Urmia
Historically diverse Iranian city near Lake Urmia.
Urmia is the largest city in West Azerbaijan Province of Iran, serving as the capital of the province, county, and district. Situated near the borders with Turkey and Iraq, the city lies on the Urmia Plain along the Shahar River, with the vast salt lake of Lake Urmia to its east. The city functions as a trading hub for a fertile agricultural region, where fruits—notably apples and grapes—along with tobacco are cultivated. Among the local villages are Lajani and Mafaran. While the majority of residents today are Muslims, the city’s Christian heritage remains well preserved, evident in its many churches and cathedrals.
Urmia’s history stretches back to at least the 9th century, when it was already an important town. Its population has long been remarkably diverse, including Shia and Sunni Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, Nestorians, and Orthodox Christians, as well as Jews, Baháʼís, and Sufis. Around 1900, Christians constituted over 40 percent of the population, but in the following decades, most were killed by advancing Ottoman troops or in raids by Kurdish tribes, or fled shortly after the war ended. The city has historically been home to Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Persians, Assyrians, and Armenians, alongside Jewish and Baháʼí communities, reflecting its deep multicultural and multireligious character. Urmia, along with Takab and Piranshahr, holds the highest number of registered provincial sites in Iran’s list of national sites.
- Country
- Iran
- Province
- West Azerbaijan
- Major Religions (historical)
- Islam (Shia and Sunni), Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, Nestorian, Orthodox), Judaism, Baháʼí, Sufi
- Notable for
- Historical diversity, Christian heritage, agricultural trade
Lore & Background
Urmia is situated on the Urmia Plain along the Shahar River, at an elevation above sea level, with Lake Urmia, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, lying to its east and the border with Turkey to its west. The city serves as the trading hub for a fertile agricultural region that produces fruits—especially apples and grapes—and tobacco. Its population has historically been diverse, including Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Persians, Assyrians, and Armenians, as well as Jewish and Baháʼí communities. Although the majority of residents are now Muslim, the city’s Christian heritage is well preserved, evident in its many churches and cathedrals. Urmia was an important town by the 9th century, and excavations of ancient ruins nearby have uncovered utensils from the 20th century BC. In ancient times, the west bank of Lake Urmia was part of Gilzan, and the area later became a vassal of the Asuzh government before joining the Median kingdom. During the Safavid era, the Ottoman Empire made several incursions into the city, but the Safavids regained control. The city was the capital of the Urmia Khanate from 1747 to 1865, and the first Qajar monarch was crowned there in 1795. In the 19th century, Urmia became the site of the first Christian missionary efforts from the United States in Iran. Around 1900, Christians made up over 40% of the population, but most were killed or fled during World War I. The city’s name may derive from Assyrian Aramaic words meaning “City of Water,” referring to the nearby lake.
Reader's Guide
Urmia's significance lies in its long history as a crossroads of cultures and religions. During World War I, Urmia changed hands several times between Russian and Ottoman forces, leading to mass executions, looting, and ethnic violence. The Christian history of Urmia is well preserved in its many churches and cathedrals. The city's name has multiple linguistic variants, including Urumia, Urmi, Rezaiyeh (during the Pahlavi era), and Rûmiyye (in Ottoman Turkish). Its etymology is uncertain, with suggestions ranging from Urartian origin to Indo-Iranian 'urmi-' meaning 'wave', or Assyrian Aramaic 'Ur' (city) and 'Mia' (water), meaning 'City of Water'.
Did You Know?
- The city lies near Lake Urmia, one of the world's largest salt lakes.
- Urmia, Takab, and Piranshahr have the highest number of registered provincial sites in Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Urmia's role in the region?
For centuries the city has served as a commercial crossroads for a productive farming area celebrated for its apples, grapes, and tobacco. Its position near two international frontiers turned it into a natural meeting point for trade routes linking Iran, Turkey, and Iraq.
What communities call Urmia home?
The city has long been a mosaic of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Persians, Assyrians, and Armenians, alongside Jewish and Baháʼí residents. Religious life has included Shia and Sunni Islam, several Christian denominations, Judaism, and Sufi orders, making it one of the most culturally layered settlements in Iran.
Why is Urmia notable to fans of Iranian cities?
Its blend of agricultural heritage, multi-ethnic identity, and deep Christian and Jewish roots alongside a predominantly Muslim population make it a standout example of Iran's regional diversity. The nearby Lake Urmia also anchors the city's landscape and gives the whole area its name.
More in Iranian Cities 1-21
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