Located in the northwestern part of Iran, West Azerbaijan Province makes it a perfect setting for the growth of ecotourism due to its ethnic diversity, nature and lifestyle.
Tourism expert Vadud Fakhari told Tehran Times that there are a variety of ethnic groups and religions in West Azerbaijan. Its neighbours - Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Armenia - also provide opportunities for ecotourism to prosper in this province, as well as for the expansion of eco-lodge units to accommodate potential tourists from these countries.
Villages protected by UNESCO
The province has 3,000 villages with unique historical attractions, which attract tourists interested in the natural and historical attractions of these villages as well as their lifestyles. West Azarbaijan embraces a variety of lush natural sceneries, cultural heritage sites, and museums including the UNESCO sites of Takht-e Soleyman and Qareh Klise (St. Thaddeus Monastery), Teppe Hasanlu and the ruined Bastam Citadel.
Nature
The region has a lot to offer nature lovers and eco-tourists. Eco-lodge units in rural areas and the heart of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, smoke, and pollution, could free people from the chaos and turmoil of modern life. In recent years, several historical mansions and rural houses across the country have been repurposed into eco-lodge units to attract more domestic and foreign tourists. The houses represent the indigenous culture, local customs, traditions, and stories, while the guests are served delicious food with local ingredients.
Picturesque accommodation
The growing tendency of tourists to experience indigenous and local cultures has made them want to get closer to natural and indigenous living conditions, experiencing the old-fashioned way of life, considering that staying in these eco-lodge units is much cheaper than other accommodation centers. Iran’s tourism body said in 2018 that 2,000 eco-lodges will be constructed nationwide until 2021. Experts say each eco-lodge unit generates jobs for seven to eight people on average.
Having a very diverse natural setting, West Azerbaijan offers varied excursions to nature lovers. Sightseers may live with a nomad or rural family or enjoy an independent stay. The country is home to abundant historical mansions, caravanserais, bathhouses, madrasas, and other massive monuments.
