Bandar-e Anzali, Port city in Gilan Province, Iran
Bandar-e Anzali is a port city in Gilan Province in northern Iran, situated on both sides of a waterway that connects inland areas to the Caspian Sea. The city includes fishing grounds, shipping infrastructure, and residential neighborhoods spread across the water's edge and nearby peninsulas.
The city began as a trading port and was occupied by Soviet forces in the early 1900s, when they briefly attempted to establish a local government. After this period ended, the port returned to its main role as a center for fishing and commerce.
Bandar-e Anzali is a diverse trading hub where people from different regions have settled and worked together for generations. The city shows this mix in its architecture, local customs, and the way residents go about daily life.
The city is most easily accessed through its port facilities, where boats and fishing vessels regularly dock. Visitors should know that the harbor is an active work zone and some areas may have restricted access.
The city is formed by two sandy peninsulas that jut into the sea and shape its character. One of these peninsulas holds an airfield, adding an unexpected aviation connection to this fishing community.
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