ZANJAN

geographic region of northwestern Iran. It lies west of Tehran and is bordered on the northwest by Azerbaijan and on the southwest by Kordestan. The region constitutes one of the uplands that frame central Iran and has an average elevation of 8,200 feet (2,500 m). It forms part of the Caspian Sea basin. The Zanjan River is the only major river in the region. Agriculture is the principal occupation, and crops include rice, corn (maize), oilseeds, fruits, and potatoes. Poultry, cattle, and sheep are raised. Manufactures include bricks, cement, milled rice, and carpets. Chromium, lead, and copper are mined. Roads and rail service link Zanjan, the principal city of the region, with Abhar and Mehrabad. also spelled Zenjan, city, northwestern Iran. It lies in an open valley about halfway along the TehranTabriz railway line. It is the principal city of the Zanjan region. It was ravaged by Mongols in the 13th century. Once the seat of a lively caravan trade, the city is now the centre of an agricultural area with abundant harvests of grain. Prior to the Iranian Revolution, the city witnessed fighting between the local people and the Iranian army in 1978. Industries produce milled rice and flour, handwoven cloth, metalware, and coarse carpets. About 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Zanjan city is the village of Soltaniyeh (Sultaniyah), once the capital of Ilkhanid Iran. It was founded in the late 13th century largely by ljeit (130416), who moved the capital there and whose magnificent mausoleum is practically the only remaining Ilkhan (a Mongol dynasty) architecture. Its dome, 168 feet (51 m) high, rests on an octagonal brick structure decorated with blue faience (earthenware ceramic). Pop. (1985 est.) 205,900.