Ardabil is a city in northwestern Iran, situated in the Ardabil Province. The city is located about 70 km from the Caspian Sea and has a population of around 500,000 people. It is known for its beautiful nature, including the Sabalan Mountain and its famous hot springs.

The city has a rich history and has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. During the Parthian and Sassanid periods, Ardabil was an important center of commerce and trade due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. It was also the site of several battles between the Persian Empire and invading Arab armies in the 7th and 8th centuries.

In the 14th century, Ardabil became the capital of the Safavid dynasty, which was one of the most important Persian empires in history. The founder of the Safavid dynasty, Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, established a religious complex in the city that includes the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Mausoleum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other notable landmarks in Ardabil include the Jameh Mosque of Ardabil, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Ardabil Carpet, which is the world's oldest and largest hand-woven carpet. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as the Ardabil Meatball and the Ardabil Rice Pilaf.