Zanjān (Iran)

Zanjān was once the seat of a lively caravan trade. It was ravaged by Mongols in the 13th century. Prior to the Iranian Revolution, the city witnessed fighting between the local people and the Iranian army in 1978. About 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Zanjān city is the town of Solṭāniyyeh (Sulṭāniyyah), once the capital of Il-Khanid (a Mongol dynasty) Iran. It was founded in the early 14th century largely by Öljeitü (1304–16), who moved the capital there and whose magnificent mausoleum is practically the only remaining Il-Khan architecture. Its dome, 168 feet (51 metres) high, rests on an octagonal brick structure and is decorated with blue faience (earthenware ceramic). Zanjān city is now the centre of an agricultural area with abundant harvests of grain. Industries produce milled rice and flour, handwoven cloth, metalware, and coarse carpets.

The Mysterious Ancient Prison: Takht-e Soleyman (PC:Iran destination)

On a high plain, surrounded by stark, eroded hills, the modest city of Zanjan makes the perfect base for wider explorations. The architectural wonder of Soltaniyeh is nearby, while the battered hoodoos of Behestan Castle and the bizarrely striped Colourful Mountains lie further afield. Enticingly scenic roads radiate to Khal Khal and the Caspian, the subterranean delights of the Katale Khor Caves, and the superbly lonely Takht-e Soleiman ruins. Zanjan’s moment of infamy came in 1851 with a bloody siege ordered by Persian prime minister Amir Kabir. The resulting massacre was part of the relatively successful campaign to crush the nascent Baha’i religion. Baha’ism had only broken away from Islam three years before, but it was spreading much too rapidly for Tehran’s liking. The city lays claim to an excellent covered bazaar, some very attractive mosques, and several quirky museums.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/place/Zanjan-Iran

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iran/zanjan