Zanjan Province (formerly: Zangan, Khamseh, Shahin) is located in northwestern Iran, with the city of Zanjan as its capital. The province serves as a vital bridge connecting central Iran to the northwest and west of the country.
Coordinates: 36°40′12″N 48°29′38″E
Zanjan is one of the oldest regions of the Iranian plateau. The city of Zanjan was founded during the Sassanid era by Ardashir I and was named "Shahin." After the Islamic conquest, the region became known as "Zangan" and later "Zanjan."
During the Ilkhanid period, the Soltaniyeh Dome was built as one of the world's architectural masterpieces, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, Zanjan played a significant role in Iran's political and social transformations, including the Constitutional Revolution and the Tobacco Movement. Today, Zanjan preserves its historical legacy while serving as one of Iran's industrial and cultural hubs.
Settlement in Zanjan dates back thousands of years. The city of Zanjan was founded during the Sassanid era by Ardashir I. In 24 AH (645 AD), it was conquered by Bara' ibn Azib. During the Ilkhanid period, the Soltaniyeh Dome was built as one of the world's architectural masterpieces, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The discovery of Salt Men mummies in the Chehrabad salt mine demonstrates the ancient history of this land.
Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi (Sheikh Ishraq), the philosopher and founder of the Illuminationist school, is from Zanjan. Zanjan is known as the "Capital of Hussaini Passion and Awareness" and has been registered as the World City of Metal Handicrafts and the World City of Filigree. Handicrafts include: knives, charough (traditional footwear), filigree, handmade carpets, and copperware.
The mourning ceremonies at Hosseinieh Azam Zanjan are among the largest religious gatherings in Iran. Additionally, local festivals, Ta'ziyeh (passion plays), and traditional ceremonies are held throughout the year in this province.
Zanjan Province is located in northwestern Iran, between 35°35′ to 37°15′ north latitude and 47°15′ to 49°26′ east longitude.
Neighbors: Ardabil and Gilan to the north, Qazvin to the east, Hamadan to the south, Kurdistan to the southwest, West Azerbaijan to the west, and East Azerbaijan to the northwest. The province features both mountainous and plain regions.
Zanjan Province has a four-season climate with 11 different climate types. The average annual temperature is 11°C. Average annual rainfall ranges from 330 to 360 mm.
Major rivers: Qezel Ozan, Zanjan Rud, Abhar Rud, Bizineh Rud.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 1,453,462 billion Rials (excluding oil, 2022)
Zanjan is Iran's hub of electricity and electronics. It is the largest producer of rainbow trout in the country. Agricultural rankings: 1st in olives, 7th in grapes and apples, 10th in pulses. Cultivable land: 883,000 hectares.
Major mines: Steel, decorative stones, salt, lead and zinc.
Zanjan Province has 8 counties, 19 districts, 21 cities, 48 rural districts, and 1,186 villages.
Governor: Seyed Mohsen Sadeghi
Friday Prayer Leader: Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Seyed Mostafa Hosseini
Zanjan is known as the "City of Brave Divers and Line Breakers" for its significant role during the Iran-Iraq War. It is also recognized as the "Capital of Hussaini Passion and Awareness" with unparalleled mourning ceremonies.
Religion: Majority Twelver Shia, with Sunni minorities. Languages: Azerbaijani Turkish (Zanjani dialect) and Persian. Various tribes live together peacefully with their unique customs.
Religious ceremonies: Hosseinieh Azam Zanjan attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Traditional celebrations like Nowruz, Yalda Night, and local weddings are also cultural highlights.
Railway: The Tehran–Tabriz railway line passes through Zanjan, with Zanjan Railway Station being one of the important stations on this route.
Airport: Zanjan International Airport (Shahrak) is under construction and will play a key role in developing tourism and trade in the province upon completion.
Roads: Zanjan is connected to the capital via the Zanjan–Tehran Freeway. Major roads include Zanjan–Abhar, Zanjan–Mahneshan, and Zanjan–Tarom.
Provincial GDP: 1,453,462 billion Rials
Non-oil Exports: $230 million (last year)
Active Industrial Units: 850
Industrial Employment: 62,000
Agriculture Value Added: 18% of GDP
Major Industries: Steel, cement, power plant, home appliances
Small Industries: Food, textiles, chemicals, minerals
Special Economic Zone: Customs facilities and tax exemptions
Active Mines: 120 mines employing 4,500 people
Ongoing Projects: 100 industrial projects with over 60% progress