Maragheh

Maragheh (Persian/Azerbaijani:مراغه) also Romanized as Marāgheh and Marāghen) is a city in and the capital of Maragheh County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 146,405, in 38,891 families. Maragheh is situated on the bank of the river Sufi Chay. The Azeri-speaking population form majority in the city. It is located 130 kilometres (81 mi) from Tabriz. Maragheh is an ancient city situated in a narrow valley running nearly north and south at the eastern extremity of a well-cultivated plain opening towards Lake Urmia, which lies 30 km to the west. The town is encompassed by a high wall ruined in many places, and has four gates. Two stone bridges in good condition, said to have been constructed during...