Mianeh, East Azerbaijan


Mianeh is a city in the Central District of Mianeh County, East Azerbaijan province, Iran, serving as capital of both the county and the district. It is the fourth most populous city of the province. The people of Mianeh are Azerbaijanis who live close to the borders shared with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. This region is known for its Azerbaijani culture, language, and traditions that are distinct from central areas of Iran.

Demographics

Population

At the time of the 2006 National Census, the city's population was 87,385 in 22,728 households. The following census in 2011 counted 95,505 people in 26,549 households. The 2016 census measured the population of the city as 98,973 people in 30,504 households.

Geography

Location

Mianeh is in a valley, approximately northwest of Tehran and approximately southeast of East Azerbaijan's largest city and capital, Tabriz. The city was strategically located, during antiquity was a frontier city for a key travel route between Iraq and Azerbaijan.

Economy

The city is an important manufacturer of steel. Currently, a lot of Baroque-style construction work is happening in the housing sector, modernizing the city. It has a historical Bazaar where mainly textile sellers, clothing sellers, carpet sellers, and gold sellers are present. Since 2020, a vibrant Sangfarsh has been built in the Bazaar district, where small shops can be found with natural products from across the region and country, amongst others.

Transportation

Mianeh has an important railway serving both industrial needs and passenger transportation needs to mainly Tehran, Tabriz, Zanjan, Maragheh, and Karaj.

Historical monuments

Historical monuments in the city of Mianeh include the Imamzadeh Esmail Mausoleum. Nearby monuments include Kiz Castle, the Stone Tark Mosque, and the Kiz Bridge. The Kiz Bridge was partly destroyed in December 1946 by Communist militants of the Azerbaijani Democratic Party advocating for independence to halt the offensive of the Capitalist-supported Imperial Iranian Army.

Tourism

Mianeh is a touristic city, with roads connecting to all of Iran.

Notable people

Among notable people from Mianeh are: