Nestled in the northwestern corner of Iran, the province of Zanjan boasts a rich history, captivating natural landscapes, and a vibrant cultural heritage. It hosts one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a population of approximately one million people (based on the 2016 census), Zanjan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern hospitality, making it a fascinating destination for travelers who seek an authentic Iranian experience.
History
Human settlement in Zanjan dates back several thousand years, evidenced by numerous archaeological findings and historical texts. The city of Zanjan is believed to have been founded by Ardashir Babakan, the first Sassanid king. Throughout its history, the city has experienced periods of prosperity and decline, undergoing significant reconstruction during the Safavid era.
Geography
Geographically, Zanjan is divided into two distinct regions: mountainous and plain. The province is bordered by several neighboring provinces, including Ardabil, Gilan, Qazvin, Hamadan, Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, and East Azerbaijan.
Most of the cities in this province are also located on the slopes of mountains and in the plains between mountainous areas.
Several rivers flow through Zanjan province, the most significant of which is the Qezel Ozan River. This river originates in the mountains of Kurdistan province flowing eventually into the Caspian Sea after a long journey and merging with several other rivers.
Climate
Zanjan is considered one of the Iran's cold provinces, with a diverse climate influenced by its varied topography and exposure to different air masses. Most parts of the province experience a semi-arid and cold climate, making spring and summer the most favorable seasons for a visit.
Cities and Attractions
Zanjan, Abhar, Khorramdarreh, Hidaj, Soltaniyeh, Khodabandeh, Mahneshan and Sohrevard are some of the significant cities in the province.
Zanjan
The city of Zanjan is the most populous city and the center of Zanjan province, which is linked to Tehran via road and rail. The old Zanjan Bazaar is one of the main attractions of this city. According to historical documents and texts, the construction of this bazaar began in 1205 AH, during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. However, the expansion of the bazaar continued for many years so that, nowadays, Zanjan bazaar includes different sections. Zanjan Bazaar is an amazing place to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs of this city.
There are also various historical mosques in the city of Zanjan belonging to different periods, the largest and most beautiful of which is the Zanjan Jamah Mosque. The Zanjan Jamah Mosque is located in the area of the bazaar, in Qeisarieh alley. Chehel Sotoun Mosque and School is also placed in the same location. Its construction date goes back to 1284 AH. Khanum Mosque is another historical mosque in Zanjan with remarkable architecture. This mosque was built by the order of one of the wealthy women lived in the late Qajar period.
The Zolfaghari Mansion, Rakhtshooy Khaneh building, Hakimian Historical House and Bahmani Historical House are other tourist attractions in the city of Zanjan. The Zolfaghari Mansion has now been converted into the Museum of Archeology and the Museum of Salt Men, where the mummies of the Salt Men are also kept.
Soltaniyeh
Soltaniyeh is another city in Zanjan province, located about 40 kilometers from the provincial capital. Soltaniyeh is home to one of the most important tourist attractions in the province: the Soltaniyeh Dome, a masterpiece of the Ilkhanid period and the largest brick dome in the world. The dome is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tomb of Mullah Hassan Kashi is another tourist attraction in Soltaniyeh, located to the southeast of the Soltaniyeh Dome historical complex. This building is a relic of the Safavid period and was built during the reign of Shah Tahmasb.
The Dashkasan Temple near Soltaniyeh is a place where one can see a combination of Chinese and Iranian architecture. It is a remnant of the Ilkhanid period.
Khodabandeh (Qeydar)
Khodabandeh is a mountainous city in Zanjan province.
The most famous tourist attraction in Khodabandeh city is the Katale Khor Cave. A group of famous Iranian mountaineers and cavers discovered the cave for the first time in 1952.
The Jamah Mosque and the Sojas Cemetery in a village of the same name are other attractions in the city's suburbs.
Mahneshan
Mahneshan city is located about 110 kilometers away from Zanjan, to the west of this city.
Placed on the banks of the Qezel Ozan River, Behestan Castle is the most significant tourist attraction in the city. It is also registered on the National Heritage List of Iran. Some attribute the history of this castle to the time of the Medes, which has not yet been fully proven. However, archaeological research to date shows that the castle belongs to the Achaemenid period.
The Chimneys of the Jinn and the Shoorgol Lake or Pari Lake are attractions that tourists visit on their trip to Mahneshan.
Accommodations
Zanjan offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, traditional guesthouses, and ecolodges. Some notable accommodations include Zanjan Grand Hotel, Dadamaan Traditional Hotel, and Sorkheh Abad Ecolodge near Abhar.
For dining, visitors can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at restaurants including Polo Restaurant, Abedini Dizzi Sara (traditional stew restaurant), and the Zartosh Restaurant, which offers a unique dining experience in a beautiful garden setting.
Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Zanjan is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, including intricate knives, delicate filigree work, and traditional copperware. Charooq, a type of traditional footwear, is also a popular souvenir from the province. Other notable handicrafts include metal engraving, Gilim Weaving, Jajim Weaving (a type of Persian flat tapestry weaving), and needlework.
Local Food
Zanjan's culinary repertoire boasts a variety of delicious dishes, including the Shish Andaz, a special dish prepared on the eve of Chaharshanbeh Suri (the last Wednesday of the Persian year). Other notable local dishes include Kaleh Joosh (a stew made with yogurt and chickpeas), Bulgur Aush (cracked wheat thick soup), and Kashi Aush (a type of thick soup made with beans and lentils). Torshak ash also has a special taste that is made with carrots, Russian Olive, chickpeas, beans, wheat, onions, and ash herbs. Pomegranate paste or vinegar is used to make it sour.
You can try different foreign dishes or sandwiches in the menu of Organo Fast Food and Pizza Land.
Customs and Traditions
One of the most prominent customs in Zanjan is the mourning ceremony held on the eighth day of the month of Muharram. The procession of the Hosseiniyeh Azam in Zanjan on this day, known as Yowm al-Abbas, attracts a large gathering of mourners from all over Iran.
Another unique tradition is Shabchareh ritual, where gifts are taken to the home of newlyweds on the night of Yalda (This ceremony is reciprocated by the bride's family on the night of Yalda in the following year, and this time the bride's family does it.)