Zanjan province has been naturally blessed with many bounties and is today one of the richest provinces in Iran. This province is located in the northwest of the country encompassing some 21,841 square kilometers. Zanjan is bound by the provinces of East Azarbaijan in the west, Gilan to the north, Gazvin in the east and the by the Markazi (Central) province to its south. It currently has a population numbering close to one million souls.

Zanjan enjoys a pleasant temperate climate throughout the year and can be divided into three general areas each with differing weather conditions. The temperature rarely varies from a low of 5 degrees centigrade in the winter to a high of 20 degrees centigrade in the summer. The countryside is generally mountainous and hilly and the three largest mountains in the province are known as Takht-e-Solieman, Taleghan, and Kooh-e-Rostam. Various rivers flow down from the mountains throughout this lush province the most important of which are the Ghezel Owzan, Abhar Rood, and Shah Rood.

This abundance of water has produced a lush variety of flora that can be counted amongst the many God given natural resources of this province. The vegetation of the province varies from one district to the next, but is generally made up of forests and pastures. The forests are mainly located in the mountainous regions adjacent to Gilan province.

The differing temperate weather conditions have also nurtured a rich abundance of animal life. A large variety of different species of wild life, native and migratory birds, and aquatic animals and fish attract many tourists in the hunting season. In order to preserve the province's rich wildlife, the Iranian Environmental Organization proclaimed the area known as Angooran, as an enormous protected wildlife refuge area some 25 years ago.

The province is populated mainly by Kurds and Shahsavans. Azerbaijani, Persian, Kurdish and Tati are all languages that are spoken in different regions of this province. The predominant practiced religion is the Shiite branch of Islam.

The provincial capital of the province is also called Zanjan and the other major cities are Abhar, Khoda Bandeh, Ijrud, Taram, Mah Neshan, and Khorram Darreh.

The province has a fairly modern and developed infrastructure. There is a modern six-lane highway connecting Tehran to Zanjan. All the main roads and most of the secondary roads to different places within the province are paved in asphalt and bear modern traffic signposts. Public and private bus services cover all its cities and towns. Additionally there is an airport and there are regular commercial airline flights between Tehran and Zanjan. The Trans-Iranian Railway Network services this province and links it with Tabriz and Europe on the one hand and with Tehran, and other domestic cities on the other. This railway has daily express rail links to and from Tehran and Tabriz.

The existence of so many rivers and lush fertile pastures has made agriculture and animal husbandry major activities in Zanjan. There has been a considerable growth in both the amount and variety of agricultural products produced in Zanjan in recent years. Today the principal products are wheat, barley, chicken, and dairy products.

Zanjan province has also been further blessed with a great variety of natural mineral resources. Among these we can list kaolin, silver, gold, coke, copper, iron, manganese, feldspar, and silica. These ores are all actively mined and mining is thereby another major activity of this province. There are currently 74 active mines in the province.

Due to the availability of these rich mineral resources in the province, there are a great number of local factories and the province has become an important center for industry. There are several industrial park/city complexes along with their satellite urban developments catering to the required personnel. These industries are mainly related to the fields of metal, food, chemical, wood, textile, and construction.

Another famous traditional industry of this province specially worth mentioning is knife making, which is mostly carried out within the city of Zanjan itself. The products of this local industry are unique in that they are once both delicate and extremely robust.

The City of Zanjan

This provincial capital city has two main administrative districts namely the Central, which includes the city proper, and Zanjan Rood. This city's existence probably dates from the Sassanid era. It was vanquished in the Muslim invasion of the 7th century, and then, in both the 13th and 14th centuries, underwent annihilation by Mongol hordes from the east including the one led by Tamerlane.

During its long history this city has experienced both glory and hardship and has a record steeped in early civilization, culture, the arts, and sciences. After the advent of Islamic revolution Zanjan has made great progress in different fields.

Zanjan's Tourist Attractions

The province contains six hot and four mineral springs. Every year these springs attract and draw large numbers of tourists from all regions of Iran and neighboring countries who come to enjoy the medicinal and rejuvenative qualities of the waters.
Located some 140 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, one can find the village of Garmab (Hot spring), just to the south of which there is a very picturesque cave known as KatIe Khor which is well worth a visit.

Among other sights to be found in Zanjan city are the following:

Caravansary Sangi (Stone Caravansary):

This caravansary was built in the Safavid period (16th century) and is the oldest historical site in the city of Zanjan. Much of the original building is in ruins and at present the site is mostly occupied by a building housing the Endowment Organization (Oqaf).

The Bazaar:

Because of its age and cultural, economic, and religious significance, Zanjan's bazaar is one of the most important historical complexes in Iran. Dating from the Qajar period (1779-1925), the bazaar is located in the heart of the old city. It consists of two sections called in turn, the upper and lower bazaar. With an area of 150,000 square meters, the bazaar comprises 940 shops and two Public Bath Houses namely Boloori and Mo'ini. There are 56 entrances to this bazaar. Traditionally and to this day, the bazaar meets all the consumer needs of the people in this area and is a great attraction for tourists.

Rakht Shooy Khaneh (Washhouse):

This historical site is also located in the center of the old city on Sa'di Street. Traditionally wash houses were a type of do-it-yourself launderette where people could come to do their washing free of charge and round the clock. The building has two main sections: the management room and the washhouse. Each section comprises different components. This complex, with its interesting architecture, indicates the historical significance of hygiene to the Iranian people. At present, this building is used as an anthropological museum.

Jameh Mosque:

Located in the center of the old city, the Jameh mosque and school complex is an historical locale known collectively as the Seyed Mosque. This complex is very eye catching and was constructed in the Qajar period in a very artistic and impressive architectural style. The diversity of adjacent elements in the interior of the structure and the harmony of the exterior façade of the building, have together created a pleasant atmosphere. The mosque's turquoise-colored dome, verandas, sanctuary, arches, and tile work with delicate patterns and harmonious colors are aesthetically pleasing. The mosque has 24 chambers located around its central courtyard for the use of Islamic scholars.

Mirza'i Mosque:

Located in the lower bazaar, Mirza'i Mosque is the oldest religious edifice in this city, again probably dating back to the Safavid era (18th century). It consists of two parts: the old sanctuary and the new mosque. Having all components of the traditional mosques such as dome, tile work in beautiful eslimi patterns, it is well worth a visit.

Customs:

An impressive feature of the people of this province is hospitability; a point also mentioned in the tourists acounts. Marriage ceremonies and a festival called Hala that is taken place in the harvest are very interesting.

Handicrafts:

The handicrafts produced in the province are various, the most important of which are carpets, gelims (rugs made of goats hair), jajims (fine carpets made of wool or cotton), knives, copper work, pottery, filigree work and woodwork. These are very delicate and beautiful, suitable to be kept as souvenirs.