Iranian Azerbaijan (Persian and Azerbaijani: آذربایجان) is in the extreme northwest of Iran, by the border with the country and former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan.
- Ardabil. - capital of Ardabil province.
- Tabriz. — the biggest economic hub of Northwestern Iran, the most populated city in Iranian Azerbaijan, and the capital of East Azerbaijan province.
- Urmia. — capital of West Azerbaijan province.
- Zanjan. - capital of Zanjan province.
Ardabil. - capital of Ardabil province.
Tabriz. — the biggest economic hub of Northwestern Iran, the most populated city in Iranian Azerbaijan, and the capital of East Azerbaijan province.
Urmia. — capital of West Azerbaijan province.
Zanjan. - capital of Zanjan province.
- Bukan.
- Jolfa - Border town with Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan, but also a good base to visit the Armenian churches and the Aras Valley
- Kaleybar. - A good base for seeing the spectacular Babak Castle, and the Aras River Valley
- Khoy.
- Maku.
- Marand.
- Maraghe.
- Osku. — known as the capital of batik in Iran.
- Sardroud.
- Takab. — Takht-e Soleyman, a Zoroastrian fire temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby
Bukan.
Kaleybar. - A good base for seeing the spectacular Babak Castle, and the Aras River Valley
Khoy.
Maku.
Marand.
Maraghe.
Osku. — known as the capital of batik in Iran.
Sardroud.
Takab. — Takht-e Soleyman, a Zoroastrian fire temple and a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage site]], is nearby
- Aras River Valley. - A scenic valley on the northern border with stepped villages, mountain scenery, and ancient tombs
- Kandovan. — A small village with houses carved in the rocks like in Cappadocia, Turkey
Aras River Valley. - A scenic valley on the northern border with stepped villages, mountain scenery, and ancient tombs
Kandovan. — A small village with houses carved in the rocks like in [[Cappadocia]], [[Turkey]]
Iranian Azerbaijan is traditionally inhabited by Azeri people, an Iranian ethnic group that speaks a Turkic language, and Kurds, another group of Iranian peoples . The region's formation in its current borders dates back to Turkmanchay Treaty of 1828. By the treaty, Iran (Persia) ceded to Russia control of several Iranian Azerbaijani areas in the South Caucasus, which is now an independent country known as Azerbaijan Republic. The boundary between Russian Empire and Iran (Persia) was set at the Aras river.
This region, especially eastern parts of it, is probably one of the most beautiful places in Iran. The region is known for its friendly people, and also known for the great food.
Iranian Azerbaijan is comprised of four provinces: Ardabil, Zanjan, East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan.
Azeri people of Iran are mostly bilingual. They are fluent in their native language, Azeri, and also the official language of Iran, Persian. Kurds of this region, like most of Kurdish people in and out of Iran, can speak both Persian and Kurdish.
- The UNESCO World Heritage site Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran. It consists of three 7th century Armenian Christian buildings in the region — the monasteries of St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor.
The [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran. It consists of three 7th century Armenian Christian buildings in the region — the monasteries of St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor.
- Bonanb Kabab, a big skewer kabab with ingredient of local spices, onion and beef. It is named after city Bonab in south of Tabriz.
- Chelo-Kabab, a dish of rice with ground beef kabab.
- Kofte-e-Tabrizi, a big meatball with ingredient of ground beef, rice, and herbs.
- Lighvan cheese, a domestic feta cheese from Liqvan village in south east of Tabriz.