Maragheh

Maragheh (مراغه) is a historic city in Āz̄ārbāyjān-e Shārqī Province, about 130 km southwest of Tabriz. It was the capital of the Ilkhanate (Mongol Empire) in the 13th century under Hulagu Khan and was a major centre of science and culture. The city is famous for its observatory built by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, and for its red apple orchards.

Maragheh has a semi-arid climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn are the best visiting seasons.

By Plane

Tabriz International Airport (TBZ) is about 130 km northeast. Urmia Airport (OMH) is about 130 km west.

By Car / Road

Maragheh is on the road between Tabriz and Baneh (Route 21). Buses from Tabriz (1.5 hours) and Tehran (6 hours) serve the city.

The city centre is compact. Taxis and minibuses are available.

• Rasad Khaneh (Maragheh Observatory) — Ruins of the 13th-century Ilkhanid observatory, the most advanced of its era, designed by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.
• Guyum Arch (Taq-e Guyum) — Remains of an ancient stone arch.
• Maragheh Jameh Mosque — A historic mosque with beautiful tilework.
• Mahan Museum — Archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.
• Imamzadeh Masum — An important shrine.
• Maragheh Bridge (Pol-e Mianeh) — A historic bridge over the Sufi Chay River.
• Maragheh Apple Orchards — The region is famous for its red apples.

Visit the Ilkhanid observatory ruins. Explore the apple orchards (harvest in autumn). Walk through the historic bazaar.

Azerbaijani cuisine: kufteh Tabrizi (large meatball), dolma, and ash (soup). Local restaurants serve traditional dishes.

Tea is the staple drink. Traditional doogh is also popular.

• Budget: Guesthouses from 400,000 rials.
• Mid-range: Hotels in the city centre.

Maragheh red apples, dried fruits, and local carpets.

• Tabriz (130 km, 1.5 hours) — Historic capital with bazaar and palaces.
• Urmia (130 km, 2 hours) — Lake Urmia and park.
• Mianeh (100 km, 1 hour) — Historic town.
• Takab (180 km, 3 hours) — Takht-e Soleyman UNESCO site.