Zagros Mountains

Mountain ridges west of Qazvin separate the Abhar valley from the rugged country descending towards the Caspian. Their southern slopes face the drier Iranian plateau, while valleys provide passages towards Zanjan and Azerbaijan. Streams from the heights gather in the Abhar River, which waters settlements along the old road. The contrast between irrigated valley floors and bare uplands gives this western approach to the Qazvin plain its distinctive appearance.