Zanjan is the capital of Zanjan Province in northwestern Iran. This city has a cold semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Archeological excavations have founded traces of Paleolithic cave settlers in the area. According to some accounts and based on traces of Sassanid Fire Temples scattered around the city, Zanjan is one of the cities founded by Sassanid King Ardashir I, the Unifier (180-242 CE). Zanjan has always enjoyed prominence, due to its strategic location on the trade route from Rey to Azerbaijan. This city also is famous for its traditional bazaar, Soltaniyeh Dome (world`s largest brick dome), a Jame Mosque, Salts Man Museum, Mullah Hassan Kashi Mausoleum, the Zanjan Wash House, National museum & etc.
Along with other historical and natural attractions of Zanjan province, handicrafts in this province manifest the skill and idea of artists and craftsmen who have displayed the cultural identity of this land and territory in their crafts. Some of the Zanjan souvenirs are Handmade Knife, a local type of women shoe named Charoq (or Charogh), light cotton summer shoes, Felt, tapestry work, carpet, Kilim or Gilim, Jajim (loosely woven woolen carpet), Monabbat, embroideries & etc.