This study analyzes the characteristics of the January 23 and 24, 2022, Tabriz earthquakes in northwestern Iran. These events, with magnitudes of \(M_w\) 4.2 and \(M_w\) 4.0, occurred within the Tabriz pull-apart basin and represent the largest seismic occurrences in the region over the past two centuries. Focal mechanism solutions indicate strike-slip faulting for the first event and normal faulting with a strike-slip component for the second event. Both events occurred on NW-trending faults. Based on recorded ground motion data, the first event ruptured in the NW direction, while the second event ruptured in the opposite direction (SE). Coulomb stress changes analysis suggests that stress changes imparted by the first event, estimated about 0.1 bar at the hypocenter of the second event, likely promoted its triggering. These findings highlight the active tectonics of the Tabriz Basin and the significant seismic hazards posed by its active faults, particularly for the city of Tabriz, which has a population over 2 million and is situated within the basin.
