Tabriz city
is situated 619 km in northwest of Tehran. The city is generally
cold, but due to its geographical situation it has a pleasant weather. Archaeological excavations carried out close to
Tabriz have discovered objects dating back to 5000 years ago .During
the early Islamic period it was a prosperous city whose bazaar was
prominent and well known. This city is one of the few Iranian cities
that was not ruined by Mongol army, indeed following Mongol invasion
it became the official capital of Iran. later, during Safavid dynasty
Tabriz was the capital of Iran again. Most of the historic monuments in Tabriz
have been destroyed in the many earthquakes that have shaken the
city. During the past 100 years, the inhabitants of
Tabriz have played vital roles in the political sphere, helping
to shape the politic of the country such as: Constitutional uprising
(1906), the oil nationalization movement (1950), Islamic revolution
(1979).
Saint Thaddeus Monasteries
This monasteries is situated in the village of Qarah Kelisa, district
of Siyah Cheshmeh,
Maku.
It is the tomb of the St. Thaddeus. According to historical records
of the Sassanian period, some of the Armenians were the followers
of prophet Zoroaster, whereas some were sun worshipers. In the
year 43 AD. Two apostils by the name of Tatavous and Bartholomew
preached on Christianity in the vicinity of Armenia, thereby gaining
number of followers including the daughter of the monarch of the
Armenia, King Terdat.
In order to stop the advancement of Christianity, the Armenian
king ordered for their massacre in the year 66 AD. It is said
that their bodies were buried in the vicinity of this church.
In the year 1329 AD. , the church was renovated and in the year
1810 AD. was repaired. This church comprises of two sections,
one is the 'Black Church' which is the older section, and the
other being the 'White Church' is larger than the other and is
the new segment. The black church has mythical artistic efforts
on its structure whereas in the new church the engravings differ.
It has a very unique and beautiful structure.
Saint Stepanous Church,
Jolfa
This church was erected between the periods of the 4th and 6th
century AD. and is one of the important historical and religious
structures of the city of Urumieh in the province of Western Azerbaijan.
This church is located in the famous Darreh or valley of 'Sham',
16 km. from Jolfa
Major
attractions:
-
Tabriz castle (Arg-e-Tabriz)
- El Goli (royal edifice,park)
- Alishahi citadel ( old mosque,1316 AD)
- Blue mosque ( masjed kabood)-historic mosque,1465 AD
