Orumiyeh history

Foundation and First Mentions

The ancient history of the region is deeply rooted in the centuries, making it one of the oldest cradles of civilization in the Middle East. Archaeological finds on mounds in the city's vicinity testify that people inhabited this fertile plain as early as the 2nd millennium BC. The name Urmia itself, according to linguists, is of Assyrian-Aramaic origin and translates as "City of Water" (from the roots "Ur" — city and "Mia" — water), which directly points to its geographical link to the immense salt lake.

The settlement begins to appear in written sources from the 9th century BC. During this period, the territory fell within the sphere of influence of the powerful state of Urartu, as well as the neighboring Kingdom of Mannaea and Assyria. The city was formed not as a one-time project of a ruler, but as a natural center of attraction around fresh water sources and fortified citadels.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into an important urban center was facilitated by a unique combination of geographical and geopolitical factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location on the western shore of Lake Urmia, surrounded by fertile lands and mountain ranges, created ideal conditions for defense and agriculture.
• Contact Zone of Empires: The city was historically situated at the intersection of interests of the great powers of antiquity — Urartu, Assyria, and later Media and Persia. This turned it into an important military-administrative point controlling the passes through the Zagros Mountains.
• Trade Routes: Caravan routes connecting the Caucasus with Mesopotamia and Asia Minor passed through the region, ensuring a constant flow of goods and cultural exchange.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, this land has been distinguished by religious and ethnic diversity. One of the most enduring legends is the tradition that the Prophet Zarathustra was born here. This gave the city a special sacred status: it is believed that local Zoroastrian priests (Magi) preserved ancient traditions in numerous fire temples, the ruins of which have been found in the region.

The economy of the early city was based on highly developed irrigation farming. Proximity to water allowed for the cultivation of grapes, grains, and fruits on a scale that was industrial for that time. Furthermore, the territory of modern Iran in this part was famous for horse breeding, which was critically important for the cavalry of ancient armies constantly passing through these lands.

The history of Urmia is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting the rich and multifaceted past of the entire region. The city has survived rises and falls, changes of empires and cultures, while preserving its unique character.

• Around 2000 BC — Archaeological excavations testify to the existence of the first settlements on the Urmia Plain.
• 9th Century BC — The city is first mentioned in Assyrian written sources as an important center in the region.
• 11th Century — Urmia is conquered by the Seljuk Turks, marking the beginning of the gradual Turkification of the region.
• 13th Century — The city, like many other centers of Persia, undergoes the Mongol invasion.
• 17th Century — During the prolonged wars between the Safavid and Ottoman empires, Urmia repeatedly changes hands, remaining a strategically important fortress.
• 1795 — The founder of the Qajar dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan, is crowned in Urmia, highlighting its political significance during that period.
• 1835 — The first American Christian mission in Iran opens in the city, engaging in educational and medical activities.
• 1898 — The Russian Orthodox mission begins its work, significantly expanding the Christian presence in the region.
• 1915–1918 — During World War I, the city becomes an arena of fierce battles between Ottoman and Russian troops, as well as the site of tragic events associated with the genocide of the Christian population.
• 1926 — During the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the city was renamed Rezaiyeh.
• 1979 — After the Islamic Revolution, the city is returned to its historical name — Urmia.

Stages of the City's Formation and Transformation

The evolution of Urmia is inextricably linked to its role as a bridge between cultures and trade routes. Below are the key moments that defined the modern economic and architectural appearance of the city:

• Formation of a Trade Hub (Middle Ages)
  Thanks to its location at the junction of the Caucasus, Anatolia, and the Iranian Plateau, the city became an important transit trade point.
  Significance: This led to the flourishing of the merchant class and the construction of a grand covered bazaar, which has served as the economic engine of the region for centuries and retains this function to this day.
• Seljuk Architectural Renaissance (11th–12th Centuries)
  A period of massive stone construction when iconic structures were erected, including the Congregational Mosque.
  Significance: The city acquired a monumental appearance and a clear urban structure with a spiritual center, around which residential quarters (mahalleh) were formed.
• "Cultural Revolution" of the 19th Century (1835)
  The opening of the first modern school and medical clinic in Iran by foreign missions.
  Significance: Urmia became a pioneer of the country's modernization, outpacing even the capital in adopting Western standards of education and medicine, which secured its status as a city of intelligentsia.
• Pahlavi Urban Reform (1930s)
  Implementation of a new master plan with the construction of wide avenues ("khyabans") that cut through the dense medieval buildings.
  Significance: Transformation of a closed fortress city into an open modern city with a regular layout, improved logistics, and new administrative buildings.
• Agro-industrialization (1960–1980s)
  Massive construction of factories for fruit processing (juices, concentrates), as well as cement and textile enterprises.
  Significance: Transition from a purely agrarian economy to an agro-industrial model, making the city a leading food supplier for domestic and regional markets.
• Establishment of a University Center (from 1965)
  Founding of an agricultural college, which later grew into the major Urmia University.
  Significance: Influx of youth and scientific personnel, formation of a powerful research base, especially in the fields of agriculture and veterinary medicine.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (2008)
  Completion of the Martyr Kalantari Bridge across Lake Urmia.
  Significance: Radical reduction of travel time to Tabriz and Tehran, strengthening of ties with Turkey, and transformation of the city into a strategic logistics hub of the Northwest.

The architectural appearance of Urmia represents a multi-layered canvas on which numerous dynasties and cultures have left their mark. The urban development of the city reflects its rich history — from ancient times to the era of modernization, demonstrating a unique combination of traditional Iranian and imported styles.

Early Period and Seljuk Architecture

The oldest surviving structures of Urmia demonstrate a blend of pre-Islamic and early Islamic traditions. A vivid example is the Church of Naneh Maryam (St. Mary), which some researchers consider one of the oldest in the world. Its architecture presumably combines elements of Sassanid buildings and early Christian basilicas.

The true flourishing of architecture occurred during the Seljuk era (11th–13th centuries). During this period, iconic monuments were created that defined the look of the medieval city:

• Friday Mosque of Urmia: Located in the heart of the old bazaar, the mosque is an example of Seljuk architecture. It is characterized by monumental brickwork, massive pillars, and a domed prayer hall. Later, during the Ilkhanid rule, the mosque was enhanced with an exquisite stucco mihrab, which is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art.
• Three Domes Tower (Se Gonbad): This cylindrical brick tower, built in the 12th century, is a typical example of Seljuk memorial architecture. Its facade is decorated with complex geometric brick patterns and turquoise tiles, testifying to the high level of craftsmanship of that time.

Qajar and Pahlavi Periods: From Tradition to Modernism

In the Qajar era (late 18th – early 20th century), Urmia regained administrative importance. The architecture of this period is characterized by an eclectic mix of traditional Iranian forms and European neoclassicism. This was reflected in the construction of urban mansions, as well as the development of the historic bazaar — a complex with brick vaults, caravanserais, and bathhouses, which remains the commercial center of the city today.

In the 20th century, during the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty, Urmia's urban planning entered a phase of active modernization. In accordance with national policy, wide streets and avenues were laid out in the city, and new administrative buildings were constructed in the spirit of European Modernism and Art Deco. This led to the formation of a contrast between the old quarters with their narrow streets and the new, more orderly urban development.

Modern Development

Modern architecture in Urmia follows global trends, yet it retains respect for historical heritage. The city continues to grow, with new residential complexes and public spaces appearing, but the historic center with its unique monuments remains the heart of Urmia, attracting both residents and travelers.

The city of Urmia, with its rich and centuries-old history, has become the birthplace or an important center of activity for many outstanding figures who have left a mark on culture, science, politics, and religion.

Zarathustra (approx. 12th–10th or 7th–6th centuries BC)

Although the exact birthplace of the founder of Zoroastrianism is a subject of scholarly debate, one of the most enduring historical traditions links the Prophet Zarathustra specifically to the region around Lake Urmia. According to some medieval sources, he was born in the territory known as Atropatene (modern Iranian Azerbaijan). This connection gives the city and its surroundings a special sacred significance as the cradle of one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions.

Safi al-Din al-Urmawi (c. 1216–1294)

A prominent music theorist, composer, calligrapher, and poet born in Urmia. Safi al-Din al-Urmawi is considered one of the key figures in the history of Middle Eastern music. His treatises, such as "Kitab al-Adwar" ("The Book of Cycles"), laid the foundation for systematic music theory (maqams), which influenced Arab, Persian, and Turkish musical traditions for many centuries to come. He was also a virtuoso oud player.

Fat'h Ali Khan Afshar (c. 1700–1763)

The founder and first ruler of the Urmia Khanate, an influential semi-independent state in the mid-18th century. Fat'h Ali Khan was an ambitious political and military figure who made Urmia his capital and sought to unite significant territories of Azerbaijan and Iran under his rule. His reign was marked by a struggle for hegemony in the region and turned Urmia into an important political center of its era.

Justin Perkins (1805–1869)

An American Presbyterian missionary who played a key role in the modernization of Iran in the 19th century. In 1835, he founded a mission in Urmia, under which the country's first modern school and first medical college were opened. His activities turned Urmia into a pioneering center of secular education and modern medicine, having a huge impact on the intellectual and social life of the city and all of Iran.

Toma Audo (1855–1918)

Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Urmia and a distinguished scholar-lexicographer. He was an important religious figure for the city's Christian community. His main scholarly work was the monumental "Treasure of the Syriac Language," which is still highly valued by Semitic scholars. Archbishop Toma Audo was killed in 1918 during the tragic events associated with the Assyrian genocide and is revered as a martyr.

Fatma Mukhtarova (1893–1972)

A famous opera singer (mezzo-soprano) born in Urmia. Her family moved to Russia, where, starting as a street singer in Saratov, she was able to receive an education and become one of the brightest opera stars of her time. Fatma Mukhtarova became famous for her performance of the role of Carmen in Bizet's eponymous opera, which became her signature role. In 1940, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR.