[6][7] The city lies south of Lake Urmia in a narrow valley 1,300 metres above sea level.

In 17th century AD, Savojbolagh became the seat of Mukri principality (known as Mukriyān in Sorani Kurdish and Mokriyān in Persian).

[10] After an agreement brokered by the United States, the Soviets agreed to leave Iran, and sovereignty was restored to the Shah in 1947.

Roosevelt later recounted that the order to have the Qazis killed was likely issued "as soon as our ambassador had closed the door behind him," adding with regard to the Shah: "I never was one of his admirers.

Anger mounted following reports that Khosravani died attempting to escape an official who was threatening to rape her.

Wafaei (1844–1902), Hejar (Abdurrahman Sharfkandi) (1920–1990), Hêmin (Sayyed Moháammad Amini Shaykho-al-Eslam Mokri) (1920–1986), Abdorrahamn Zabihi (1920–1980) and Giw Mukriyani, all from Mahabad, are considered as the main writers and poets.

Kurdistan's national poet was the title given to Hejar(along with Hêmin) during the short lived reign of the Republic of Mahabad in recognition of his poetry's service to the cause[3].

[22] Volleyball is the most popular sport in Mahabad[23] and the city has several teams playing in the different levels of the Iranian league system.

[24] Farhad Piroutpour is the most successful player to have come from Mahabad, he has been a member of the Iran national volleyball team since 2011.

In 2013, another team by the name of Shahrdari Mahabad was formed and started competing in the West Azerbaijan Super League.