Tabriz, Iran’s fourth largest city with a long history! 5 recommended tourist spots

Located in northwestern Iran, the city of Tabriz has a population of over a million. The city's origins date back at least to the 3rd century, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region. Tabriz has repeatedly served as the capital of various kingdoms, only to be destroyed and rebuilt throughout history. Coupled with frequent earthquakes, many of its historic structures no longer remain in their original form and now survive as ruins.

Nevertheless, this ancient city offers many sightseeing highlights! In particular, the beautiful vaulted bazaar is said to be one of the oldest and largest in the world. There are many other notable attractions as well, and we’ve selected five highly recommended spots to introduce here.

1. Blue Mosque

One of the most iconic historical structures symbolizing Tabriz is the Blue Mosque. It was built in 1465 by Jahanshah, the fifth ruler of the Qara Qoyunlu (Black Sheep Turkmen) dynasty when Tabriz was their capital. However, the mosque collapsed during an earthquake in 1780, leaving only parts of the entrance wall and foundation. It remained in ruins for a long time until it was reconstructed in 1973 using the original stones and traditional construction methods.

Looking at the mosque's only remaining original façade, the peeling blue tiles speak silently of Tabriz's former glory. The interior also uses as many original tiles as possible, leaving partial decorations on the walls and columns. This incomplete restoration, however, adds to the site’s historical weight. Once you reach the mosque’s central hall, look up—the ceiling has been fully restored, and the soft lighting brings out a strikingly beautiful blue space.

2. Arg of Tabriz (Tabriz Citadel)

Known as Arg-e Tabriz, the remains of the Tabriz Citadel stand as another symbol of the city alongside the Blue Mosque. It was constructed in the early 14th century by the Ilkhanate, but before its completion, the ceiling collapsed, and it was left abandoned for nearly 500 years. During the Russo-Persian War in the early 19th century, the site was repaired for military use but was ultimately never used as a fortress.

Despite never being completed, the two massive surviving arches of the main gate remained the most prominent structure in Tabriz. Today, it has been renovated as a tourist attraction, and its imposing presence continues to impress visitors. At night, the gate is illuminated, creating a dramatic view of the stone structure floating in the darkness.

3. Constitution House of Tabriz

In 1904, when Japan, a rising nation in the Far East, defeated Russia—one of the Western powers—in the Russo-Japanese War, the momentum for a modern revolution surged in Iran. Tabriz played a central role in the Iranian Constitutional Revolution. In cities like Tabriz, councils called Anjomans took charge of governance, and their meeting hall became a major tourist attraction now known as the Constitution House.

Originally built in 1868 by a merchant from the bazaar, the house was offered to the revolutionaries when the owner became a supporter of the constitutional movement. As a result, the building is unusually elegant for a revolutionary venue, featuring beautiful stained glass windows, large arched façades, and mirrored corridors. The interior has been converted into a museum displaying weapons, publications, photographs, and personal belongings of revolutionaries from that time.

Registered as a national cultural heritage site in 1975, it is a proud symbol of Iran's modernization efforts in Tabriz. Located conveniently near the bazaar, it’s a great spot to visit in combination with shopping.

4. El Goli

El Goli is a district located in the southeastern part of central Tabriz. Generally, the name refers to the large park located within the area. At first glance, it may look like a modern urban park, but its history is quite old. The large square-shaped pond was actually built during the Qajar Dynasty in the 19th century as a reservoir for agricultural purposes. It is said that royal villas once surrounded the area, and the small pavilion that juts out into the center of the pond is thought to be a remnant of that time.

Today, it is a serene park where the citizens of Tabriz come to relax on weekends. Within the grounds, there is even a five-star Pars Hotel. If you get off at El Goli Station, the final stop on Metro Line 1 (which shares the park’s name), the park and the hotel are right in front of you. In front of the hotel, there is also a monument spelling out “TABRIZ” — perfect for snapping a commemorative photo of your visit to the city.

5. Iron Age Museum

The earliest written records confirming the existence of Tabriz date back to the 3rd century during the Sassanid period. However, traces of a civilized human settlement in the area have been found from much earlier times. Because of this, several museums in Tabriz focus on the prehistoric era.

One such museum is the Iron Age Museum. It was established after the discovery of an ancient burial site dating back to around 1000 BCE, found during the reconstruction of the Blue Mosque. The remains, including burial accessories, are preserved exactly as they were found, showing individuals buried in separate sections. Conveniently located near the Blue Mosque, this museum incorporates the ruins directly into its structure, making it easy for tourists to drop by.

In addition to the Iron Age Museum, Tabriz is also home to several other institutions related to prehistory, including the Azerbaijan Museum, the City Art Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.

◎ Summary

Tabriz is one of Iran’s major cities and is considered the closest to Europe in terms of location. Because of this, it has a history of being occupied not just by Asian and Middle Eastern powers but also by Russia multiple times. As a result, the city has developed a strong cultural identity. In addition to the museums and historical sites introduced above, Tabriz boasts many other museums and archives.

When visiting the city, be sure to check out its famous bazaar and look for a locally made Persian carpet. In fact, the name “Tabriz” itself refers to a specific style of carpet, underscoring the city’s reputation in the world of Persian rug craftsmanship.