the capital of East Azarbaijan Province. Situated at an altitude of 1,350 metres at the junction of the Ghuri River and Aji River, it was the second largest city in Iran until the late 1960s, one of its former capitals and residence of the crown prince under the Qajar dynasty. The city has proven extremely influential in the country’s recent history. Tabriz is located in a valley to the north of the long ridge of the volcanic cone of Sahand, south of the Eynali mountain. The valley opens out into a plain that slopes down gently to the northern end of Lake Urmia, 60 km to the west.

With a population of about 1,600,000,^[1] Tabriz is Iran's fourth largest city, after Tehran, Mashhad and Esfahān and the second industrial city after Tehran. It is a summer resort and a commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. ^[2]

With a very rich history, Tabriz used to house many historical monuments. Unfortunately, many of them were destroyed in repeated invasions and attacks of foreign forces, negligence of the ruling governments, as well natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. What remains now mostly dates back to the Ilkhanid, the Safavid, and the Qajar periods. Some of the monuments are unrivalled masterpieces of architecture.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 2.1 Early Accounts 2.2 Medieval and renaissance history 2.3 Contemporary history 2.4 Historical timeline 2.5 Excavation sites 3 Geography 3.1 Topography 3.2 Climate 4 Governance 4.1 Districts 5 Demography 5.1 Language 5.2 Religion 6 Culture and Art 6.1 Literature 6.2 Music 6.3 Painting 6.4 Cuisine 7 Monuments and Landmarks 8 Parks and Gardens 9 Tourism 9.1 Souvenirs of Tabriz 9.2 Regional Tourist Attractions 10 Economy 10.1 Industries 10.2 Small businesses 10.3 Handcrafts ateliers 10.4 Shopping 10.5 Tabriz International Exhibition 11 Education 11.1 Famous high schools 11.2 Religious centres 11.3 Libraries 12 Infrastructure 12.1 Health systems 12.2 Transportation 13 Sport 14 Media 14.1 Television 14.2 Radio 14.3 Press 15 Notable people 15.1 Artists 15.2 Religious figures 15.3 Photographer 15.4 Poets and writers 15.5 Politicians and reformists 15.6 Scientists 15.7 Sport persons 15.8 Sufi 16 Sister cities 17 See also 18 Photo Gallery of Tabriz 19 Notes 20 References 21 External links

[edit] Etymology

According to some sources,^[3] including Encyclopædia Britannica,^[4] the name Tabriz derives from "tap-riz" ("causing heat to flow" in Iranian languages), from the many thermal springs in the area. Other sources^[5][6] claim that in AD 246, to avenge his brother's death, king Khosraw I of Armenia defeated Ardashir I of the Sassanid Empire and changed the name of the city from Shahistan to Tauris, deriving from "ta-vrezh" ("this revenge" in Grabar). In AD 297, it became the capital of Tiridates III, king of Armenia.^[7] However, this story has popular origin and no ancient source has recorded such event. This is based on accounts of Vardan, the Armenian historian in 14th century.^[8]

[edit] History

[edit] Early Accounts

According to The Cambridge History of Iran, Tabriz was founded in early Sassanids times in 3rd or 4th century A.D. or more probably in 7th century. ^[9] During the Islamic conquest of Iran, Arab armies in Azerbaijan mostly turned attention toward Ardebil and Tabriz was not even listed among the cities of Azerbaijan that Iranian armies were mobilized. These accounts suggest that Tabriz was not more than a small village at this time. ^[10] Current excavations in Blue Mosque site may lead to new theories about the early history of Tabriz^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Medieval and renaissance history

After the conquest of Iran by Muslims, Arab tribe Azd form Yemen resided in Tabriz and development of post-Islamic Tabriz began from this time. Yaqut, the Islamic geographer says that Tabriz was a village before Rawwad from the tribe of Azd came to Tabriz.^[10] In AD 791, Zubaidah, the wife of Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, rebuilt Tabriz after a devastating earthquake and beautified the city so much as to obtain the credit for having been its founder^[7].

After the Mongol invasion, Tabriz came to eclipse Maragheh as the later Ilkhanid capital of Azarbaijan until sacked by Tamerlane in 1392.^[11] Chosen as a capital by Arghun Khan, fourth ruler of the Ilkhanate, for its favored location in the northwestern grasslands,^[12] in 1295, his successor Ghazan Khan made it the chief administrative center of an empire stretching from Egypt to the Oxus River and from the Caucasus to the Indian Ocean. Under his rule new walls were built around the city, and numerous public buildings, educational facilities, and caravansarais were erected to serve traders traveling on the ancient Silk Road. The Byzantine Gregory Choniades is said to have served as the city's Orthodox bishop during this time.^{[citation needed]}

From 1375 to 1468, Tabriz was the capital of Kara Koyunlu state in Azarbaijan^[13], and from 1469 to 1501 the capital of Ak Koyunlu state.

Before the expansion of Altaic languages in the area, Iranian languages^[14] were spoken in Tabriz and Azerbaijan. The 13th century manuscript Safina-yi Tabriz has poems in what its Tabriz-born author has called the Tabrizi dialect (Zaban-i-Tabrizi)^[15]. Samples of the Tabrizi dialect of the wider Old Azari language include quatrains recorded in Tabrizi dialect by Abd al-Qadir Maraghi, phrases from Baba Faraji Tabrizi and poems in Tabrizi in the Safina-yi Tabriz, and poetry from Homam Tabrizi, Mama Esmat Tabrizi, Maghrebi Tabrizi and others. Before the Safavid revolution, Tabriz was predominantely a Shafi'ite and Sunni city.

In 1501, Shah Ismail I entered Tabriz and proclaimed it the capital of his Safavid state. In 1514, after the Battle of Chaldiran, Tabriz was temporarily occupied by the Ottomans, but remained the capital of Safavid Iranian empire until 1548, when Shah Tahmasp I transferred it to Qazvin.

Between 1585 and 1603, Tabriz was controlled by the Ottomans but was then returned to the Safavids after which it grew as a major commercial centre, conducting trade with the Ottoman Empire, Russia, central Asia, and India. In 1724 the city was again occupied by the Ottomans, and it was held by Russia in 1828.

[edit] Contemporary history

Due of its location as a western gateway for Iran, many modern developments have been adopted first in this city, leading to its moniker as a "city of firsts".^[16] These include:

• Iran's first printing house was founded in Tabriz (1811).
• Iran's first modern school was founded in Tabriz by Hassan Roshdieh (1888). The language of instruction was Persian and Azari Turkic.
• The first Iranian special school for deaf children was founded in Tabriz by Jabbar Baghcheban (1924).
• The first Iranian special school for blind students was founded in Tabriz by a German mission (1926).
• The first Iranian kindergarten was founded in Tabriz by Jabbar Baghcheban (1923).
• Iran's first modern-style municipal government was set up in Tabriz.
• Tabriz Chamber of Commerce was the first of its kind founded in Iran (1906).
• The first public libraries in modern Iran were founded in Tabriz.
• Iran's first cinema was founded in Tabriz (1900), while the first cinema in Tehran was founded by a Tabrizi (1921).
• Tabriz was the first city in Iran to install a telephone system (about 1900).

The famous Iranian historian, Ahmad Kasravi, was born in a nearby village of Hokmavar. Samad Behrangi, a famous writer and musicians, as well as Ali Salimi, Vahid Houseini, and Bigjeh-Khani were Tar (lute) specialists from this city.

After World War II, the Soviets set up the communist Azerbaijan People's Government in north-west Iran with its capital at Tabriz. The new communist government, under the leadership of Ja'far Pishevari, held power for a year from 1946, after which Tabriz returned to Iran after the forced Soviet withdrawal.

[edit] Historical timeline

• 4 BC: It is the capital of Media Atropatene ,named after Atropates, an Iranian governor of the province (appointed by Alexander the Great).^{[citation needed]}
• 297 AD: It becomes the capital of Tiridates III, the king of Armenia.
• 791: Tabriz is rebuilt by Zubaidah, wife of Harun al-Rashid, after being destroyed by an earthquake.
• 858: An earthquake destroys large parts of Tabriz.
• 1041: An earthquake destroys large parts of Tabriz.
• late 1200s: The Mongol Il-Khan Arghun makes Tabriz his capital.^[12]
• 1501: Ismail Safavi crowned as Shah in Tabriz, founding the Safavid dynasty
• 1548: Tabriz is replaced by Qazvin as the capital of the Safavid kingdom. Tabriz was considered too exposed to a potential Ottoman invasion.
• 1721: An earthquake destroys large parts of Tabriz.
• 1780: Another earthquake destroys large parts of Tabriz.
• 1826: Tabriz is occupied by the Russians.
• 1828: Qajar army takes back Tabriz.
• 1850: Báb, the founder of the Bábí Faith and Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh is executed in Tabriz.
• 1906 - 1908: Tabriz becomes the centre of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution.
• 1927: An earthquake destroyed large parts of Tabriz.
• 1941: Tabriz occupied by the Soviet troops.
• 1945: December: Becomes the capital of a short-lived Soviet-backed autonomous Azerbaijan People's Government.
• 1946: Tabriz University is opened.
• 1947: Iranian troops take back Tabriz.

[edit] Excavation sites

In 2002, during a construction project behind the Blue Mosque (Part of Silk Road Project), an ancient graveyard was uncovered. This was kept secret until a construction worker alerted the authorities. Radiocarbon analysis by Allameh Tabatabi University has shown the background of the graves to be more than 3800 years old. A museum of these excavation with of Museum Site of the Blue Mosque is opened to public on 2006 ^[17].

There is another excavation in Abbasi Street at the site of the Rabe Rashidi. This academic institution dates back to more than 700 years ago and was established in the Ilkhanid period.

[edit] Geography

[edit] Topography

Tabriz is located in northwest of Iran in East Azerbaijan province between Eynali and Sahand mountains in a fertile region beside the Aji River and Ghuri River. The local area is earthquake-prone and during its history the city has been devastated and rebuilt many times.

[edit] Climate

Tabriz has continental climate and regular seasons(Köppen BSk). The annual precipitation is around 380 millimetres (15 in), a good deal of which falls as snow during the winter months and rain in spring and autumn. The city enjoys mild and fine climate in spring, dry and semi-hot in summer, humid and rainy in autumn and snowy cold in winter. The average annual temperature is 13^oC. Cool winds blow from east to west direction mostly in summer.^[18]

Weather averages for Tabriz
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	12 (54)	17 (63)	22 (72)	27 (81)	33 (91)	38 (100)	38 (100)	40 (104)	35 (95)	28 (82)	26 (79)	17 (63)	40 (104)
Average high °C (°F)	0 (32)	2 (36)	8 (46)	16 (61)	21 (70)	27 (81)	31 (88)	31 (88)	26 (79)	19 (66)	10 (50)	3 (37)	17 (63)
Average low °C (°F)	-6 (21)	-3 (27)	1 (34)	7 (45)	11 (52)	17 (63)	21 (70)	21 (70)	16 (61)	10 (50)	2 (36)	-1 (30)	8 (46)
Record low °C (°F)	-16 (3)	-17 (1)	-11 (12)	-2 (28)	0 (32)	7 (45)	12 (54)	10 (50)	1 (34)	-2 (28)	-8 (18)	-15 (5)	-17 (1)
Precipitation mm (inches)	26 (1.02)	25 (0.98)	47 (1.85)	54 (2.13)	42 (1.65)	18 (0.71)	3 (0.12)	4 (0.16)	10 (0.39)	30 (1.18)	29 (1.14)	30 (1.18)	381 (15)
Source: [19]

[edit] Governance

City authority lies with the mayor, who is elected by a municipal board. The municipal board is periodically elected by the city residents.

Tabriz City Hall (Saat Tower building) is used as the Municipal central office.

[edit] Districts

The city is divided into 8 municipal districts. Neighbourhoods of Tabriz:

Ahrub Amirkheez Bahar Baghmisheh Bagh Shoumal Baron Avak (Barnava) Bazaar

Charandub Devechi Elahiyeh Emamiyeh Farhangian Ferdows Golbad

Golpark Golshahr Hokm Abad Kouche Bagh Khateeb Khiabun Laklar

Laleh Manzariyeh Maghsoudiyeh Maralan Qara(Gara) Aghach Qara(Gara) Malek Roshdiyeh

Selub Shanb Ghazan Shah-goli Sheshghelan Sorkhub (Sirkhub) Kouy Valiasr Zaferaniyeh.

[edit] Demography

The city of Tabriz had a population of about 1,6 million ^[20] people at the time of the last official census in 2006. The majority of Tabriz residents are known as Azeris also some minority groups of Persians, Armenians, Assyrians and Kurds live in Tabriz.

[edit] Language

Today the predominant language in the city is Azerbaijani Turkic which is belong to Turkic languages family. Azeri is member of the Oghuz branch of the Turkic languages and is closely related to Turkish. The Azeri language of today evolved from the Eastern Oghuz dialect of Western (Oghuz) Turkic which spread to Southwestern Asia during medieval Turkic migrations and was heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic. Classical literature in Azeri was formed in 14th century based on the Tabrizi and Shirvani dialects which were used by classical Azeri poets and writers such as Nasimi, Fuzuli and Khatai. Almost all inhabitants of the city also speak the Persian language.

[edit] Religion

The majority of people in Tabriz are followers of Shia Islam. Some Armenians and Assyrians live in Tabriz who have their own churches and organisations. There was also a small Jewish community but they mostly have moved to Tehran.^[21]

[edit] Culture and Art

[edit] Literature

The music and folk songs of Tabriz are popular and traditions have a long history. Prominent Iranian Azeri poet Mohammad-Hossein Shahriar was born in Tabriz. The handicrafts in the Bazaar of Tabriz, and in particular the Tabriz rug are famous worldwide. The culture, social values, language and the music is a mixture of what exists in rest of Iran.

Tabriz also has a special place in Persian literature, as the following sample of verses from some of Iran's best poets and authors illustrates:

ساربانا بار بگشا ز اشتران
شهر تبريز است و کوی دلبران

Oh Sārbān, have camels' cargo unloaded,
For Tabriz is neighborhood of the beloved.
―Molana

عزیزی در اقصای تبریز بود
که همواره بیدار و شبخیز بود

A beloved lived in Tabriz away from sight,
who was always alert and awake at night
―Bustan of Sadi

تا به تبریزم دو چیزم حاصل است
نیم نان و آب مهران رود و بس

As long as I live in Tabriz, two things I need not worry of,
The half loaf of bread and the water of Mehranrud [river] are enough!
―Khaqani

اين ارك بلند شهر تبريز است
افراشته قامتِ رسايش را

This is the tall Arg of Tabriz City,
Raised it's outstanding height there!
―Maftun

[edit] Music

The classical music of Azerbaijan is called mugam ("muğam"), and is usually melded with poetry and instrumental interludes. The sung poetry sometimes includes tahrir segments, which use a form of throat singing similar to yodelling. The poetry is normally related to real life motives, mythological heroes, and divine love and is often linked to Sufi Islam.

In contrast to the Maqam traditions of Central Asian countries, Iranian and Azeri mugam is more free-form and less rigid; it is often compared to the improvised field of jazz.

UNESCO proclaimed the Azerbaijani mugam tradition a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" on November 7, 2003.

Ashiqs are traveling bards who sing and play the saz or qopuz, a form of lute. Their songs are partly improvised around a common base.

[edit] Painting

One of the Iranian painting styles is called "Tabrizian style" which has been shaped in the era of Ilkhanids, Kara Koyunlu and the Safavids.

[edit] Cuisine

see also: Iranian Cuisine

Kofta (Koufteh) Tabrizi is a special food prepared in Tabriz. The word kofta is derived from Persian kūfta: In Persian, کوفتن kuftan means "to beat" or "to grind".^[22]

Dolma is traditionally a Turkic food, delicious and special. It is prepared with eggplant, capsicum, tomato or zucchini filled with a mixture of meat, split pea, onion and different spices.

Garniyarikh (Lit."the torn abdomen" in Azeri) is a kind of Dolma filled with meat, garlic, almonds and spices.

Ashs are a kind of soup which are prepared with bouillon, different vegetables, carrot, noodle and spices.

Chelow kabab - is the national dish of Iran, prepared with kebab and tomato on a plate of rice. Tabriz is famous for its Chelow kabab in Iran.

There are also delicious confections, biscuits and cookies, some of which are Tabriz specialities including Ghorabiye, Eris, Nugha, Tasbihi, Latifeh, Ahari, Lovadieh, Lokum and many others.

[edit] Monuments and Landmarks

Several times in its history (e.g., in 858, 1041, and 1721), Tabriz was devastated by earthquakes which wiped out most of the historic monuments. One important monument that has survived these earthquakes is the Tabriz Citadel (Arg-e Tabriz or Ark-e Alishah), a ruin of vertical book-shaped elements. The Blue Mosque of Tabriz (مسجد کبود Göy-Masjid) is another important monument in the city. Some notable monuments include:

Bazaars

• Grand Bazaar of Tabriz

Bridges (Historical)

• Aji River bridge, an old bridge on the Aji River, beside the airport street
• Ghari Bridge, historical bridges on the Ghuri River

Churches

• Armenian ^{[disambiguation needed]} church of Adontist
• Armenian ^{[disambiguation needed]} church of Saint Mary
• Assyrian church
• Catholic church of Tabriz

Hamams (Turkish bath)

• Historic Nobar Hamam
• Ferdowsi Hamam

Houses (Historical)

• Amir Nezam House
• Behnam House (School of Architecture, Islamic art university of Tabriz)
• Boulourchian House
• Constitutional House of Tabriz
• House of Seghat ol Islam
• Sharbatoglu House
• Ghadaki House

Monuments

• Ark-e Tabriz
• Charm Sazi-e Khosravi (faculty of Applied Arts)
• Saat Tower (Tabriz Municipality)
• Tabriz Fire Fighting Tower
• Tabriz Railway Station

A historical house	Exterior design in Bazaar of Tabriz	Ruins of Rabe Rashidi University	Amir Nezam House (Qajar museum)
Madrasseh Akbarieh	Tabriz Fire Fighting Tower	A house door in Mansoor St.	Ghadaki House

Mosques

• Blue Mosque (Göy Masjid)
• Friday Mosque of Tabriz
• Saheb ol Amr
• Shohada Mosque

Museums

• Museum of Azarbaijan
• Museum of Qajar (Amir Nezam House)
• Shahryar Literature Museum (House of late poet Shahryar)
• Museum of Ostad Bohtouni
• Measures Museum
• Museum of Nature
• Museum of "Iran municipalities history" in Saat Tower

Schools (Madresseh) & universities

• Ruins of Rabe Rashidi University
• Madrasseh Akbarieh

Shrines and Tombs

• Boq'e Imamzade Ibrahim
• Maqbaratoshoara (Tomb of Poets)
• Seyed Hamzeh shrine
• Shrine of On ibn ali
• Tomb of Two Kamals

Streets (Historical)

• Tarbiyat street
• Ferdowsi street
• Shahnaz street

[edit] Parks and Gardens

Tabriz has 132 parks including 97 small parks, 25 medium and 10 city park. According to 2005 statistics area of green spaces of Tabriz is 8.548 km2 which means 5.6 m2 for each Tabrizian and area of parks of Tabriz is 2595 km2. the oldest park in Tabriz called Golestan Park established in first Pahlavi's era. Also tabriz has 8 travellers park with capacity of 10.000 people.^[23]

• Baghlar Baghi
• Khaqani Park
• Garden of Ghaem Magham
• Golestan Park (Golestan garden)
• Saeb Tabrizi Garden
• Shah Gholi park
• Shams Tabrizi Garden

[edit] Tourism

[edit] Souvenirs of Tabriz

Handcrafts: Rug (well known worldwide), Pottery, Ceramics, Silverware, Wood engraving.

Confections: Ghorabiye, Latifeh, Nugha, Eris, Lokum (Turkish Delight), Baklava.

Also: Dry Nut, Shoe, Local clothes, Spices.

[edit] Regional Tourist Attractions

Villages

• Herbi and Bera
• kandovan, famous for its strange architecture
• Kerghe
• Ligvan
• Seydava
• Sharaf khaneh near Lake Urmia
• Zonouz

Lakes

• Urmia Lake
• Ammand dam-lake
• Ghouri lake

Mountains

• Eynali mountain
• Sahand ski complex near Sahand mountain
• Yam ski complex in Misho mountains

Punch of Osman, a rocky island in Lake Urmia

Arasbaran Forests (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

kandovan village

St. Stepanous Cathedral, Jolfa

[edit] Economy

[edit] Industries

Tabriz is second most important industrial city of Iran. Modern industries of the city include the manufacturing of machinary, vehicles, chemicals and petrochemical, refinery, cement, electrical and electronical equipments, home appliances and textiles.

[edit] Small businesses

• Shoe making ateliers
• Stonecutting
• Furniture ateliers
• Confectionary and Drynuts

[edit] Handcrafts ateliers

• Rug

Tabriz is the major center for production of the famous Iranian Rugs. Their high quality is greatly valued in world markets. Tabrizi rugs and carpets usually have ivory backgrounds with blue, rose, and indigo motifs. They often have very symmetrical and balanced designs. They usually have a single medallion that is surrounded with vines and palmettos. One of the main quality characteristics of Tabriz rugs is the weaving style, using special ties that guarantee the durability of the rug in comparison for example with Kashan rugs.

• Silverwares
• Wood engraving
• Pottery and Ceramics

[edit] Shopping

Shopping locations in the city center including the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz, the pedestrian mall on Tarbiyat street, Shahnaz and ferdowsi streets have lots of traditional and modern boutiques of jewelry, rug, clothes, handcrafts, confectionary and drynuts shops, home appliances and many others.

[edit] Tabriz International Exhibition

Tabriz has annual international exhibitions at different times of a year that companies from all around the world bring their products.^[24]

[edit] Education

Tabriz is home to some of Iran's most prominent universities, the main university of the city is University of Tabriz established in 1947. There are five other public universities operating primarily in Tabriz: the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz Arts University, Payam-e Noor University of Tabriz, Tarbiat Moallem University of Azarbaijan

Some national universities have their branchs in Tabriz: Imam Hossein University, Shahid Beheshti Training Teacher Center of Tabriz

And Higher Education Institutes: Elmi Karbordi University of Tabriz, Tabriz college of Technology, Roshdiyeh Higher Education Institute of Tabriz, Jahad Daneshgahi(ACECR) Higher Education Institute,East Azarbaijan branch, Azzahra College of Technology, State Organization of Technical and Vocational Training

Also some private universities are in Tabriz: Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Seraj Higher Education Institute, University College of Nabi Akram, Khajeh Rashid University.

Research Centres: East Azarbaijan Park of Science & Technology, Islamic Azad University- Science and Research Unit of East Azerbaijan

[edit] Famous high schools

Old schools

• Ferdowsi High School is one of the largest and most prominent academic high schools in Tabriz. The original building was constructed by German Engineers before World War II (to serve as Hospital). The building is in the shape of a letter 'H'.

• Memorial School (American School of Tabriz) was opened on 1891 and is one of the most famous schools of its type. After World War II the school's name was changed to Parvin High School under Iran education ministry's management. Currently it is divided into three separate high schools and the original building is under reconstruction.

• Roshdieh School is the first modern Iranian school which was established by Haji-Mirza Hassan Roshdieh. Currently its building is used as the Tabriz branch of the National Iranian Documents and Library Office.

• Vahdat Technical College is another famous school in Tabriz. It was developed by the Germans during World War II. The main building has the shape of an 'A'.

New Ones

• Mansoor High School (Now divided into 2 high schools with new names) is one of the most highest ranking schools in Tabriz which was established about 50 years ago. One of the high schools is named as Taleqani and the other as Motahhari.

• Teezhoushan School(Shahid Madani)(Farzanegan) (SAMPAD/NODET) middle and high schools established in 1989 for high I.Q. talented students.

[edit] Religious centres

• Valiiasr religious school
• Talebiieh Islamic Sciences School

[edit] Libraries

• Tabriz National Library ( Central Library of Tabriz ) was the biggest library in Tabriz. It has been reconstructed during last decade. It has numerous pieces of hand written Iranian literature. Other libraries: Tarbiat Library, Library of Helal Ahmar, Library of Shahid Motahhari, Library of Shahriyar, Library of Jafarieh and Farhangsara Tabriz.

[edit] Infrastructure

[edit] Health systems

The Government of Iran operates the public hospitals in the Tabriz metropolitan region some of which are aligned with medical faculties. There are also a number of private hospitals and medical centers in the city.

[edit] Transportation

Inner City: Most Tabriz residents travel by car through the system of roads and highways. Tabriz is also served by taxi and bus.

• Taxi and Public Bus

Tabriz has taxi and public bus network. There are also some private groups which provide services called Phone-taxi.

• Metro Network (Subway Train Network)

Tabriz subway train network is still under construction and is not complete. The government of Iran had planned to finish 6 km of line No.1 of the network in 2006 but this was not achieved due to financial problems.

International:

• Roads

Tabriz is linked to Europe through Turkey's roads and Bazargan (Azerbaijani, Persian: بازرگان ) border, also Tehran-Tabriz highway is almost complete except for the last 60 km between Tabriz and Bostan Abad.

• Railways

The city is linked to Iran National Railways (IRIR,Persian: رجا ) also to Europe by Turkey's railways via Ghotour (Azerbaijani, Persian قطور) bridge in West Azarbaijan province of Iran. Tabriz was the first city in Iran to be served by railways with the construction of the Tabriz-Jolfa line. Tabriz Railway station is located in the west part of the city at the end of Khomeyni street.

• Airport

Tabriz International Airport opened in 1950 and is the only international airport in East Azarbaijan (since 1991). Recently, it became the first Iranian airport to gain ISO9001-2000. Its international air routes are to the following cities:

• Baku,
• Istanbul,
• Ankara
• Antalya
• Mecca
• Damascus
• Dubai
• An Najaf, Baghdad
• London
• Paris

Domestic air routes to:Tehran, Mashhad, Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, Mahshahr, Asalouyeh, Isfahan, Ahvaz, Shiraz, Rasht.^[25]

[edit] Sport

Sport is an important part of Tabriz's culture. The most popular sport in Tabriz is soccer. Tabriz is home to four Iranian major soccer teams: Machine Sazi Tabriz F.C., Teraktor Sazi F.C. (ITMCO), Shahrdari Tabriz F.C., Petrochimi Tabriz F.C.

Tabriz also has two stadiums for soccer: Bagh Shomal Stadium, with capacity of 20,000 and Yadegar-e-Emam Stadium with 71,000.

Tabriz also have an UCI Continental cycling team that competing UCI-sanctioned competitions through Asian continents. The team is: Tabriz Petrochemical Cycling Team

The city has some swimming pools that are parts of sport complexes, both public and private: Takhti swimming pool, Petrochemistry sports complex, Bargh swimming pool, Sahand swimming pool, Bagh Shomal swimming pool, Kargaran sports complex, Hotel Elgöli(Pars) swimming pool, Hotel Shahryar swimming pool, Azarsatrup sports complex, Sauna Tabriz, Azaran sauna & pool, Zamzam swimming pool, Aseman residential complex swimming pool.

[edit] Media

[edit] Television

Tabriz has one television Channel called "Sahand TV" that broadcasts in both Persian and Azerbaijani languages and is government-run. It broadcasts internationally through satellite Intelsat 902.

[edit] Radio

Tabriz has one government-controlled radio channel broadcasting in both Persian and Azerbaijani languages.

[edit] Press

Tabriz has 14 weekly magazines and five main newspapers: Amin, Asr Azadi ^[26], Fajr Azarbaijan, Saheb

[edit] Notable people

For a complete list see: List of people from Tabriz

[edit] Artists

Musicians

• Ali Salimi Alud, conductor of the province TV orchestra
• Behrouz Jamali
• Farhad Fakhredini, conductor of National Orchestra
• Hasan Enami Olya

Actors & Movie Directors

• Kamal Tabrizi, movie producer
• Tahmineh Milani, film director, screenwriter, and producer
• Hajizadeh, Theater actor

Painters and sculpturists

• Bajalanlou
• Resam Arjangi
• Ahad Hoseini

[edit] Religious figures

• Allameh Tabatabaei, one of the most prominent thinkers of contemporary Shia Islam
• Allameh Mohammad Taghi Jafari, philosopher , thinker
• Seghatoleslam, Nationalist cleric

[edit] Photographer

• Reza Deghati
• Mohammad Ali Jadeed ol Islam
• Khanali Siyami

[edit] Poets and writers

• Fariba Vafi, novelist
• Gholam-Hossein Saedi, writer, novelist, and political activist
• Jabbar Baghcheban, Writer, teacher
• Homam-e Tabrizi, poet
• Maghrebi Tabrizi
• Mirza Taqikhan Raf'at Tabrizi, poet, writer, funder of Raf'at Literary School
• Mohammad Hoseyn Behjat Tabrizi (Shahriyar), poet
• Naser Merqati, Poet, writer
• Qatran Tabrizi, poet
• Parvin E'tesami, poet
• Reza Baraheni, novelist, poet, critic and political activist
• Abu'l Majd Tabrizi, compiler of Safina-yi Tabriz and also a writer
• Samad Behrangi, Famous Children's books writer
• Yadollah Maftun Amini, poet
• Naser Manzuri, novelist, linguist

[edit] Politicians and reformists

• Ahmad Kasravi, Politician and author
• Ali Soheili, Former Prime Minister of Iran
• Bagher Khan, Nationalist revolutionary leader
• Ebrahim Hakimi, Former Prime Minister of Iran
• Farah Pahlavi, The last queen consort of Iran
• Hasan Taqizadeh, Politician (former President of the Iranian Senate), Diplomat and Scholar
• Iraj Mirza, Poet, Politician
• Mahmud Jam, Former Prime Minister of Iran
• Mahmoud Chehregani , The activist of Azarbaijan rights
• Mirza Abdul'Rahim Talibov Tabrizi, Intellectual and social reformer
• Mir-Hossein Mousavi,The last Prime Minister of Iran and 2009 Presidency Candidate
• Mohammad Khiabani, Cleric, Political leader during Iran's constitution revolution
• Sattar Khan, Nationalist revolutionary leader

[edit] Scientists

• Javad Tabatabaei, political philosopher, historian and a distinguished university professor
• Mohsen Hashtroodi, Mathematician

[edit] Sport persons

• Aziz Asli, football player
• Feridoun Jam, Marshal and previous head of Iran Imperial Army Core
• Karim Bagheri, football player
• Ghader Mizbani, Cyclist
• Rasoul Khatibi, football player
• Sattar Hamedani, football player
• Cyrus Dinmohammadi, football player

[edit] Sufi

• Shams Tabrizi
• Qasem Anvar (Anvaar) ^[27]
• Khanali Siyami

[edit] Sister cities

The following is a list of Tabriz's sister cities:

• Baku, Azerbaijan^{[citation needed]}
• Istanbul, Turkey^{[citation needed]}
• Kazan, Russia ^[28]
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam^{[citation needed]}
• Gaza, Palestine ^[29]

[edit] See also

• Iranian architecture
• East Azarbaijan Province

[edit] Photo Gallery of Tabriz

For More Photos Go To:Tabriz City Photo Gallery.

Tabriz Municipality ( Saat Tower )	Tabriz Municipality	Arg-e Tabriz	A timcheh in bazaar of Tabriz
Khaqani Park	Blue Mosque, inside	Seyed Hamzeh shrine& mosque	Constitutional House of Tabriz
Shohada Mosque	museum of Azarbaijan	Ghari Bridge	Saheb ol Amr Mosque
a view of Roshdieh quarter	Shah-goli park	Maqbarat-ol-Shoara (Monuments of the poets)	Mosque of Roshdieh
Saman Bank Corp. headquarter building	Bolour skyline	Roshdiyeh's monument	Bank Sepah building

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

• North, S.J.R., Guide to Biblical Iran, Rome 1956, p. 50
• City of Tabriz on Iran Chamber Society (www.iranchamber.com)
• Editorial Board, East Azarbaijan Geography, Iranian Ministry of Education, 2000 (High School Text Book in Persian)
• http://www.tabrizcity.org
• http://www.tabrizairport.ir
• http://tabriz.irib.ir
• http://www.lyngsat.com
• http://www5.irna.ir

[edit] External links

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabriz

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tabriz

• Tabriz Historical Buildings Virtual Library - Related to Tabriz University
• Tabriz Information
• Tabriz Culture & Information Center
• Tabriz City
• Tabriz from Encyclopaedia of the Orient
• Tabriz Municipal Office
• tabrizinfo.com
• Tabriz Municipality News Agency
• Tabriz Metro
• Hundreds of Tabriz Pictures
• Bahram Moshiri's brief talk on Azarbaijan. [3].
• A google video from Tabriz

v • d • e Major monuments in Tabriz Amir Nezam House • Ark-e Tabriz • Bazaar of Tabriz • Behnam House • Blue Mosque • Charm Sazi-e Khosravi • Eynali • Ghari Bridge • Golestan Park • Kandovan • Maqbaratoshoara • Saat Tower • Saheb ol Amr • Saied Hamzeh Grave • Shah-goli • Tabriz Constitution House • Tabriz Fire Fighting Tower • Tabriz Railway Station • Tarbiyat street • Tomb of Two Kamals

v • d • e The architecture of Iran and historical Persia Elements Bazaars · The Persian Garden (hayāt) · Windcatchers · Shabestan · Kucheh · Talar · Iwan · Howz · Panjdari · Hashti · Andaruni · Biruni (Persian architecture) · Dalan e Vorudi · Qanat · Kariz · Gonbad · Ab anbar · Yakhchal · Caravanserais · Robats · Burj · Khaneqah · Tekyeh · Sahn · Imamzadeh · mosques Notable traditional cities Architecture of Tehran · Bam · Bukhara · Derbent · Herat · Isfahan · Kashan  · Merv · Mashad · Persepolis · Qazvin · Qom · Samarkand · Shahrisabz · Shiraz · Susa · Tabriz · Takht-i-Suleiman (Takht-e Soleyman) · Yazd History and theory Traditional Persian residential architecture · Traditional water sources of Persian antiquity · Islamic architecture · Sassanid architecture · Pre-Parsi style · Parsi style · Parthian style · Khorasani style · Razi style · Azari style · Isfahani style Lists List of ab anbars of Qazvin · List of historical Iranian architects · List of mosques · Args, Castles, and Ghal'ehs · List of Ziyarat-gahs

v • d • e East Azarbaijan Province Capital Tabriz Counties Ahar  · Ajabshir  · Azarshahr  · Bonab  · Bostanabad  · Charuymaq County  · Hashtrud  · Heris  · Jolfa  · Kalibar  · Malekan  · Marand  · Maragheh  · Mianeh  · Osku  · Sarab  · Shabestar  · Tabriz  · Varzaqan  · Cities Abeshahmad  · Aghkand  · Ahar  · Ajabshir  · Azarshahr  · Bakhshayesh  · Basmnj  · Bonab  · Bostanabad  · Dozdozan  · Gogan  · Hadishar  · Hashtrud  · Heris  · Howrand  · Ilikhchi  · Jolfa  · Kalibar  · Khaje  · Khameneh  · Kharajo  · Kharvana  · Khazarlo  · Khomarlo  · Khosroshahr  · Kolvanegh  · Koshksaray  · Kozekanan  · Laylan  · Malekan  · Mamaghan  · Marand  · Maragheh  · Mehraban  · Mianeh  · Nazarkahrizi  · Osku  · Qaraaghaj  · Sardorod  · Sarab  · Seyahrod  · Shabestar  · Shandabad  · Sharabeyan  · Shrafkhane  · Sis  · Sofiyan  · Tabriz  · Tasoj  · Tikmadash  · Turk  · Turkmenchay  · Varzaghan  · Vayghan  · Yamchi  · Zarnagh  · Zonouz  · Landmarks Arg-e Tabriz  · Aseyab kharabe  · Azerbaijan Museum  · Babak Fort  · Bazaar of Tabriz  · Blue Mosque, Tabriz  · Ghorigol  · House of constitution  · Kandovan  · Khodaafarin bridge  · Maqbaratoshoara  · Maragheh observatory  · Measurement Museum  · Mehrabad Mosque  · Saint Stepanos Monastery  · Shah-goli  · Tabriz Municipality (city hall)  · Zahhak Castle  ·