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Ardabil is the center of a namesake province is Located at the 1311 meters above the sea level. The history of the town dates back to the Arsacide era. The cornerstone of the town was laid by Piruz, the Sassanid king. Therefore, it was named "Bazan Piruz" Or "Firouz Gard". Ardebil takes its name from the Zoroastrian root. The word Ardabil-or Artvil-consists of two words; Ard (Arta) meaning holy, and Bil (vil) meaning city. The two words, together, make out "the holy city".In 643AD, Ardabil was conquered by Muslim troops. It became the center of Azarbaijan government during the Bani Omayid dynasty. In 1220 AD, Mongols forces stormed the town, and looted it. French traveler, Tavarnier, says about Ardabil, " this town is important from two angles: first, for the trade of silk which is produced in Gilan, and second, for the tomb of Sheik Safiedin Ardabili.

Ardabil has a web-like structure, and most of its streets - except a few- are in a circular shape. Nearly in 1300AD, Ardabil became the residence of Sheik Safiedin Ardebili, the great ancestor of Safavid ruler. It was during the very time that Ardabil gained its Ultimate power and grandeur. In the next couple of centuries after the death of Sheik destiny was charac-terized with Sheik Safieddin Ardebili descendants. In 1500AD, Shah Ismail,aided with Qezel Bash forces Took control of Ardebil and, shortly after, of Azarbaijan from Aq.Quyun, then he named Tabriz his capital.Ardabil province is well known for its carpets as well as sweets such as Halva. The souvenirs of the province are: wickerwork, wool hand-woven cloth, coarse rug, felt carpet, different metal and wooden works, inlaid, silver objects, earthenware, local shoes, and other handicrafts.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

1. Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily Mausoleum:
1. It is composed of a series of monuments built in various periods that was shaped as a complex for the first time by Shah Tahmasb. Later Shah Abbas added to the previous ones and renovated some sections. This historical complex is closely intertwined with the history of the Safavid Dynasty. Some of the Safavid kings as well as Shah Esmail I have been buried at this site. The main section of the mausoleum is composed of a circular tower with circumference of 22 m. which is about 17 meters high. In the interior of this monument, near Sheikh Safi's tomb, the tomb of his son (the founder of mausoleum) and those of other family members can be found. At the time of Naseredin Shah Qajar, i.e., about 115 years ago, major renovations took place and some changes were made to the complex. This site has been a major attraction for domestic and international tourists. Main sections of the complex are the followings: the gate, the large court, the small court, the graveyard court, Shahidgah (martyrdom place), Janat Sara Mosque and Cheleh Khaneh which encircles Qandil Khaneh, Haramkhaneh and Chini Khaneh. The Allah Allah Dome is very famous and probably the most spectacular part of the complex.

2.Sheikh Safi Aggregate Museum, Ardabil :

China objects are located in the Chini-Khaneh (or China House), a room originally designed to preserve the Chinaware or porcelain which was dedicated to Shah Abbas by one of the Chinese Emperors to recognize his efforts in making the Silk-Road a safe place. Most of the China were taken by the Russians after the Turkeman-Chay Treaty and now are located in museums of St. Petersburg. However, the monument itself is certainly worth visiting. This museum was inagurated in 1991.

3.Amin-edin Jebrail Tomb, Ardabil:

Located in the Kalkhoran Village in Ardabil, this mausoleum belongs to the ancestor of the Safavid Dynasty the father of Sheikh Safi-edin Essaq. The original mausoleum dates back to about 500 years ago. The simplicity of decorative and artistic work on the walls and the ceilings are very soothing for the visitors. The wooden door at the main entrance has artistic carvings that are quite valuable. This mosque was last renovated about 400 years ago.

4.THE BAZAAR OF ARDABIL:

In the heart of the Ardabil city, this bazaar stands as old as the Islamic period. It's shape was described by the historians of 4th century AH. as a cross, extending in four directions with simply designed domes. Most sections of the bazaar have been constructed and renovated during the Safavid and Zand periods.

5. JAAME' MOSQUE:

This is a remain from the Saljuqian period. In the walls of the minarets there are two inscriptions belonging to about 700 years ago. These have been transferred to a museum. Ceramic and other objects discovered at this site belong to about 600 years ago (Saljuqian period). The rest of the inscriptions which are not in a good conditions date back to the 3rd or 4th centuries.

6.Holy Mariyam Church, Ardabil :

This building is located in the Armanestan Alley or Ounchoo Meydan in Ardabil and dates back to about 300 years ago. The interior decorations are very interesting and its wooden door is ornamented with intricately carved geometrical designs.

7.Sabalan Mountains, Ardabil:

One of the most interesting mountains of Iran, with an altitude of about 4,800 m., is Sabalan which is originally a volcanic mountain. The summit is located 41 km. from Ardabil and can be easily observed while traveling on the road to Sar Ein and Ardabil. There is a lake on top of the Sabalan Mountain, which is a major attraction for professional hikers.

8. FIVE HISTORICAL BRIDGES:

9.Neor Lake, Ardabil :

This lake is located 48 km. southeast of the city of Ardabil, in an altitude of 2,700 m. above sea level. With an area of more than 220 hectares, it is composed of a smaller and a larger basin, which gets connected in rainy seasons forming a single lake. The Maximum depth of this lake reaches 5.5 m. with the average of 3 m. depth. The Neor Lake is the habitat of rainbow trout and birds such as ruddy shelduck and migrant swallows. Sports, fishing and other recreational activities are common and popular at this site

9. THE HOUSES OF VAKIL, IBRAHIMI AND MANAF ZADEH :

10. Sar-Ein Mineral Water resort: Sar-Ein Spas mineral waters attract several visitors each year who come for tretment.

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