Zanjan is a hidden gem among all Iranian provinces.
It is mind bugling to see such place with large sum of historical monuments, and wonderful natural surroundings has been hidden for so long from those seeking adventure and peacefulness.
Zanjani’s people are rank as high as Shirazi people in hospitality and guest friendliness.
History of Zanjan
Zanjan is one of the Northwestern province in Iran.
The city of zanjan is referred to as Aganzana.
It is said that the Sassanid king Ardashir I of Persia, reconstructed the city and called it Shahin, but later it was renamed Zangan:
the present name is the Arabicized form.
In past times Zanjan’s name was Khamseh, which means “province with five tribes”.
Geography
Zanjan has an area of 22,164 km², occupying 1.34% of the Iranian territory.
The average population density in Zanjan is 4¼ people per km.
In the northwest of Iran, Zanjan covers joint borders with seven provinces:
East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Hamadan, Kurdistan, Gilan, Ghazvin and Ardabil.
Zanjan province has seven major counties
* Abhar County
* Ijrud County
* Khodabandeh County
* Khorramdarreh County
* Zanjan County
* Tarom County
* Mahneshan County
* Soltaniyeh County
Zanjan has characterized by cold snowy weather in the mountains and moderate climate in the plains in wintertime.
In the summers, the weather is warm.
Vacation rentals in Iran
The average maximum temperature of Zanjan is around 27 °C, whereas the average minimum temperature stands at -19 °C.
Meanwhile, the temperature rises to 32 °C on hot days; it drops to -27 °C on snowy days.
Best time to visit Zanjan
For ski lovers winter offers an ideal time to take advantage of Papaei ski resorts.
For all other visitors the time to travel to Zanjan is Spring, and summer.
Favorite local Foods
Zanjan province offers varieties of mountainous herbs which find its way through their local dishes such as Koko, Polo, and Ash ( local soup ).
Other favorites are Aghooz, Eardak, Soozmeh, Kaleh Joosh, Ghighnogh, Koofteh, Doolmeh, Ash Reshteh, Ash Toorsh, Ash Kashk and Yarma or Ash Balghoor.
Souvenirs
Zanjan is well know for it’s artistry and handy-crafts.
It would have been impossible to leave Zanjan without one of their favorite hand made knifes, or colorful handmade rugs, or Doozef Giveh, or Jajeem, or Gleem.
Other favorites are, Naan Ardak, local herbs, and confectionery.
Tourist attractions
Zanjan province offers many tourists attractions for those who seek historical or contemporary site seeing structures.
Let us introduce some of these must see places.
Gonbad Soltanieh (Soltanieh Dome)
The mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302–12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was founded by the Mongols.
Situated in the province of Zanjan and 43 kilometers from Zanjan city, Soltanieh is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture.
The octagonal building is crowned with a 50 m tall dome covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets.
It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran.
The mausoleum’s interior decoration is also outstanding and scholars such as A.U. Pope have described the building as ‘anticipating the Taj Mahal’.
It also widely believed that the inspiration of one of the most iconic sights the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto in Florence Italy came from Gonbad Soltanieh.
Rakhatshooy Khaneh
This building was constructed in the most populated part of the city for washing dishes and clothing to avoid freezing winter.
Zanjan old Bazaar
This Bazaar is the longest bazaar in iran, and was constructed during the Qajar dynasty.
This bazaar has eight divisions for presenting different industries including the Jewelers, shoes, fabrics, tools, etc.
Katla Cave
This amazing cave is located in Khodabandeh town.
Katale Khor is a cave located in Zanjan Province, Iran.
It is situated 120 km south of Zanjan city and is about 410 km from Tehran.
The name, Katale Khor, means “mount of the sun”.
Geological studies in 1984 showed that the cave formation dates back to the Jurassic period.
This seven story cave is one of the most amazing places to visit in Zanjan.
Doodkesh-e Jen is located 20 kilometers from Mahneshan County and 120 kilometers from Zanjan.
In geology, this natural phenomenon is called “Hoodoo”.
In fact, it is a type of mushroom-like stone created as a result of erosion.
It looks like a high thin minaret on which there is another stone.
Because of it’s strange appearance the local think of it as hoodoo creation.
Other must visit areas are, Behestan, cultural and heritage Museum, Jameh Mosque, Chehel Sotoon Mosque, Zolfaghare House, Gavazang Dam, and of course the Papaie ski resorts.
Accommodations in Zanjan
Now that you have a fair idea about Zanjan and all it has to offer, you can reserve a rental condo, house, suite, or any accommodations that you desire from sepanja.com.
