Salmas, city in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran
Salmas is a city in West Azerbaijan province that sits on flat terrain with a history spanning thousands of years. After a major earthquake in the 1930s, it was rebuilt with a checkerboard street layout that makes navigation straightforward.
Salmas was originally called Dilman and connected to the Daylamite people, later becoming known as Shapur during the Pahlavi period. Archaeological finds reveal connections to the Urartu civilization and Sassanid rule, while the 15th-century Battle of Salmas significantly shaped the region's political landscape.
Salmas reflects a diverse cultural heritage through the communities that have lived here over centuries. The city's religious sites and old markets reveal how different peoples, including Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Armenians, and Assyrians, have shaped the places where they gathered and worshipped.
The city is easy to navigate thanks to its straightforward grid layout with organized streets. The semi-arid climate brings cold winters and warm summers, so visitors should dress appropriately depending on when they arrive.
Khan Takhty, a large rock relief located 76 kilometers from the main road, displays ancient scenes and figures that visitors often overlook. This rare carving stands as one of the most striking examples of the artistic skill of the region's ancient inhabitants.
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