Orumyeh

Orumyeh, the capital city of the province, is located 951 km. north-west of Tehran , 18 km. west of Orumyeh lake in a luxuriant plain. The heights of this province separate it from Iraq and Turkey. The weather in Orumyeh is cold in winters and moderate in the summer. the latest archeological discoveries in Orumyeh indicate that the history of region goes 2000 BC. Some historians believe that Orumyeh is the birth place of Zoroaster, The most famous Persian prophet in the 3rd century AH. Geographers named Orumyeh as the third largest city in Azerbaijan territory after Ardabil and Maragheh .
There had been many historical sites and monuments in Orumyeh which were unfortunately destroyed because of some historical events and invasions of different tribes and clans. The most important historical and eye-pleasing places are as follows:
Orumyeh lake and its coast for recreation and water therapy. More ever, it is one of the Biosphere Reserves registered by UNESCO.
Kabood, Ashk, Arezoo and Espeer island which are valuable of being habitats of different species of wildlife, Zandi, Haftabeh and Qaynarjeh mineral and hot water springs,
Farhad, Takht Ghara, and Danyal caves with historical value.
Ghahar Borj building and Ismail Agha, Kazem Khan, Bardok, Dam Dam and Bakhshi Qala castles having historical and architectural values.
Old Bazaar of Orumyeh, a very old trade center,
Archeological and Natural History Museum,
Mir Davood cave,
Old Mosques of jame', Sardar and Orumyeh minaret
Alavian dome and different Imamzadeh and shrines.

Shore of Orumyeh Lake

Lake Orumyeh with an area of approximately expanding to 6100 square kilometers is the largest lake in Iran. It is a salt lake that is believed to have therapeutic benefits especially for rheumatisms. The lake area is undeveloped with a few ports, hotels and spa resorts. On the second largest island in the lake called Kabudi, there is a small village. On Kabudi, you will find many different birds including flamingo and pelican. Because it is a conservation area, foreigners need a special permit to visit the island

Wild life

West Azerbaijan Province, as the result of natural conditions and special topographic structure, encompasses so many rivers, Wetlands, Marches, small and large lakes and is known as one of the most important habitat for different species of fauna both endemic and migratory. Waterfowls are the main migratory species which come to the habitats of this province for wintering and nesting. The most important recognized species of the province are: Persian follow deer, rabbit, bear, hyena, boar, fox, jackal, wild sheep, wild goat, gazella, leopard, squirrel, and different species of reptiles. The most important endemic and migrant birds of the province are: flamingo, Pelicans, Partridge, turtledove, grouse, ringdove, vulture, owl, dull-yellow Partridge, heron, goose, crane, duck, eagle and starling. Biological diversity of the province is very important from international point of view so that Orumyeh Lake National Park is registered as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. the main habitats of the province which are under the protection of Department of the Environment are as follow:
Orumyeh Lake National Pack covering an area of 4810 ha. including all islands, coasts and coastal vegetation .
Markan Protected Area located south of Arras river banks and north of Makoo township,
Agh Gol Protected Area between Poldasht and Makoo,Several other wildlife refuge area as well as free game fields.

Tourism Facilities

There are suitable transportation facilities in the province, like Orumyeh International Airport, so it is easily accessible. Iran-Europe transit road and railroad pass through the north of the province. Border city of Bazargan, located in far north-west of Iran ( Province), is one of the most important center for commercial and tourism activities. Small town of Poldasht at the north of the province is a suitable way for accessibility Nakhjavan Autonomous Republic. There are suitable accommodation facilities in different cities of the province like hotels motels and guest houses. The people are very kind and famous hospitality. All necessary information are mentioned in this book.