Northwestern Iran

Tabriz , Ardebil and Zanjan Lying at an altitude of 1 ,400 meters above sea level , 619 km. northwest of Tehran , provincial capital of East Azerbaijan , the second largest city in Iran until the late 1960's and one of its former capitals (with a population of 1 ,305 ,000 according to 1996 census) , Tabriz is located in the 160 km. long AJI Chai or Talkhehrud valley to the north of the long ridge of Mount Sahand. The valley opens out into a plain that slopes down gently to the northern end of Lake Orumieh , 60 km. to the west. It can be reached by good road , rail (742 km. from Tehran , with connections to Europe and Moscow) , and air from Tehran and other major cities. By virtue of its situation , Tabriz has an agreeable summer climate , but the cold in winter is severe. Altogether , it has a continental climate with low humidity. The average annual rainfall is 288 mm. Its worst natural disadvantage , however , is its vulnerability to earthquakes , one of which utterly destroyed the city in 858 A.D. Rebuilt in a minor key , it was again devastated in 1041 A.D. , when more than 40 ,000 people lost their lives.

 also , Tabriz Azerbaijan , a region with hard working peasants and wily merchants. A turbulent region , until recently torn by many invasions and military occupations. A bitterly cold country during long winters , divided up by almost impenetrable mountain ranges with at the bottom of their valleys micro-climates enabling peasants to cultivate a few vineyards and fruit orchards. These are few cliches the traveler brings along in his/her suitcase. They are valid but difficult to verify. There is only one itinerary which is really equipped and open during all seasons: The Bazargan-Maku-Tabriz -Zanjan-Tehran road , the traditional migration route. You need a lot of patience and a tough vehicle to reach these valleys