Zanjan

Zanjan

The city of Zanjan is the provincial capital of the same name in the northwestern part of Iran and is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Iran. The weather of Zanjan region is greatly diverse according to the mountains and plains. In general, the heights have cold mountainous weather, snowy and cold winters, and mild and dry summers. Meanwhile, the Ghezel Ozan valleys have more temperate climates and mild winters and relatively warm summers. The plains between the highlands, such as the Sajas Plain, the Qashlaqat region, and the lower part of the Zanjan River, have a more temperate climate.

The date of construction of the city of Zanjan is considered to be at the same time as the reign of Ardeshir Babakan, and at that time, it was called Shahin, which means attributed to the Shah. It is said that this name was changed to Zangan and then to Zanjan during the centuries.

Sights of Zanjan:

Temple of Dragon or Dash-Kasan:

Dash Kasan Temple is a rocky building located on the outskirts of the village of Weir, about 15 km southeast of the historic city of Soltanieh (Zanjan). With its dragon design, this temple is a relic of the Ilkhanid period.

Zanjan Bazaar:

The bazaar of Zanjan was built in 1834. This market is in two parts, western and eastern, and is linear. It is said that Zanjan Bazaar is the longest covered bazaar in Iran. The architecture used in this market is completely Qajar style.

Zanjan Forty Pillars Mosque:

One of the attractions of Zanjan is the Chehel Soton (Forty Pillars) Mosque. This historic mosque is located near the bazaar of Zanjan. The Chehel Soton Mosque was one of the most famous mosques during the Qajar rule, which served as a seminary. This Mosque has a very large courtyard and an inscription has been installed on the entrance of this building, which was built in 1905. This mosque is one of the architectural examples of the Qajar period.

Archaeological Museum:

In the winter of 1993, while excavating a salt mine in Chehrabad, Zanjan Province, a mummified body was accidentally discovered. The discovery continued in later years, and eventually, six mummified bodies were discovered, known as salt men. The mummified bodies of salt men from the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods are on display at this museum.

Laundry Museum:

The laundry of Zanjan is an anthropological museum. This place in Zanjan was built with a humane and friendly look to protect women from the cold and wild animals. This laundry was such that men were not allowed to enter so that women could easily wash their clothes and utensils.

Zanjan Handicrafts:

Knife:

Knives of Zanjan, which is skillfully made by the masters of this industry, is famous for its features such as elegance, fit, variety, cutting power, and blade. The history of knives in Zanjan dates back to the Achaemenid period. There are more than 200 models of knives in Zanjan. Types of knives include stylus knives, agricultural knives, and kitchen knives, and hunting knives.

Tapestry:

Tapestry is one of the main handicrafts of Zanjan and of course the most expensive of them. The silver ingots are melted and passed through a special mold to become one-centimeter wires. Then they are melted again and passed through the mold until their diameter reaches one millimeter this time. Then they are stretched with a wire so that they are thinner and more delicate and ready for tapestry.

The making of dishes and utensils in the style of tapestry dates back to the Achaemenid period. At that time, the tapestry was an art for aristocrats and courtiers. These days, the tapestry is used to decorate all kinds of cups, sinks, spoons and forks, bowls, vases, photo frames, and fabrics, and it is one of the most exquisite souvenirs and handicrafts in Zanjan.

Carpets:

Zanjan is also famous for carpet weaving. Carpet weaving in this city dates back to the Sassanid period. Bidgineh is the name of official carpet of Zanjan.

Charuq:

Charuq is an ancient Iranian shoe made of leather and silk and mostly was worn by shepherds in the plains and deserts.

Zanjan dishes:

Confections:

The people of Zanjan have delicious bread called duck bread, which is oily and eaten with tea.

Jaghour Baghur:

Jaghour Baghur is one of the most special local dishes of Zanjan. Fast and easy cooking and the pleasant taste of this food has made it popular in many cities of Iran. In this dish, the black and white liver are fried with onions and potatoes. In addition to salt and pepper, some people just add turmeric, but in most cases the mixture of liver, potatoes, and onions is roasted with pomegranate paste.

Piazu:

This delicious food used to be mostly prepared for dinner, and the warmth of the food on cold winter nights conveyed a good feeling. The ingredients of this food are many and abundant. If we want to name the raw materials of Piazu, we have to add chopped onion, walnut, a special substance called Torta, which is an extract of oil, spices, minced meat, chopped tomato, tomato paste, lentils, chickpeas, apricot leaf, plum and potatoes.

Bogda Ashi:

Bogda in Turkish means wheat and Bogda Ashi means wheat soup. This delicious, dinner dish is very suitable for winter nights and family dinners. To cook it, Zanjani people first soak the wheat and beans well, and after the ingredients start to cook slowly in the water, they pour the large, fresh spinach into the pot with the spices.

Zanjan Sour Soup:

Zanjan sour soup is one of those dishes that stimulate the viewer’s appetite with its colorful appearance and glaze. Everything you can think of can be found in this soup, from beans to lentils, peas, vegetables, potatoes, and carrots.

Shesh Andaz:

This food is rooted in the old culture and tradition. Shesh Andaz usually cooked last Wednesday of the Persian year. This dish is cooked from a combination of dates, walnuts, raisins, onions, and eggs. Those who like the sweet taste pour some grape juice on this food.