Fanaei Church

Fanaei Church, also known as the Church of Saint Sarkis (Surp Sarkis), is a historic religious monument in the village of Fanaei in Khoy County, West Azerbaijan Province, on the outskirts of the city of Khoy. Dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries CE, the church is one of the region's historical landmarks. It was added to Iran's National Heritage list on 25 Esfand 1379 under registration number 3380. Its location in the village of Fanaei, together with its historic structure and architecture, has made the church one of the cultural and historical attractions around Khoy.

The church has a single rectangular chapel on an east-west axis, and its main entrance is on the western side, in line with the building's axis and facing the altar. The interior is designed in the basilica style, with three aisles and columns. Four stone columns, set in two parallel rows, divide the main space into three aisles. The main building materials are slabs of stone, rubble stone, brick and dressed igneous stone, and in some parts small rubble stones and fieldstones were also used. The altar is one of the church's most distinctive features. It has three pointed arches, and above them you can see stucco decoration and plaster muqarnas work. The frames around the arches are also decorated with colourful paintings and floral and arabesque (eslimi) motifs.

To reach Fanaei Church, drive from Khoy toward the village of Fanaei, which lies about four kilometres from Khoy; the church stands within the village. Given Khoy's climate, spring and early autumn are the better times to visit this historic building and explore its surroundings. When visiting, it is important to respect the monument's boundaries, avoid touching or damaging the historic materials and decorations, and show consideration for the village's character and its residents. Visitors should also avoid leaving litter or making any changes to the site, so that the attraction's historical and environmental value is preserved.