Ardabil

Ardabil, An Ancient City with Charming Weather

Ardabil (Or Ardebil) city, the capital of Ardabil province is located in northwestern of Iran and it is known for its trade in silk and carpet. The tomb of Sheikh Safi Al Din Ardabili, the famous mystic is one of the most important sites in the city. The minimal ethnic diversity lives in this city. Also this city is well known as the first city with the potable water piping.

History

The history of the city is come back to Sassanid period, but its known history does not begin until the Islamic period and the pre-Islamic history of the city is very obscure.

The Umayyad governor made Ardabil the capital, but they didn’t stay in the city so long. In the late Seljuk era, which coincided with the power of the Georgian government, Ardabil was destroyed by the Georgian attacks and invasion of the city.

Ardabil was conquered and plundered by Mongol shortly after the Georgian invasion. Some cities surrendered, but Ardabil resisted against the Mongol and in some battles pushed them back, but eventually the city’s defenders became weak and as result, the city of Ardabil were collapse. During Mongol attack, the whole city was destroyed.

King Ismail I, the founder of the Safavid dynasty was born in Ardabil and he started his camping to nationalization government and land from there. After the Safavid dynasty came to power in Iran in the 16^th century, Ardabil was especially enriched by gifts from Safavid rulers. In this time, the city was considered the spiritual capital of Safavid Kings because of the tomb of Sheik Safi Al Din and enjoyed special sanctity.

It the early Qajar period, crown prince Abbas Mirza, the son of Fath Ali Shah, was the governor of Ardabil.

Sarein

Sarein is name of the city near Ardabil. It is known for its hot springs, Local warm mineral springs are frequented in this city. The Sareyn springs are near an inactive volcano in mount Sabalan and its water contains sulphur particles and it is believed that it is good for bone and joint pains.

Souvenir

One of the most important souvenir of the city is carpet which is handmade, most of the time by women and girls; not only the carpets have high quality, but also it has major history in the city.

The other handicrafts of this city include rug, Leather, Masnad Gilim, Jajim, Shawl, Pottery, and some kinds of local sweets.

UNESCO’s World Heritage

Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage.