Rezaiyeh

(until 1926 Urmia) a city in Iran, the capital of the province of Western Azerbaijan. The city is situated near the western shore of Lake Rezaiyeh (Urmia), on the Khvoy-Mahabad highway. Population, 120,000 (1971). Rezaiyeh is a center of horticulture and viticulture. Sabzi, raisins, and dried fruits are produced for export. Rezaiyeh has a sugar refinery. The city’s artisans produce rugs, leather goods, and wooden articles.

(also Urmia), a lake without drainage in western Iran. The lake is 140 km long, has an area of about 5,800 sq km, and a maximum depth of 15 m. Rezaiyeh has an elevation of 1,275 m. In the spring the water level rises. The salinity is 150–230°/_oo, and in places along the shore there are salt marshes. Numerous rivers empty into Rezaiyeh. The total area of the water basin is about 50,000 sq km. The river deltas are often swamped. There are about 60 islands, mostly in the southern part of the lake. There are no fish, only small crustaceans. There is shipping on the lake, and the cities of Rezaiyeh and Shahpur are situated near the western shore.