Eslami Island

Eslami Island, formerly known as Shahi Island, is the largest and only inhabited island in Lake Urmia. It lies in East Azerbaijan Province, close to the city of Tabriz, and administratively belongs to Shabestar County. With an area of about 23,000 hectares, Eslami Island is home to seven villages: Sarai, Aq Gonbad, Gomichi, Teymurlu, Qabchaq, Burachарlu and Bahramabad (Varalu). The island's population is estimated at around 8,000 people, most of whom work in farming, animal husbandry, orchard cultivation and on the lake's boats. In the warmer months, as the lake's water level drops, the island becomes a peninsula, making it possible to reach it by land from towns and cities such as Tabriz, Azarshahr, Gowgan and Shabestar.

Eslami Island is of special environmental importance. Its marshy, reed-lined shores are a habitat for migratory birds such as white pelicans, flamingos and ruddy shelducks, offering striking and unique scenery for birdwatchers. The island has 54 freshwater springs, including the well-known Ambān spring in the village of Burachарlu, which, set beside a salt lake, is considered one of the natural wonders of the area. The Shahi Castle, also known as Aq Gonbad, is another important historical site on the island, and Hulagu Khan, the Mongol Ilkhan, is said to be buried there.

To reach Eslami Island, you can take the asphalt road from Tabriz to Azarshahr, which runs past the Khasban livestock station and on toward the island. In addition, the Shahid Kalantari Highway is under construction from both the Eslami Island side and the Urmia side; once it opens, it will connect East and West Azerbaijan provinces. The best time to visit Eslami Island is spring and early summer, when the landscape is at its most beautiful and migratory birds can be seen. When visiting, it is especially important to practise responsible nature tourism and protect the environment, so that you can enjoy the area's natural beauty while helping to preserve it.