Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Khoy

The Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Khoy, also known as the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Ghotur, is a historic Safavid-era building in Khoy County, West Azerbaijan Province. It stands about 37 kilometres along the Khoy–Ghotur road, close to the Ghotur River and at the foot of a mountain. In the past it lay on one of the region's important trade routes, along roads linked to the Silk Road, and served as a place of rest and lodging for trading caravans and travellers. Its location near the Iran–Turkey border and within the Ghotur area adds to the historical and geographical importance of the building. The Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Khoy was registered on the Iran National Heritage list in 1385 (Solar Hijri) under number 16391, and today it is considered one of the historical attractions of the Ghotur region and of Khoy County.

Architecturally, this building is regarded as one of the distinctive caravanserais of the Safavid period and is known as one of Iran's historic covered caravanserais. The caravanserai covers an area of about 420 square metres, and its main building measures roughly 20 by 20 metres. Its structure consists of covered spaces and several interconnected rooms and resting areas. Because it stands in a mountainous region, the extensive use of stone in the walls and other parts of the building suits the area's climate and geography. It was built with materials such as foothill stone, gypsum plaster, lime and earth, and in the past it played an important role in providing resting places for caravans along the region's trade route. Its proximity to the Ghotur River and the Iran–Turkey railway line adds to its historical and scenic character and shows the link between the old trade routes and the region's newer transport routes. In 1402 (Solar Hijri), this caravanserai was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with 53 other historic caravanserais of Iran, as part of the "Iranian Caravanserais" nomination.

To reach the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Khoy, head out of Khoy County onto the Khoy–Ghotur road and continue towards the Ghotur area. The building lies near the Ghotur River, in the mountainous part of this route. Given the mountainous terrain and Khoy's climate, spring and early autumn are the best times to visit and explore around the caravanserai. At these times the temperature is more pleasant for outdoor activities, and the natural landscapes of the region look their best. When visiting the building, avoid unnecessary entry into fragile areas, do not touch or damage the historic walls and stones, and do not leave litter in the surroundings. Also, since the caravanserai stands close to the Ghotur River and the mountain slope, protecting the vegetation and respecting the river's natural margins are important principles of responsible tourism in this area.