Urmia (Iran)

Urmia is a city in northwestern Iran, near the border with Turkey and Iraq. It is the capital of West Azerbaijan Province and is known for its diverse cultural heritage, including Kurdish, Azerbaijani, and Assyrian communities. The city is famous for Lake Urmia, once one of the world's largest saltwater lakes, which has shrunk significantly due to environmental challenges. Urmia has a rich history, with historical sites like bazars, churches, and mosques. It serves as a regional economic and cultural hub, reflecting Iran’s complex ethnic mosaic and ongoing efforts to address environmental and urban development issues.