Lying more than 130 miles east of Tabriz in a remote corner of the country, Ardebil has gained importance in recent years and become a separate province.

Its touristy claim to fame, however, is the tomb of Sheikh Safi-eddin Ardebili, a widely revered Sufi philosopher of the 14th century who made Ardebil his home.

Since his death at the age of 83 his mausoleum has been the Mecca of thousands of pilgrims every year. Shah Ismail, founder of the Safavid Dynasty, was sixth in decent from Sheikh Safi-eddin, whose name gave the Safavids their name. The shrine prospered through the patronage of the Safavid kings who extended and embellished it, and donated many gifts to it.