THE ARDABIL PROVINCE
Having been
separated from the Eastern Azerbaijan province a few years
ago, the surface area of the Ardabil province is 18.011 km2.
According to recent data, the Ardabil province is comprised
of
the counties of Ardabil, Bilesuvar, Parsabad, Khalkhal,
Sarein, Kosar, Meshkinshahr, Moghan, Namin and Nir, and 63
towns. Surrounded by the Mugan Plain and the Northern
Azerbaijan Republic to the north, The Talish Mountains to
the east, Miyana to the south and the city of Sarab to the
west, the capitol of the Ardabil province is Ardabil,
founded 1260 meters above the sea level.
Located 40 km
west of Ardabil, the 4.811 m high Savalan Volcano is the
highest mountain of the Azerbaijan homeland. A lake has been
formed in the crater of this mountain. This splendid
mountain has been the symbol of courage and resistance, and
a source of inspiration for local poets.
“Mount Savalan, the kiblah of happiness,
With a reputation like the Kaaba in its perfection
Kaaba wears green, but it wraps itself in white,
Because
sources of inspiration wear white garments…”
(Khaghani
Shirvani: 1120-1199)
Though the
average annual temperature is around
7
°C, winters are very cold and summers are warm.
Precipitation differs depending on months and seasons in
Ardabil. In general, the annual average of snowfall in
autumn and winter, and rainfall in spring and summer is
around 327,7 mm. The Savalan Volcano has turned the region
into a center of rich underground waters. Compared to the
other regions of Southern Azerbaijan, Ardabil is highly rich
in water resources. The water temperature is around 42 °C in
the Sarikayin (Sareyn) hot springs, located 25 km west of
Ardabil. Containing sulfur and sodium bicarbonate, these hot
springs are known to yield positive results in the treatment
of rheumatism, dermatological diseases and neural disorders.
Having become a popular center of tourism due to its
underground wealth, Ardabil entertains hundred thousands of
local and foreign tourists every year.
Located within
the borders of Ardabil, Lake Shorabil, with a surface area
of 1.200.000 m2, is known to be the second
biggest salt lake after Lake Urmu in Southern Azerbaijan.
With the local zoo, cultural and artistic activities,
vacation places and hotels, the lake is a much frequented
place for local and foreign tourists.
The rivers of
Araz, Gharasu, Darre Rud, Khyavchauy and Neminchay flow
through this province. Several bird species dwell in the
Molla Ahmad marshes 15 km southeast of Ardabil. In this
avian paradise, located in a natural and archeological area,
bird species like chickens, ducks and ruddy sheldrakes
dwell. The Balikli Brook, flowing down the Savalan and
Bozkush Mountains and passing through the inner parts of the
city, is an influential factor for this region becoming a
center for relaxation and entertainment in summertime.
