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Tabriz

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Tabriz (تبریز, تبریز ، Təbriz); is the largest city in northwestern Iran with a population of 1,597,312 (2006 census), the 6th largest city after Tehran, Mashhad, Esfahan, Karaj and Shiraz.. Tabriz is situated north of the volcanic cone of Sahand south of the Eynali mountain. It is the capital of East Azarbaijan Province. Tabriz is at the junction where the Komur River (Mehran River) flows into the Aji River.

History

Etymology

The founding of Tabriz is shrouded in mystery. According to various sources, the city was a site of the Biblical Garden of Eden. The Earliest explicit mention of Tabriz occurs in the Assyrian king Sargon II's epigraph in 714 BCE. Later references date back as early as the Sassanian period. According to some sources, including Encyclopedia Britannica, the name Tabriz is said to derive from "tap-riz" ("causing heat to flow" in Iranian languages), from the many thermal springs in the area. Other sources claim that in A.D. 246, to avenge his brother's death, king Khosraw I of Armenia defeated Ardashir I of Sassanids and changed the name of the city from Shahistan to Tauris, deriving from "ta-vrezh" ("this revenge" in Grabar). In A.D. 297, it became the capital of Tiridates III, king of Armenia .

Medieval History

In A.D. 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.

After the Mongol invasion, Tabriz came to eclipse Maragheh as the later Ilkhanid capital of Azarbaijan until sacked by Tamerlane in 1392. In 1295, Ghazan Khan, the Mongol ruler of Persia, 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 caravansaries were erected. The Byzantine Gregory Choniades is said to have served as the city's Orthodox bishop during this time.

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

In 1501, Shah Ismail I entered Tabriz and proclaimed it the capital of his Safavid dynasty. In 1514, after the Battle of Chaldiran, Tabriz fell for few months to Ottomans, yet was returned and remained a capital of Safavid Iranian empire until 1548, when Shah Tahmasp I moved Safavid capital to Qazvin.

The Ottomans occupied Tabriz on a number of occasions during and after the Safavid reign, including the period from 1585 to 1603. Nevertheless, by the 17th century it was a major commercial center, carrying out trade with Ottoman Empire, Russia, central Asia, and India. Later, the city was again occupied (1724) by the Ottomans, and it was held by Russia in 1828.

Contemporary History

Tabriz was the city where the Constitutional Revolution of Iran started in 1906 and where its leaders, Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan came from. An American who died defending the Constitutional Revolution, Howard Baskerville, is buried in Tabriz.

Because of the location of Tabriz (as a gate to the west for Iran), many signs of modern life in Iran have first appeared in this city. Because of this, Iranians have described Tabriz as a city of 'first'.

The famous Iranian historian and philosopher, Ahmad Kasravi, was born in a nearby village called Hokmavar. Samad Behrangi, a famous writer and musicians, along with Ali Salimi, Vahid Houseini, and Bigjeh-Khani were tar specialists from this city.

After World War II, the Soviets set up the communist Azerbaijan People's Government in North Western Iran with its capital at Tabriz. The new communist government, under the leadership of Jafar Pishevari, held power for a year from 1946, then was retaken by Iran (on 1947) after the forced Soviet withdrawal.

Historical Timeline

  • 4 BCE: It is the capital of Atropatene, named after Iranian governor of the province (appointed by Alexander the Great).
  • 297: 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.
  • 1296: The Mongol Il-Khan Mahmud Ghazan makes Tabriz his capital.
  • 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 enters back in 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.

Excavation Sites

In 2002, during a construction project behind the Blue Mosque (Part of Silk Road Project), historical graves buried in a special way have been found. The construction company had hidden the finding for several months. Finally, the site was revealed by one of the workers who was involved at the construction site. Analysis has shown that the background of the graves to be more than 2000 years old.

Damaged Historical Sites

There are numerous historical sites in Tabriz that were damaged by natural disasters or by human hand. Some of the most famous samples sites are listed below:

  • There were some hills that have constructed with the ashes produced by Zardostans before Islam. They have remained up to just few years before revolution on 1979. They were destroyed before revolution during an agricultural development project.
  • Large parts of Tabriz Ark Castel, whole of Tabriz National Library Building and whole of Tabriz City Theater Hall, has been damaged for making new Friday Mosque (1981).
  • Shanb Ghazan Building (Palace of Mongol Kings), damaged by Tabriz Municipality before revolution (1979).
  • Tabriz City Gates, 3 of 4 main entrance gates damaged by Tabriz municipality before revolution (1979), Currently one of them exist behind the Ghari Bridge.
  • Shahgoli Palace building has been reconstructed completely by City Municipality.
  • Blue Mosque Building has been damaged completely by earthquake (the building underwent a reconstruction phase) on 1780.
  • Bagh-e Shomal Palace has been damaged completely by City municipality.

Governing system

The city's most responsible person is mayor who is elected by municipal board of the city. According to the Iranian laws the municipal board is periodically elected by the city residents.

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

Climate

Dry hot Summers and Snowy cold Winters. Daytime temperatures usually reach at least 30 degrees Celsius (high 80s Fahrenheit) in June and July and may drop well below freezing in January and February. The weather is almost windy. The Rain rarly occurs between June and August. The climate compares well with that of Denver, Colorado.

Culture

Language

The predominant language in the city is Azerbaijani (Azeri Turkic), it is one of the branches of Western (oghuz) Turkic languages, also almost all inhabitants of the city can speak and understand Persian as well.

See also: Oghuz languages, Turkic languages

Literature

The music and folksongs of Tabriz are popular and traditions have a long history among its people. Prominent Iranian Azeri poet Mohammad Hossein Shahriar was born in Tabriz. The handicrafts in the Bazaar of Tabriz, and in particular the Tabriz rug is famous world-wide. The culture, social values, language and the music is a mixture of what exists in rest of Iran as well as the.

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 Mehran River are enough!
―Khaqani

Art of Rug

Tabriz is the number one center for production of the famous Turkish-Persian Rug.

Nowaday Tabrizian carpets are the most wanted in world markets, having many customers in western countries from Europe to California.

Tabrizian rugs and carpets usually have ivory backgrounds with blue, rose, and indigo motifs. Rugs and carpets often have very symmetrical and balanced designs. They usually have a single medallion that is surrounded with vines and palmettos and are of excellent quality.

Tabrizian modern rugs are in many different designs and colors.

Music

The classical music of Azerbaijan is called mugam (more accurately spelled muğam), and is usually a suite 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 typically about divine love and is most often linked to Sufi Islam.

In contrast to the mugam traditions of Central Asian countries, Azeri mugam is more free-form and less rigid; it is often compared to the improvised field of jazz.[2]

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

Ashiqs are travelling bards who sing and play the saz, a form of lute. Their songs are semi-improvised around a common base.

Food and Confectionary

Kufteh Tabrizi (Azeri:Tabriz Kufta si) is a special food prepared in Tabriz. Some restaurants offer Kufteh Tabrizi on their menu but the quality is not as good as when it is prepared by Tabriz families at home.

Another traditional food is "Garniyarikh' ("the torn abdomen" in Azeri).That is some kind of Dolma that is filled with meat, garlic, almonds that is so delicious.

Tabriz is also famous for its delicious cookies, some of which are Tabriz specialities, including Ghorabiye, Eris, Nogha and many others. They can be bought at markets: the most famous markets for this purpose are Rex (in Imam Ave near to Ferdowsi Ave.), Tashrifat (Abrassan Sq.), Karimi (Valieasr Quarter) and Eftekhari (Mansour Street)," Ayubi"(Abrassan Sq.)

Tourism

Museums

There are eight major museums in Tabriz:

Monuments

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 (Ark-e Tabriz or Ark-e Alishah), a ruin of vertical book-shaped elements. The Blue Mosque of Tabriz (مسجد کبود Gouy-Masjed) is another important monument in the city. Here is a list of city's monuments:

Major Hotels

  • Hotel Pars (Hotel El Gholi)''' (International, 5 star) in Shah Goli
  • Hotel Shahryar (International, 5 star) in Shah Gholi Street
  • Hotel Gostaresh (4 star) in Abresan Sq.
  • Hotel Tabriz (International, 4 star ) in Abresan Sq.
  • Hotel Azarbaijan in Shahnaz Street
  • Hotel Ark in Shahnaz Street
  • Hotel Darya (3 star) in Khomeyni Street
  • Hotel Park in Khomeyni Street
  • Hotel Negin
  • Hotel Sina, in front of Golestan Park (Gunga Bashi)
  • Hotel Marmar, in Darvazeh Tehran road
  • Kandovan Tourism Cliff (Rocky) Hotel (5 star), located at Kandovan touristy village. It is the first of its kind in Iran and the second in the world after Turkey's rocky hotel.
  • and many hostels (with low cost) in Ferdowsi Street

Transportation

From ancient times Tabriz was known as a transportation center between West and East. Also, it was located on the ancient Silk Road.

International and Intercity

Currently Tabriz is linked to the world by Sento International Road, Iran Railway and Tabriz International Airport.

Inside City

Tabriz has general bus and taxi systems. There are also some private groups who serves as Tele Taxi's. Currently Tabriz metro and tramway system is under construction.

Metro Network (Subway Urban Train Network)

Tabriz does not have a completed subway train network at the moment. The government of Iran had planned to finish 6km of line No.1 of subway urban train network of Tabriz in 2006 but they could not reach to this goal because of financial problems.

See also: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=382628

Education & Research

Universities & Research Centres

Tabriz University is one of Iran's most prestigious schools of higher education. A list of the universities and research centers in the city follows:

Famous Schools

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

  • 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.

  • 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 (the first letter of Germany in German Language).

  • 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 has an aerial view as H.

  • Teez Houshan School (SAMPAD/NODET) middle and high schools established in 1989.

Religious Schools

  • Valiiasr religious school
  • Talebiieh Islamic Sciences School

Libraries

Sport

Tabrizi people are fans of soccer. The city is the site of four Iranian major soccer teams:

Tabriz also has two stadiums for soccer:

Famous Taibizian

Sufi:

Politician, Reformist:

Poet, Writer:

Scientist:

Clergy:

Artist:

Other

For a complete list see: List of people from Tabriz

Major Industries

Heavy Industries

Tabriz is one of Iran's most important industrial cities. Its products include cement, machine tools, vehicles, petrochemical and many other industrial products. Some of the major industrial complexes in the city are listed below:

Major Chocolate Factories

Tabriz food industries, specially in chocolate manufacturing, are famous. That could be the reason to honor the city as Chocolate City of Iran also. Some of the most famous chocolate industries of inside the city are:

See also

Sister Cities

Photo Gallery of Tabriz

For a more extensive photo gallery of Tabriz see Tabriz City Photo Gallery.

Notes

References

External links



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Last updated on Thursday March 13, 2008 at 13:56:07 PDT (GMT -0700)
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