Iranian Azerbaijan

Iranian Azerbaijan (Persian and Azeri Persian-Arabic script: آذربایجان) is in the extreme northwest of Iran, by the border with the country and former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan.

Iranian Azerbaijan is traditionally inhabited by Turkic-speaking Azeri people. The region's formation in its current borders dates back to Turkmanchay Treaty of 1828, which divided Azeri-majority lands between Persian and Russian spheres of influence, the latter of which later became Soviet and now independent country of Azerbaijan.

This region, especially eastern parts of it, is probably one of the most beautiful places in all of Iran. The region is known for its friendly people, and also known for the great food.

Iranian Azerbaijan is comprised of Ardabil Province, Zanjan Province, as well as East and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran.

• Ardabil
• Kandovan — small village with houses carved in the rocks like in Cappadocia, Turkey
• Maku
• Osku
• Piranshahr
• Tabriz — capital of East Azerbaijan province. and the major center of the whole region
• Takab — Takht-e Soleyman, a Zoroastrian fire temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located nearby
• Urmia — capital of West Azerbaijan province
• Zanjan

As anywhere in Iran Persian (Farsi) is widely spoken. The local language is Azeri which is fairly close to Turkish; many people are bilingual in Farsi and Azeri.

• Chelo-Kabab
• Kofte-e-Tabrizi
• Lighvan cheese