ARDEBIL PROVINCE

The province of Ardabil has inspiring natural beauty and plenty of  sights and is an endless attraction for many people. This province is limited on the north by the Country of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the east by Gilan Province, on the south by Zanjan and on the west by the eastern Azerbaijan Province. There are many springs in Ardabil, among which are the hot springs of Sareyn, an important centre of a mineral spa with medicinal qualities and the centre of hydrotherapy; the mineral springs of Khalkhal, the mineral spring of Khalkhalsooyee and the hot springs of Givi having medicinal value. The exotic beauty and enjoyable fresh weather of this town attracts a large number of visitors. Sardabeh is also important.

Being a city of ancient times, the root of Ardabil goes back to 1500 years ago and is an important agricultural centre in Iran.

The complex of Sheikh Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabili is an astonishing ancient monument, including the following components: the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah lsmail, Chinikhaneh,Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise), Khanaqah (the house of Dervishes), CheraghKhaneh (the house of lamps), ShahidKhaneh (the house of martyrs) and ChellehKhaneh (the place where followers shut themselves up during the forty days of Lent).

The other important  historical monuments are as follows: the mausoleum of SheykhJebrail, and the the Bazaar; Jameh Mosque, and a few ancient bridges.  In addition to these, in the many villages surrounding Ardabil, relics of ancient monuments, including tombs, have been found.

Sabalan (Savalan) mountain    Sabalanis an inactive stratovolcano in MeshkinshahrArdabil province of northwestern Iran about 20 miles west of Arbadil. Sabalan is the third highest mountain in Iran and a permanent crater lake has formed at the summit. Sabalan has a ski resort and different tourist areas such as the Sarein spa. The mountain is known for its beautiful vistas, including the Shirvan gorge.

The handicrafts produced in Ardabil province are  carpets, gelims (rugs made of goats hair), jajims (fine carpets made of wool or cotton), shawls, woodwork and metalwork (like silverware) which are magnificent.  Handicrafts, such as carpet weaving, jajim and gelim weaving, and pottery also play a main role in the economy.  Halva-ye-Siyah (black sweet paste) and nabat (sugar candy) are among the famous sweets.  The honey of Sabalanis very wellknown and famous for best quality.