TABRIZ

Persian Tauris, fourth largest city of Iran, lying about 4,485 feet (1,367 m) above sea level in the extreme northwestern part of the country. The climate is continental: hot and dry in summer and severely cold in winter. The city lies in a valley surrounded by hills on three sides. It is in an earthquake zone that is liable to frequent and severe shocks. The name Tabriz is said to derive from tap-riz (causing heat to flow), from the many thermal springs in the area. Also called Gazaca, Tabriz was the capital of Atropatene, named for Atropates, one of Alexander the Great's generals. It was rebuilt in AD 791 after being destroyed by an earthquake. Similar disasters followed in 858, 1041, 1721, 1780, and 1927. Tabriz was made the capital of the Mongol Il-Khan Mahmud Ghazan (12951304) and his successor. In 1392 it was taken by Timur (Tamerlane), a Turkic conqueror, and some decades later the Kara Koyunlu Turkmens made Tabriz their capital. Under their rule the city's Blue Mosque was built. Tabriz retained its administrative status under the Safavid dynasty until 1548, when Shah Tahmasp I moved his capital westward to Kazvin. During the next 200 years Tabriz changed hands several times between Iran and Turkey. The Russians occupied it in 1826, and the Bab, the founder of the Babi religion, an Islamic sect and forerunner of the Baha'i faith, was executed here, together with 40,000 of his followers, in the 1850s. In 1908 Tabriz became the centre of the Nationalist movement. During World War I, Turkish and then Soviet troops temporarily occupied Tabriz. The city has continued to play an important part in Iranian politics. Tabriz has several notable ancient buildings. The Blue Mosque, or Musjed-e Kabud (146566), has long been renowned for the splendour of its blue tile decoration. The citadel, or Ark, was built as a mosque before 1322 and is remarkable for its simplicity, size, and the excellent condition of its brickwork. Also noteworthy are the remains of the 12-sided tomb of Mahmud Ghazan, ruler of the Mongol dynasty in Iran. The modernization of Tabriz has quickened since World War II, with streets widened, buildings erected, and public gardens laid out with fountains and pools. The city's newer buildings include a railway station and Tabriz University (1946). Just outside the city is a summer resort. Tabriz is commercially important, and the principal products include carpets, textiles, cement, agricultural machinery, motorcycles, and household appliances. The city is linked by rail with Tehran and with areas to the north, and it has an airport. Pop. (1986) 971,482.