Maragheh is one of the cities in the southern part of East Azerbaijan Province and the capital of Maragheh County. Owing to its favourable geographical location, rich historical heritage and position on the foothills of Mount Sahand, it is considered one of the important cities of north-western Iran. The Sufi Chay River flows through the city and plays an important role in tourism and in the formation of gardens and agricultural lands in the region.
Maragheh is located at 37°39′ north latitude and 46°24′ east longitude, at an elevation of 1,450 metres above sea level.
Maragheh is one of the oldest cities in Iran and Azerbaijan, with a history dating back to the pre-Islamic period. Owing to its favorable geographical location, the city has long been a centre of human settlement and one of the important political, economic, cultural and scientific centres of Iran and the world. The height of Maragheh’s prosperity dates back to the seventh century AH, when Hulagu Khan, the Mongol ruler, selected Maragheh as the first capital of the Ilkhanid state. The most important achievement of this period was the establishment of the Maragheh Observatory under the direction of Khajeh Nasir al-Din al-Tusi. During this period, Maragheh became one of the world’s major scientific and cultural centres.
Abgoosht, Maragheh-style meatballs, Ash Reshteh, Ash-e Doogh, Ash-e Torsh, stuffed vine leaves, Tareh-li Shorba and Soruli Ashi are among the most important traditional dishes of Maragheh.
Among the well-known souvenirs of Maragheh are Maragheh Baslogh and Sojough, walnut halva, bozorg halva, chickpea flour halva, grape molasses (Doushab), Maragheh apples, Sahand honey, walnuts, almonds, traditional Maragheh soap, Persian carpets and silk carpet panels, and herbal distillates.
Maragheh is one of the most important historic and tourist cities in north-western Iran and is among the country’s ten leading historic cities. It is home to more than 300 properties inscribed on the National Heritage List.
The most important tourist attractions of the global healthy and learning city of Maragheh include the Maragheh Observatory, Red Dome, Blue Dome, Round Tower, Ghafariyeh Dome, Owhadiyeh Complex, Sufi Chay River, Hamppooyil Cave, Ilkhanid Museum, Stone Inscriptions Museum, Mithra Temple, the rocky landscapes of Yay-Shahri Village, Alavian Dam, and the scenic road lined with gardens leading to the surrounding villages of the county.
Actions and Vision as a Learning City
Vision:
We believe that lifelong learning is the pathway to building a dynamic, resilient and sustainable city. As one of the cities recognized as a Healthy City by the World Health Organization, Maragheh should provide opportunities for continuous learning for all its citizens; an opportunity for growth, empowerment and participation in building a better future. By fostering a culture of learning across all aspects of life, from schools and universities to workplaces, families and communities, the city is moving towards achieving social justice, economic prosperity and sustainable development; a city that learns, grows and builds the future.
Roadmap for Maragheh Learning City:
Actions of Maragheh, the Global Learning and Healthy City
- Developing neighbourhood cultural centres as learning centres
- Establishing thematic science and knowledge parks
- Organizing digital literacy and financial literacy courses
- Providing skills training tailored to Maragheh’s economic capacities
- Organizing programmes and campaigns to promote health literacy
- Developing traffic park activities
- Organizing neighbourhood-based cultural and sports programmes
- Providing training courses on urban resilience and preparedness for crises
- Holding political dialogues and specialized meetings
- Developing and evaluating Learning City indicators
Contact Information
Address
Imam Khomeini St., Historical Khiyabani House, Tourism and Cultural Deputy, Maragheh, Iran
Phone Number
04137232199
maragheh.learning.city@gmail.com
Learning City Mayor
Dr. Morovati
Learning City Coordinator
Dr. Salavati | Dr. Jafari, Deputy Mayor for Tourism