
City guide
Tabriz: Historic City in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province
Tabriz lies in a valley north of the Sahand volcano ridge, near the Turkish border and about 600 km from Tehran. Known for its Azerbaijani Turkic heritage and historic Silk Road connections, the city’s UNESCO-listed Bazaar Complex anchors its old center.
Fast facts
- Country
- Iran
- Region
- East Azerbaijan Province
- Elevation
- Approx. 1,350 meters (4,430 feet)
- Population
- Around 1.6 million (2021 estimate)
- Known for
- Tabriz Historic Bazaar, Persian carpets, Azerbaijani culture, Blue Mosque
Tabriz serves as the capital of East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran, positioned at roughly 1,350 meters elevation.
Its metropolitan area includes an industrial zone to the east and newer residential districts extending toward Mount Sahand’s slopes.
The city remains a major commercial hub with Azerbaijani Turk as the dominant language. The Tabriz International Book Fair, held annually at the Exhibition Center, attracts regional publishers and visitors. Travel connections include Tabriz International Airport with flights to Tehran, Istanbul, and Dubai.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage bazaar complex made up of interconnected brick-vaulted bazaars and caravanserais dating from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Getting There
Use Tabriz International Airport (TBZ) north of the city for regular flights to Tehran, Istanbul, and Dubai.
International Book Fair
The annual book fair at the Tabriz International Exhibition Center draws publishers and visitors from Iran and neighboring countries.
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Explore Tabriz
The neighbourhoods, landmarks and places that make Tabriz Tabriz. Tap a pin for a quick note on each one.
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