Zanjan Province, also called the Zanjan Plateau, with an area of nearly 39369 square kilometers is located in the central region of northwestern Iran. Being famous for hospitality people in Zanjan are mostly Shia Muslims, they live together with other minorities. Locals mainly speak in Azeri (a dialect of Turkish); Tati is also spoken in some parts of the province specially in the mountain region.
Geography
Zanjan province has borders by Ardabil and Gilan provinces in the north, by Qazvin province in the east, by Hamedan province in the south, by South Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan provinces in the southwest and west, and this province itself has borders by 7 provinces of another country. Zanjan province, according to the latest divisions of the country, has 8 cities, 16 districts, 21 counties, 46 villages and 978 small villages.
Customs
The traditional custom and ceremony of Chehel Yasin is held at the first moment of newyear coming in 15 mosques of Zanjan. distribution of cultural packages by the ministry of culture,such as books on family,children,youth subjects during Norooz vacation is another Norooz program in Zanjan. All squares of this province are adorned with Haftsin. The traditional clothes are another important cultural element. Pooshin is a piece of fabric women wear as headband in addition to their scarf called Yashmaq. Their multipiece colourful clothing is a combination of Quink (top dress), Jelizqeh (vest), Sheliteh (Short Skirt) and long large trousers. Charooq is what they wear as shoes. Men in Zanjan wear suits with a Kacheh Burk (hat). Their shoes are called Giveh or Charoq (made of leather) These costumes are less seen as a result of the modernization.
Handicrafts
Since one of the most enduring professions and industries in Zanjan has been knife making, various people who traveled to this city brought Zanjan knives as souvenirs for themselves and their acquaintances. The knives of Zanjan is well known because of its cutting power, sharpness, high quality, durability, plating style and the fine pattern on its handle and lining. The oldest founded knife in Iran dates back to thousand years ago. Because of the geographic situation of Iran, there have been a lot of wars as the old Persian poems and stories are about legendary Persian worrier. The army and worriers should always be ready, so they need weapon and equipment to protect the country. These knives are still very popular and have many fans and are still one of the most popular souvenirs in the city. Other souvenirs that are the work of the people of this city include tapestry, various copper utensils, Charogh, which are a kind of traditional women's shoes, kilims, carpets, cut stones, inlays, leather artifacts, engraving. We can also name bag weaving, necklace and bracelet.
Tourism attraction
Soltaniyeh Dome (the great building of Soltaniyeh, which is considered to be the largest historical dome in the world after Santa Maria Church and Hagia Sophia Mosque in Turkey), Katalekhor Cave, Chalabi Oghlou historical complex, Rakhtshooy Khaneh (Laundry or wash house), Zanjan Bazaar, Zanjan Rakhtshoykhaneh historical complex, Salt Men Museum, Behestan Castle, Zanjan Soltaniyeh Dome, Zanjan Grand Mosque, the ancient hills of Karsaf, Qaterchi Darband, Kharmanehsar Cave, Dragon Temple, Zanjan Museum, etc. are among the tourist attractions of this province.