Ardebil Province :

Ardebil Province is located north-west of Iran , between latitudes 37-06’ and 39-42’ N. and longitudes 47-17’ and 48-55 E.
It is bounded on the north by Azerbaijan Republic, on the west by East Azarbaijan province , on the east by Gilan, and on the south by Zanjan province .
Its area is 18,451 square kilometers. According to the latest divisions, Ardebil Province has 6 counties-- Ardabil, Bileh Savar, Pars Abad, Khalkhal, Garmi and Meshkin Shahr --17 rural districts and 62 villages. The provincial center is Ardabil.

Cities In Ardabil :

Ardebil , Khalkhal , Meshkin Shahr , Saghez

Ardebil :

The city of Ardabil, as the capital of the province, is located at a distance of 639 kilometers from Tehran, west to the volcanic mountain of Sabalan. The weather of the province varies between extreme cold on the mountainous areas, to moderate on the plains. The name of Ardabil came from a Zoroastrian name of `Artavil` (mentioned in Avesta) which means a holy place. Some historians attribute the foundation of Ardabil to `Bazan Firuz`.
Archaeologists have recently found some historical vestiges in Nameen, a nearby town, which belong to the 12th-16th centuries BC. Some Orartoie inscriptions belonging to the 7th-9th centuries BC. were found in Arasbaran which reveals that civilized people lived in the region.

Khalkhal :

Khalkhall is located in a mountainous region south of the province, 549 kilometers from Tehran. The climate of the city is very cold in the eastern parts and moderate in the north and south.
The Tallesh Mountain Ranges extends from eastern Khalkhall southward as a barrier between the Caspian Sea and Gilan and Azarbayjan provinces causing less annual precipitation in western parts, compared to that of eastern side, with poor vegetation.
There are rich pastures, resort areas, eye-catching landscapes and natural promenades around the city.

Meshkin Shahr :

Being near the high Sabalan Mountains it enjoys a moderate mountainous climate. Formerly, it was known as "Khiav". The Sabalan summit can be seen in the south of the city with an eye catching scenery. The antiquity of the city dates back to the early centuries of Islam but in the Safavid age it was thriving even more.

Saghez :

Sagheez is located in the north west of the province. To the north is the province of west Azarbayjan (Mahabad and Bukan). This township is limited from west to the township of Baneh, from the south to Iraq and Marivan and from the east to Sanandaj. The capital of this township is Saqez city and lies at a distance of 706 km. from Tehran and 181 km. from Sanandaj. This township in spring and summer has a cool and moderate climate.
This city during the primary union of the Medes was their capital and was named `Izirta`. On the attack of Sargan II, the ruler of the Assyrian, the Medes were defended and their fortifications destroyed. Thereafter, the Sekaha tried to rebuild this city and they chose Saghez, then named `Eskit` as their capital. The present name of Saghez is derived from the Sekkeh (Seka-Eskit-Sakez) tribe. The city of Saqez was formerly in the southwestern plain of the present city and today it is reputedly known as old Saghez. Saqez city is located in the skirts of the attitudes and a river runs through it. It is one of the most beautiful areas in Kurdestan province.

Attractions :

- Amin-edin Jebrail Tomb (Kalkhoran Village)
- Ardebil Bazaar (city of Ardebil)
- Sabalan Mountain (41 Km. from ardebil)
- Sheikh Heidar (Meshkin Shahr)
- Sheikh Safi-edin Ardabily (city of Ardebil)