TEHRAN—Some 40 equestrians on Friday competed in a horse-riding festival in the northwestern Iranian city of Maku, in West Azarbaijan province, to promote tourism in the region, Maku’s tourism chief has said.

A number of local performances took place on the sidelines of the festival as well, Ali Khurablu explained on Sunday.

Maku enjoys a unique geographical and natural location. In a valley passes through which the Zangmar River divides Maku into two parts, the city is located 1294 meters above sea level.

The city is surrounded by the Qarasu River and Turkey from the north, the Aras River (the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Armenia) from the east, Khoy from the south, and Turkey from the west.

Due to the surrounding stony mountains, this city has a moderate climate in winter and a hotter climate in summer.

Mountainous landscapes, flourishing pastures, hot water springs, waterfalls, protected areas, and hunting grounds are some of the tourist attractions of this area.

Maku is located on the main Tabriz-Bazargan road and has an excellent strategic location.

Among the city’s most significant features are its role as the country’s only land border business and a link to Europe. As part of Maku’s economy, there is an industrial complex on the Maku-Bazargan road.

The majority of the locals in Maku rely on cross-border trade, agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

ABU/AM