Bozqush Protected Area

Bozqush Protected Area covers 50,212 hectares in the east of East Azerbaijan Province, within Mianeh and Sarab counties. In Iran's phytogeographic divisions, the Bozqush area belongs to the Irano-Turanian region. The Bozqush recreation area is one of the beautiful natural landscapes of northwestern Iran, and despite the recent drought it has kept its natural beauty and greenery. This pristine mountain area has spots suitable for pitching tents, making it an ideal place for guests tired of city life.

The vegetation of the area consists of wooded rangeland and species common to both rangeland and farmland. Among the most important plants of the area are poppy, wool grass, wild garlic, borage, yellow onion, various kinds of alfalfa, sheep's fescue, thyme, Mir Hasan's hat (Salvia), wild barley and wheatgrass, mint, wild thyme (kakuti), sainfoin, carnation, yarrow, chamomile, barberry, qareh mikh, wild cherry plum, wild rose, qareh tikan, chaklanqush, willow and doshan almasi. The notable mammals of Bozqush Protected Area include leopard, wild sheep and wild goat, caracal, brown bear, otter, badger, weasel, porcupine, stone marten, wild boar, wolf, fox, hare, ground squirrel, Mediterranean horseshoe bat and a variety of rodents. The most important native land birds include birds of prey of the order Accipitriformes, from the family Accipitridae, such as the golden eagle, buzzard, vulture, black kite and Montagu's harrier, and from the family Falconidae, the kestrel and the lil. From the order Galliformes, the common chukar partridge, the chil and the see-see partridge can be mentioned.

There are two permanent lakes in the Bozqush area, known as Gol-Yurdi and Chichakli Gol. Gol-Yurdi Lake lies at the foot of Agh Dagh, the highest peak of Bozqush. Its water comes from the area's springs and from the melting snow of the Bozqush mountains. The lake is located at an altitude of 2,550 metres above sea level. It is circular, about 100 metres across, and makes a pleasant spot for picnics and enjoying nature. The area is also home to Mount Bozqush, also known as Bozkesh, a popular destination for mountaineers. These highlands consist of gently sloping mountains whose rocks derive from volcanic ash from the Sabalan and Sahand mountains. Two peaks, Agh Dagh (3,306 metres) and Qeysir (3,100 metres), are among the highest points of Bozqush. Facilities in the area include a number of gazebos, a prayer room, restrooms, a buffet and a paved access road running through lush orchards, all built here by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism.