Aras UGGp with an area of 1670 square kilometers is located in East Azerbaijan Province, covering the entire Jolfa County Territory. Mountainous nature of the area as well as existence of various sedimentary and igneous rocks, tectonic structures variety, and geological phenomena made this geopark an attractive geotourism destination.
Unique geological phenomena with outstanding international values like Permian-Triassic Boundary in “Allibashi” are located in Aras Geopark. Besides numerous geological attractions, cultural and historical attractions like the St. Stepanos Monastery (registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its antiquity, architecture and religious value) have doubled the tourism attraction of this area. Locating in the middle of Ancient Silk Road has marked out Jolfa City and this geopark as a part of Silk Road related geoparks network. The ancient rich culture and peculiar customs of the geopark residents are among other fascinating features of the area.
Aras Border River has played an important role in the establishment of the cities and civilizations along its course, and its geographical and climatic effects on the region are discernible. Its vegetation and microclimate diversity is remarkable, while the Aras River Valley covered with subtropical trees, Steppes stretched from western to its middle areas and Arasbaran Dense Forest can be found in the steep of its eastern mountains. High wildlife diversity and the presence of endangered animals such as Black Grouse, Red Deer, Armenian Ram and Leopard play an important role in the conservation of the area.
