Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex: This historical site developed along the caravan routes of antiquity and thrived as a commercial and social centre linking the Persian Empire to Europe and China as one of the most important commercial centers on the Silk Road. As it said local merchants, townspeople and the religious class have played a significant role in bazaar's dynamics.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex consists of a series of interconnected, covered, brick structures, buildings, and enclosed spaces for different functions; where became famous in the 13th century, when the town, in the province of Eastern Azerbaijan, became the capital city of the Safavid kingdom.
The city lost its status as capital in the 16th century, but remained important as a commercial hub until the end of the 18th century, with the expansion of Ottoman power. Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex is one of the most complete examples of the traditional commercial and cultural system of Iran.
Tabriz is considered to have the largest covered bazaar in the world and was declared a world heritage site in July 2010.The bazaar’s designation as a world heritage site has brought it a new international spotlight, and more changes.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar has developed over the centuries into an exceptional physical, economic, social, political, and religious complex, in which specialized architectural structures, functions, professions, and people from different cultures are integrated in a unique living environment.
Historic Bazaar Complex, Tabriz, by Boris Le Montagner
Kabud (Blue) Mosque: (09:00-19:00 Sat-Thu, 09:00-13:00 Fri) Blue mosque located on the north side of Imam Khomeini Avenue, is a 15th-century structure that was constructed upon the order of Jahan Shah, the ruler of Kara Koyunlu dynasty who chose Tabriz as the capital of his kingdom. There is a mausoleum in the southern section of the mosque where the builder, Jahan Shah, is buried.
Because of the blue tiles used in the decoration of both interior and exterior of the mosque, it has become to be known as the Turquoise of Islam.
The entrance portal of Kabud Mosque has two minarets appears to have been connected with the main prayer hall under the largest cupola of the mosque, by means of vaulted corridor. On both sides along the corridor, there stand the remains of the chambers with vaulted roofs.
Some of the blue mosaics in the mosque's portal are heavily damaged and half missing in one of Tabriz earthquakes.
Azarbayjan Museum: (08:00-14:00 & 16:00-20:00 Sat-Thu summer, 08:12:30 Fri, 08:00-17:00 winter) It is situated next to the Blue Mosque and consists of three parts. When you enter, you will find the archaeological department, which tells the story of Azerbaijan from the fifth century until the Sassanian era.
There are many fine objects, like Bronze Age pottery, jewelry, an Iron Age idol etc.
On the first floor are displays of coins, from the Achaemenid period to the nineteenth century. Here, you will also find the second part of the archaeological department: pottery, carpets, candlesticks, and glass from about 650 to 1900.
In the basement is a small restaurant, but here you will also find several tall bronze statues by Ahad Hosseini, an artist born in Tabriz. There is also a good bookshop where you can buy archaeological reports and a DVD with photos of the full collection.
Azerbayjan Museum, Tabriz
Arg-e Tabriz: Arg-e Tabriz or Tabriz Citadel is a remnant of a mosque in the center of Tabriz which was built during Ilkhanid era. This huge brick edifice is a chunky remnant of Tabriz Citadel. Criminals were once executed by being hurled from the top of the citadel walls.
The construction of the monument began under advisory of Ilkhanid minister Tajeddin Alishah, as a mosque. However, the construction was halted after the death of the minister and the collapse of mosque’s roof. The citadel was used as an educational center during Safavid era. The remnants of the citadel suffered further destruction during the occupation of Tabriz by Ottoman Turks. The citadel was used as military depot and storage for Iranian Army in Qajar dynasty.
After the victory of 1979 Islamic Revolution, the citadel was turned into a new mosque for Friday prayers. The remaining structure stands 28 meters high.
Arg-e Tabriz (Citadel)
Elgoli Park: Elgoli, is a large park with an artificial lake and sidewalks in all four corners, is one of the most attractive sites in Tabriz. Built in Karakoyunlu period in 1485, El Goli is also called Shah Goli, as the small palace in the heart of the lake was used as a royal summer palace in the Qajar dynasty.
The water in the lake was originally was used to irrigate the lands in the area, but then was used as a swimming pool by several royal families through decades. The green tree-covered hill next to the lake has added more to its beauty. At the top of the hill, there is a modern hotel with a perfect view of ElGoli Park and its superb lake.
Elgoli Park, Tabriz, by Sobhan Farajvan
