Takab

Takab (تاکاب) is a mountainous city in eastern Āz̄ārbāyjān-e Ghārbī Province, about 200 km southeast of Urmia. It is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Takht-e Soleyman (Throne of Solomon), one of Iran's most important Zoroastrian and Ilkhanid archaeological sites, centred around a volcanic crater lake.

The climate is cold with harsh winters and mild summers. The best time to visit Takht-e Soleyman is May–October.

By Plane

Urmia Airport (OMH) is about 200 km northwest. Zanjan Airport (JWN) is about 150 km southeast.

By Train

By Car / Road

Takab is on the road between Zanjān and Saqqez, about 500 km from Tehran (6 hours). Buses from Tehran and Zanjan.

The city is small. Taxis to Takht-e Soleyman (40 km northeast).

• Takht-e Soleyman — A UNESCO World Heritage site: a Zoroastrian fire temple, Ilkhanid palace, and the mysterious crater lake. One of Iran's most important archaeological sites.
• Takht-e Soleyman Museum — Exhibits from the site.
• Takab Bazaar — Local market.

Visit Takht-e Soleyman — allow 2–3 hours to explore. Walk around the crater lake and the ruins of the Sassanid-era fire temple.

Azerbaijani Kurdish cuisine.

Tea at the Takht-e Soleyman visitor centre.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Takab from 400,000 rials.
• Mid-range: Small hotels.

Local handicrafts and carpets.

• Takht-e Soleyman (40 km, 45 minutes) — UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Zanjan (150 km, 2 hours) — Historic city with bazaar.
• Saqqez (80 km, 1.5 hours) — Kurdish cultural centre.
• Urmia (200 km, 3 hours) — Provincial capital.