February 5, 1641 Earthquake: Tabriz, Kurdistan, Iran

February 5, 1641, Dehkhwarqan-Tabriz. On Friday night, 5

February 1641, there was a destructive earthquake in

the region between Tabriz and Lake Urmiyeh in Azarbaijan.

The districts of Usku and Khusraushah on the northwest slopes of mount Sahand, as well as Dehkhwarqan (modern Azarshahr), were totally destroyed with great loss of life. In Tabriz many houses and public buildings collapsed, among them most of the famous historical monuments. The half-ruined complex of buildings of Sham-i Ghazan, situated about 5 km west of the city fell in leaving only the four corners of the main structure standing. The Masjid-i Ustad-Shagird was partly destroyed, as was most probably the 'Alishah mosque which also stood in a ruined state in the centre of Tabriz. The shock particularly affected the domes and minarets of mosques, which fell shattered to the ground,

and also the main buildings in the city, although some of

them were already largely in ruins by this time. Damage

extended to neighbouring districts and in all the earthquake caused the deaths of 1200 people.

1641. In Persia, also felt at Baghdad. Lasted altogether 3 days. In the province Aziron the towns Rik and Riangasan were ruined. (reference #521)