
The
predominant language spoken in Tabriz is Azerbaijani Turkish (Azerbaijani
people call it Türkü or Türki language), which is a Turkic language mutually
intelligible with modern Turkish dialects. Similar to the other parts of Iran,
the official language is Persian and the most inhabitants are professional
users of Persian language, which is the official language of Iran and the
language of education. Other than Azerbaijani, there is a notable minority of
Armenian speakers .
After
being crowned at Tabriz in 1501, Shah Ismail Safavi announced the Ithna Ashari
branch of Shia Islam the only accepted sect in Iran and of course Tabriz.
Currently, the majority of people are followers of Shia Islam. The city has a
visible Armenian minority who follow Christianity.

Tabriz
is a house for numerous Iranian writers, poets, and illumination movements. In
old times the city notables, supported poets and writers by organizing
periodical meetings. Within its long history it was a residence for many well-known
Iranian writers and poets. The list can start from the old time Rumi, Qatran,
Khaqani to recent years Samad Behrangi, Gholam-Hossein Sa'edi, Parvin E'tesami.
The prominent Iranian Azeri poet Mohammad-Hossein Shahriar was born in Tabriz.
Following
samples of verses from some of Iran's best poets and authors, Tabriz also has a
special place in Persian literature.

"Tabriz
style" painting was shaped in the era of Ilkhanids, Kara Koyunlu and the
Safavids. The paintings date back to the early 14th century and show
significant influence from Chinese and Chinese-influenced pictures. Over years
Tabriz became the center of the famous school of Persian miniature painting. A fascinating fictional account of "Tabriz style"
painting in the Safavid era is narrated by OrhanPamuk in My Name Is Red.
In
Iran, Tabriz is known as the city of "The Firsts" because many of
inventions and innovations were used in Tabriz for the first time in Iran. The
first printing house, library, cinema, preschool, school, the deaf and dumb
school, modern coin, bill, chamber of commerce, municipality, telephone, power
plant, fire department, ... was made in Tabriz and Tabriz university is the
second oldest university in Iran after Tehran University.
