The city of Zanjan is located 320 km northwest of Tehran, it lies on an open valley about halfway along the main road and railway to Tabriz. There are good bus connections to Tehran as well as regular flights. With a present day population of 300.000, the construction of the city is attributed to Ardeshir Babakan. Zanjan is administratively divided into three parts: the central part (the city itself), and two districts outside the city called Mahanshan and Tarom-e-olya.

Zanjan probably dates back to the Sassanid period. Conquered by the Muslims in the 7th century, obliterated by the Mongols and by Tamerlane in the 13 th and 14 th centuries, and having a vivid record in civilization, culture, arts and sciences, Zanjan has experienced both glory and hardship. The city is know for the Zanjan upheaval, resulting in what was by far the largest of the battles between the members of the Bahai movement and Persian troops during the late 1840s and early 1850s, involving perhaps three thousand Bahais and thirty thousand government troops and irregulars. Prior to the Iranian Revolution, the city witnessed fighting between the local people and the Iranian army in 1978.

The city is the centre of an agricultural zone with abundant grain harvests. Industries produce milled rice and flour, hand-woven cloth, metal ware, and coarse carpets.

Zanjan is well worth exploring, its most interesting historical buildings are:

• The Bazaar - This late 18th century building (Qajar period) is the place to truly feel Zanjan's pulse. Divided into the upper and lower bazaar, its statistics will make jealous many modern shopping centre managers: 150.000 square metres, 940 shops, 56 entrances, two baths (Bollori and Moini) and even a Mosque.
• The Caravanserai Sangi - the ancient inn for caravans travelling from Asia to Europe, built in the 16th century, during the Safavid dynasty, is the oldest building in Zanzan city. During recent times it has fallen into disrepair, and it's current appearance doesn't make justice to its former glories.
• The Friday (Jame) Mosque - The Mosque and adjoining Islamic school date from the Qajar period. The building has delicate and intricate decoration in tilework, providing an exceptional visual effect, and the architecture with tall arches and ample verandas make it most elegant.
• The Mirzayee Mosque - This is the oldest religious building in the city, dating to the end of the Safavid era (early 18th century), it its strategically located inside the lower bazaar,
• The washing house (Rakhat Shooy Khane) - Located in the old part of the city (Sadi st.) this beautifully designed public building was traditionally used by Zanjan's inhabitants to wash their clothes and linen.
• the Zolfaghari building - This 18th century building shows a unique combination of Gothic and Persian architecture, with gabled roofs and stained glass. It's located in the centre of the old town.

The Zanjan province has an area of 25382 square Kilometers. Besides Azeri, Farsi Kurdish and Tati are the main languages spoken. Being generally mountainous and hilly, it is divided into three regions with different climates. Takht-e-soleyman, Taleghan, Alamout, and Kooh-e-Rostam are the most important mountains in the province. South of village of Garmab, 140 km south-west of Zanjan city, lies the cave of Katlekhor. The rivers Ghezel Ozan, Abhar Rood and shah Rood flowing from the mountains through the province, supporting abundant vegetation. Among the natural resources of this province, there are six hot springs and four mineral springs in with medicinal value, attracting large numbers of visitors.

The vegetation of the province varies from one area to another, but it is generally made up of forests and pastures. The forests are mainly located in the mountainous regions adjacent to Gilan province. Different climates have created an animal life rich in variety. Various species of wild animals, native and migratory birds , and aquatic animals attract many tourists in the seasons during which hunting is allowed.

Due to numerous rivers and underground streams, as well as many pastures, agriculture and animal-husbandery enjoy considerable prosperity. There are many mines in Zanjan province, providing raw materials for many home factories. kaolin, silver, gold, copper, iron, manganese, feldspat and silica mines are some of the mines, among others, in the province.  Zanjan province is one of the country's important industrial centres, throughout which there are several industrial satellite towns and metal, food, chemical, wood, weaving, construction and mining industries. Of the local industries of the province, particularly of Zanjan city, cutlery has a reputation for products of which are unique in delicacy and solidity. The area is famous for its carpets, filigree work and "Charoghs" (sandals).
 
  Other places of interest in the Zanjan province:

Abhar

Located in the south-east of Zanjan, in a mountainous region, this city has a mild climate. The river Abhar flows  through the city. The river, on the banks of which there are the relics of an ancient citadel named Ghaleh Tappeh, served as a natural barrier against the enemies. Two of the tourist attractions of the city are the complex of Soltanieh and Imamzadeh Esma'il.
 

The Complex of Soltanieh

Located 32 km southeast of Zanjan,  this complex built in the 15 th century is a world-famous monument and the greatest attraction of Zanjan province. Once the capital of Ilkhan dynasty, Soltanieh district in which the complex is situated, is at a distance of 43 km from the Tehran - Zanjan highway. Having archaeological remains dating back to circa 3000 years ago, Soltanieh district had been the home of various peoples before the invasion of Iran by the Mongols. The most significant part of the said complex is the Gonbad (dome) -e-Soltanieh. It is the biggest dome in Iran and one of the most splendid buildings throughout the Islamic world.
 

Takestan

This city is located in the south-east of Zanjan province and has cold and long winters and mild summers. Its important rivers are Rood-e-shoor and Abhar Rood on which the town's agriculture is dependent. The name of the city means "Vineyard", indicating the great number of the fields of grape - vines and  the significant role of agriculture in the city's economy. Bogh'e-ye-pir and the  baths dating back to the Safavid period, are the histourical monuments of the town. The highway of Tehran to Europe and the Tehran - Tabriz railway, passing the through the city, have brought it noticeable development.

Khoda Bandeh

This town is located 85km south of Zanjan. Being in a mountainous region, it has cold and dry winters and mild summers. The town's economy is bassed on agriculture and animal husbandry. The shrine of Ghidar-e-Nabi is one of its sights.

Qazvin

Town 130 Northwest of Tehran on the Tehran-Tabriz railway line. Built at an altitude of 1800 metres is worth visiting for the Chehel Sotune building (now a museum), the Shahzadeh Hussein mausoleum, and naturally the vast bazaar.

sources: netiran, Sharif Cultural Institute
 
 
 

see also: hotels in Zanjan, history, Uromiyeh, Tabriz, Ardebil, South Azerbaijan, Iranian visas, images of Iran, images of Azerbaijan