Urmia City
Situated along the amazing verdant plain in the northwest of Iran, Urmia, the city and the center of West Azerbaijan Province is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran, lying on the west side of Lake Urmia – the largest lake in the Middle East and the sixth largest saltwater lake on earth beside the mountainous Turkish border.
The region is considered as one of the foundations for developing the human civilization with some evidence at hand from caves dating back to 5000 years ago when people used to make primitive stone tools.
Of the distinctive civil features of the city, the coexistence of various tribes such as Kurds, Turks, Assyrians, and Armenians can be mentioned, where they live alongside each other at peace. The population mixture is unique in Iran with kind and hospitable people.
Due to having mild weather, scenic views, natural attractions such as the Urmia lake and the Marmisho lake, the Ghasemlo Valley, the Band Resort and the hot water springs as well as historical sites like the Jame mosque and the traditional bazaar, the city has been attracting a large number of tourists and hosting them with tasty local foods.
Of the other highlights of the city, one can refer to Lake Urmia National Park which consists of islands and islets in the form of protected zones offering adventure tours and Khoshako ski resort for those who love skiing on the snow-capped mountains.
Also, the city enjoys fertile agricultural grounds particularly apple and grapes as the main products and includes fascinating lagoons, mosques, shrines, tombs, churches, bridges, castles, caves, hills, museums, and coastal villages on the shores of Urmia Lake, providing memorable moments for visitors.
Visiting Urmia in the autumn gives a terrific impression especially through the nice colors of the tree leaves in the almond gardens. It must be noted that sport is an important part of Urmia's culture as the city is called Iran’s volleyball capital because of the sport popularity for decades.
