Ardabil
Ardabil or Ardebil, city in northwest Iran, in Ardabil Province. The city is on a plateau about 1,525 m (5,000 ft) above sea level. Because of a healthful climate and the warm mineral springs in the vicinity, Ardabil was a favourite home of the rulers of Persia.
Historical landmarks in the city include the tomb of Ismail I, founder of the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736) of Persian shahs, and the home (now a Muslim shrine) of the Persian saint Safi-al-Din. In the middle Ages the city was important because it was near the Lenkoran-Tabriz caravan route.
Ardabil stands about 60km from the Caspian Sea. It is located on an open plain 1,400 m above sea level, just east of Mount Sabalan (4,811 m), where cold spells occur until late spring.
Ardabil is an important agricultural centre in Iran. The mineral springs of Ardabil are Beele-Darreh, Sar'eyn, Sardabeh and Booshloo, being famous for their medicinal qualities throughout Iran. The complex of Sheikh Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabili is an impressive ancient monument, comprising the following components: the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma'il, Chini khaneh (meaning the house of chinaware), a mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise), Khanaqah (the house of Dervishes), Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps), Shahid khaneh (the house of martyrs) and Chelleh Khaneh (the place where devotees shut themselves up during the forty days of Lent). The mausoleum of Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of which is called "Allah-Allah" has an octagonal interior.
The other significant historical monuments are: the mausoleum of Sheikh Jebra'il, located 2 kms north of Ardabil, the old but always lively bazaar, the Friday mosque, and a few ancient bridges. In addition to these, in many villages of Ardabil, relics of ancient monuments, including tombs have been found. Covering an area of 18011 sq km the province of Ardabil has been blessed with splendid natural beauty and numerous sights.
Flights to Ardabil with Iran Air
Iran Air is operating domestic flights to Ardabil, Tehran-Mehrabad and Mashhad.