Tabriz

Tabriz (pop. 971,500), city in northwestern Iran, capital of East Azerbaijan province, on the Aji Chai (Talkheh) River. Once called Tauris, it was the capital of Armenia in the 3rd century A.D. It was also briefly the capital of Iran (16th century). Tabriz is surrounded by mountains and has been repeatedly damaged by earthquakes. It produces Persian rugs and other textiles, and is a resort and trade center.

See also: Iran.