پذیرش دانشجویان بین الملل - دانشگاه مراغه
Introduction
The University of Maragheh is a prestigious public comprehensive university located in the historic city of Maragheh, East Azerbaijan Province, in northwestern Iran. As the largest higher education center in the southern part of the province, the university stands as a proud continuation of a centuries-old scientific tradition, inheriting the legacy of a city that was once a world-renowned hub of knowledge and scholarship.
Maragheh holds a truly distinguished place in the history of science and civilization. In the 13th century, during the Ilkhanate era under the rule of Hulagu Khan , Maragheh served as the capital of the Ilkhanate Empire and became one of the most important scientific centers of the medieval world. It was here that the famous Maragheh Observatory was established in 1259 by the renowned Persian scholar Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi a philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer whose works influenced both Islamic and Western science for centuries. This observatory attracted scientists from as far as China and Europe and became a unique center for astronomical research in the Islamic world.
The city has also nurtured numerous poets, scholars, and literary figures throughout its rich history, including Awhadi Maraghei (a mystic poet of the 6th and 7th centuries AH), Abd al-Qadir Maraghei (a renowned composer and music theorist known as the "Third Teacher" of music after Farabi), and Zayn al-Abidin Maraghei (author of the influential Seyahatnameh-ye Ebrahim Beyk ). Today, distinguished contemporary scholars such as Professor Mohammad Qanadi (a prominent figure in nuclear technology) and poets like Ostad Karimi and Ostad Barishmaz continue this proud intellectual tradition.
Today, the University of Maragheh carries forward this intellectual heritage as a dynamic center for higher education, research, and innovation—a worthy successor to the great scientific tradition that once made Maragheh a beacon of knowledge in the medieval world.
Historical Background
The roots of the University of Maragheh date back to 1987 (1366 Solar Hijri) when the Agricultural Institute of Maragheh was established under the auspices of the University of Tabriz. Initially offering associate degrees, the institute gradually expanded its academic scope and was elevated to the status of the Agricultural College of Maragheh in 1999 (1377) .
In 2005 (1384) , following further growth in academic programs and physical infrastructure, the college was transformed into the Higher Education Center of Maragheh . The center continued to develop and, after receiving official approval from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, was finally established as the University of Maragheh on May 30, 2009 (1388) .
Today, the university operates as a state-funded, comprehensive "mother" university under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran.
Academic Structure
The University of Maragheh comprises four faculties and 14 academic departments , along with one research institute:
1. Faculty of Agriculture – The oldest faculty, established in 1987, encompassing:
- Horticulture
- Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Plant Protection
- Agronomy and Plant Breeding
2. Faculty of Basic Sciences – Established in 2006, covering:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Cell and Molecular Biology
3. Faculty of Engineering – Established in 2009, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Engineering (Metallurgy)
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
4. Faculty of Humanities – Established in 2010, offering programs in:
- Geography
- Urban Planning
- Law
- Psychology
- English Language
Research Institutes:
- Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics – Established in 2003, honoring the city's astronomical heritage.
- Technology Incubation Center – Established in 2011 to support knowledge-based enterprises.
The university is also in the process of establishing new faculties in Arts and Paleontology .
Students and Faculty
The University of Maragheh currently serves a diverse student body of approximately 4,000 students from various parts of Iran and abroad:
| Level | Number of Students |
| Associate Degree | 600 |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor's) | 2,500 |
| Postgraduate (Master's & PhD) | 550 |
Faculty and Staff:
- Faculty Members : Approximately 160
- Administrative Staff : Approximately 150
Graduates to Date:
- Bachelor's graduates: 5,336
- Master's graduates: 1,624
- Doctoral graduates: 52
International Students:
The university received official internationalization approval from the Ministry of Science in 2022 (1401) and currently hosts over 50 international students . In August 2024 alone, more than 300 international students were admitted.
Faculty Excellence:
Approximately 6% of the faculty members are ranked among the top 1% and 2% of the world's most influential scientists.
Research and International Rankings
Despite its relatively young history as a university, the University of Maragheh has demonstrated remarkable progress in research and has earned national and international recognition:
- Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2023 : Ranked 301–350 among Asian universities and 24th among Iranian universities .
- THE World University Rankings 2024 : Placed in the 1001–1200 range .
- Faculty of Engineering : Ranked among the top 5 engineering faculties in Iran and 201–300 in the world in THE rankings.
- ISC (Islamic World Science Citation Center) : Recognized as one of the top 20 comprehensive universities in Iran .
- U.S. News & World Report : Ranked #1874 in Best Global Universities .
- Overall National Ranking : Ranked 30th among 130 universities in Iran.
Research Output:
- Over 1,800 internationally indexed articles (ISI/Scopus).
- More than 3,500 domestic papers .
- The university ranks first among comprehensive universities in terms of articles per PhD student, articles per journal impact factor, and articles per Q1 student.
Notable Research Achievement:
Development of nano-sensors capable of detecting prostate cancer within 12 minutes through blood sample analysis.
International Cooperation
The University of Maragheh actively pursues international engagement through its Office of International Cooperation . The university has established memorandums of understanding with 12 international universities from countries including Italy, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the Republic of Cyprus, Mexico, and others, facilitating the exchange of professors and students.
The office is responsible for:
- Issuing annual calls for the admission of non-Iranian students .
- Concluding memorandums of understanding with scientific and educational centers worldwide.
Campus and Facilities
The University of Maragheh is situated on a spacious campus spanning 110 hectares , located in the southern foothills of Mount Sahand, alongside the Sufi Chay River.
Educational Facilities:
- Central Library : Established in 1987 and relocated to a new building in 2021, featuring two study halls with 188 study tables and 417 seats.
- Central Laboratory and numerous specialized laboratories across different faculties.
- Advanced computer sites and well-equipped laboratories.
Research Facilities:
- Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics – hosting researchers from Iran and abroad.
- Foundation for Maragheh Studies – comprising four working groups: History, Culture and Art, Science and Technology, and Native Literature.
- Technology Incubation Center – supporting innovative ideas and knowledge-based enterprises.
Student Welfare Facilities:
- Student dormitories (including the newly inaugurated female student dormitory).
- Dining halls and cafeteria services – the university's cafeteria has been ranked 3rd in the country for quality.
- Recreational facilities and sports grounds.
- Student counseling services.
The City of Maragheh – A Tourist Paradise
Maragheh is one of Iran's top 10 tourist cities , known as the "Garden City of Iran" and the "Astronomy Capital of Iran" due to its rich historical and scientific heritage. The city is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,477 meters above sea level, on the southern slopes of Mount Sahand —one of Iran's most magnificent volcanic mountains—alongside the Sufi Chay River .
Mount Sahand and the Sufi Chay River:
Mount Sahand, with its breathtaking landscapes and pristine nature, creates a uniquely pleasant climate in the region. The Sufi Chay River , originating from the snowmelt of Mount Sahand, flows for approximately 70 kilometers** through the city and surrounding villages, irrigating the region's abundant orchards and agricultural lands before eventually flowing into Lake Urmia. This river is one of the main reasons Maragheh is filled with lush green trees and beautiful, tree-lined streets.
Climate:
Thanks to its location on the southern slopes of Mount Sahand and alongside the Sufi Chay River, Maragheh enjoys a remarkable and pleasant climate:
- Summer (June–September) : Warm and mild, with average highs reaching 33°C (July) and lows around 20°C.
- Winter (December–February) : Cold with significant snowfall, temperatures can drop to -4°C and occasionally below -10°C.
- Spring and Autumn : The best seasons to visit, with mild temperatures, blooming nature, and less rainfall.
- The city's elevation and proximity to Mount Sahand contribute to its moderate continental climate.
Historical and Tourist Attractions:
- Maragheh Observatory – The ruins of the 13th-century observatory, considered "a unique place in the history of astronomy".
- Five surviving 12th-century tomb towers – including the famous Gonbad-e Sorkh (Red Dome) and Gonbad-e Kabud (Blue Dome), masterpieces of Azeri architectural style.
- Sufi Chay River – Flowing through the heart of the city.
- Old Bazaar – A traditional marketplace.
- Ilkhanate Museum – Showcasing the rich history of the Ilkhanid era.
- Mehr Temple (Mithraeum) – An ancient place of worship.
- St. Hovhannes Church – The only church in Maragheh.
- Hampeuil Cave (Kabutar Cave) – The largest nesting site for wild pigeons, located 15 km from the city.
- Alavian Dam – A green oasis near the city, built on the Sufi Chay River.
- Forest Park – A recreational area.
- Goyjeh Castle – Located in the mountains surrounding the city.
Living in Maragheh:
The city offers a peaceful, safe, and affordable environment for students, with access to all essential amenities. The cost of living is significantly lower than in major Iranian cities like Tehran or Tabriz.
Souvenirs and Local Products of Maragheh
Maragheh is renowned for its diverse and high-quality souvenirs, offering something for every taste:
Sweet and Confectionery:
- Baslogh (Basliq) and Sajugh (Sujuk) – Traditional local sweets made from starch, rosewater, butter, coconut powder, and walnuts (Baslogh) or grape syrup, almonds, rosewater, and cardamom (Sajugh).
- Special Tea Sweets (Chay Shirini or Ghand-e Paniri) – A sugar-like sweet with various flavors including cardamom, cinnamon, orange, and lemon, used as a sugar substitute with tea.
- Maragheh Halva – Including varieties such as Bozorg Halva, Sangy Halva (stone halva), and Nokhodchi Halva.
- Doshab (Grape Syrup) – A traditional syrup produced from grapes during harvest season.
Honey:
Maragheh ranks **first in East Azerbaijan Province** in terms of both quantity and quality of honey production. The pristine nature of Mount Sahand's slopes and the diversity of wildflowers make the honey produced here of exceptional quality, meeting the food standards of several other countries.
Fruits and Orchards:
Maragheh is known as the "Garden City" with over 20,000 hectares of orchards . The city produces a remarkable variety of fruits including:
- 26 varieties of grapes
- 17 varieties of apples
- 5 varieties of almonds
- 11 varieties of plums
- Cherries, sour cherries, apricots, peaches, walnuts, and more.
Carpets and Rugs:
- Silk Carpets – Among the most beautiful and expensive souvenirs of Maragheh, the city holds the second rank in Iran** for silk carpet production.
- Jajim – A traditional woven textile.
- Hesir – A type of mat weaving.
Traditional Soap:
Maragheh's traditional soap, with over 150 years of history , is the most famous traditional soap in Iran. Made from sheep fat and caustic soda without chemical additives, it comes in white, yellow, and black varieties and is ideal for skin and hair care.
Other Products:
- Dried fruits and nuts.
- Various types of local bread and pastries.
Transportation and Accessibility
Strategic Geographic Location
Maragheh is strategically located in northwestern Iran, offering excellent access to major domestic and international destinations:
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
| Tabriz | ~138–140 km | 1–2 hours by car |
| Tehran | ~585–600 km | 7–8 hours by car; 10–11 hours by train |
| Urmia | ~192 km | 2–3 hours by car |
| Karbala, Iraq | ~737 km | ~10 hours by car |
| Amman, Jordan | ~1,587 km | ~20 hours by car |
| Istanbul, Turkey | ~2,033 km | ~23 hours by car |
By Air:
Sahand Airport (Maragheh Airport) – IATA code: ACP
- Located approximately 20–25 minutes from the city center.
- Area: 42 hectares.
- Currently offers flights to Tehran and vice versa.
- Flight duration from Tehran: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes .
- Airline : Iran Air.
- Airport phone : 041-37452524
By Train:
Maragheh Railway Station – One of Iran's oldest railway stations, opened on October 6, 1956 (14 Mehr 1335) .
- Area: 1,200 square meters with full amenities including buffet, restaurant, ticket counters, prayer room, and restrooms.
- Connected to the Azerbaijan railway line (Tehran–Tabriz) and the Maragheh–Urmia railway line .
- Travel time from Tehran : approximately 9 to 10 hours .
By Bus:
Maragheh Bus Terminal
- Address : Standard Street, behind Shekari Street, next to Gas Square.
- Area: 3,100 square meters with a built-up area of 5 hectares.
- Phone : 041-32270706
- Serves routes to all major cities across Iran.
By Car:
- Well-connected by road to major cities in the region.
- The drive from Tehran offers scenic views of the mountainous western region.
Getting to the University:
- Address : Daneshgah Boulevard, Madar Square, Maragheh, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.
- The university campus is easily accessible from the city center by taxi or local transport.
Accommodation for Visitors and Families
For visitors, parents, and guests of students, Maragheh offers a range of accommodation options:
Hotels:
- Hotel Alliance – A 3-star hotel located near the walnut gardens of Maragheh, offering clean rooms with modern amenities.
- Hotel Bozorg Darya 5star – Located on Shahid Shekari Boulevard, Shahid Shahrivar Square, featuring 24-hour reception, elevator, and prayer room.
- Various 1 to 3-star hotels and budget guesthouses throughout the city.
Eco-Lodges and Traditional Accommodations:
- Hampeuil Eco-Lodge – A 50-year-old traditional house in Tazeh Kand Sofla village, offering a quiet and authentic Iranian experience.
Student Dormitories:
- The university operates 6 dormitory complexes .
- Dormitories for both male and female students.
- Shahid Hejaji Dormitory (Male).
- Vali Asr Student Dormitory .
- Room selection and roommate registration are managed through the online system: dining.maragheh.ac.ir
Contact Information
University of Maragheh
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Daneshgah Boulevard, Madar Square, Maragheh, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran |
| Postal Code | 83111 – 55181 |
| Phone | +98 41 37278001 |
| Fax | +98 41 37278003 |
| Email | info@maragheh.ac.ir |
| Website | [www.maragheh.ac.ir](http://www.maragheh.ac.ir) |
| Coordinates | 37°22′45″N 46°16′35″E |
Key University Officials:
- President : Dr. Rasul Maroufi Azar
- Vice-President for Education : Dr. Gholam Hossein Qareh Khani
- Vice-President for Finance and Administration : Dr. Saleh Shahabivand
- Vice-President for Student Affairs : Dr. Hamid Hatami Maleki
- Vice-President for Research and Technology : Dr. Shahram Ajoori
Emergency and Essential Contacts in Maragheh:
- Airport (Sahand) : 041-37452524
- Bus Terminal : 041-32270706
- Railway Station : 041-37229592
Vision and Outlook
The University of Maragheh is committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge while honoring the rich scientific heritage of its ancient city. With a clear mission to adapt its services to the evolving needs of society in teaching, research, and management, the university continues to expand its academic programs, enhance its research infrastructure, and strengthen its international collaborations.
As it moves forward, the University of Maragheh aspires to solidify its position as a leading institution of higher education in Iran and the broader regiona worthy successor to the great scientific tradition that once made Maragheh a beacon of knowledge in the medieval world.
Last Updated: June 22, 2026 by Eng. Mohammad Vand Jalili, Website Manager
