Bandar Anzali

Anzali is one of the most important ports of Iran alongside the Caspian Sea and one of the main cities of Gilan province.

It is located in 40km of Rasht, the capital city of Gilan province, next to the coast of Caspian Sea. Anzali is the first and the biggest southern port of Caspian Sea and that is why the city is highly important for the province.

At the 1395 SH census, the population of Anzali was 139016. Its area is about 299 km2. Anzali is located in a low altitude region and it is 26 meters above sea level. The city is one of the rainiest regions of Iran.

Anzali port is among the most equipped and modern ports in the southern margins of Caspian. Being located in the free zone, Anzali provides some especial facilities and possibilities for merchants and investors which makes it of the main ports in Caspian Sea.

People are followers of Shia’ here, however, other minorities like Christians live also here in Anzali. Most of people speak in Gilaki dialect and the others are Azeri. The most popular traditional jobs in this city are fishing and agriculture, especially rice planting.   

The sea beach and Anzali lagoon are the significant attractions of the city. There are many lagoon tulips and lotus there that makes the appearance of the lagoon highly attractive.

Interesting among other attractions of the city is Clock tower, Anzali Bridge and Ghazian Bridge in addition to Mian Poshteh Palace which has been transformed into the Military Museum today. Polish Cemetery is also a memorial of the World War II and the burial ground of Polish evacuees who escaped from Poland and come to Iran after Nazi attack on their country.

The coastal boulevard or coastal garden is another attraction of the city overlooking the Caspian Sea and the portal establishments of the city.

The summers in Anzali are warm and humid and the winters are temperate. Anzali Port is also characterized by high average annual humidity.

The most important edible souvenir of the city is fish in addition to olive, garlic, various pickles and local vegetables.

Local foods of Gilan Province are also cooked in Anzali. Baghali Ghatogh, Torshe Tareh, Mirza Ghasemi, Alu Mosamma and Sir Ghalieh are among the most popular foods of the city. People use different pickles along with their foods such as Garlic Pickle, Eggplant Pickle and Turnip Pickle.