Khoy is the largest and most populous city of West Azerbaijan province and one of the oldest centers of civilization in northwestern Iran. The historical Bazaar of Khoy is the peak of urban civilization in the Islamic period.
According to archaeologists, the history of Khoy dates back to 3,000 years ago and is located on the Silk Road, which has a history of ups and downs, and has witnessed various historical events. Khoy has been one of the most important military bases for defending Iran throughout history,In ancient times, this region was under the rule of the Medes and then came to the Sassanids.
In the Safavid era, Khoy became very important due to its proximity to the border of the Ottoman Empire, and in the Qajar era and World War I, due to its proximity to the Russian border, a defensive wall was built around Khoy by the order of Fath Ali Shah. Its remnants are still standing.
The famous Iranian hero,Pouria, is one of the heroes of this land and his tomb is located in this city. The tomb of Shams Tabrizi, the great and famous poet of Iran, is also located in this city.
Due to the cultural commonalities and the existence of the tomb of Shams Tabrizi in Khoy as the master of Mowlana and the tomb of Rumi in Konya, Turkey, these two cities were declared sister cities.
On a trip to Khoy, you can visit the protected area of Marakan and the no-hunting area of Zarabad, which, despite its high altitudes, rocks, plains and hills, is home to various plant and animal species.