Tabriz << tuh BREEZ >> (pop. 1,623,096) is one of the largest cities in Iran. It is the capital of East Azerbaijan province, in the northwestern corner of Iran. It lies about 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Lake Urmia and is almost surrounded by mountains. Earthquakes have nearly destroyed the city several times.
Tabriz is famous for its fine Persian rugs, and it has a large trade in dried fruits and leather goods. The city also produces flour, matches, and textiles.
Historians do not know exactly when the city was founded, but it was probably before the A.D. 300’s. It was Iran’s capital for a short time in the early 1500’s. Russian troops occupied Tabriz in 1827 and during World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). In 1990, a major earthquake struck Tabriz, causing thousands of deaths and extensive property damage.
