Khatun Bridge

Khatun Bridge is one of the historic structures of Khoy County in West Azerbaijan Province. It spans the Qotur River southeast of Khoy, on the Khoy–Salmas road. The bridge was built between 1170 and 1200 AH (lunar Hijri) on the orders of Ahmad Khan Donboli, and it is considered a valuable historical relic of the region. In the past, Khatun Bridge was an important crossing on the route of the caravans entering Iran from the Ottoman Empire, and until recent years it was still used by local people. After a new bridge was built next to it, however, traffic was moved to the new bridge. There are also differing views about the origins of the structure. Considering the name "Khatun" and the historical evidence, some researchers link the bridge's roots to periods before the present construction, and to the Seljuk era.

Khatun Bridge is a brick structure 59.40 metres long, 8.70 metres wide and 6.48 metres high, with seven large spans and seven small openings above the piers. Its lower section consists of piers and triangular cutwaters on both sides of the river's flow, each about two metres in size. The seven main spans are built with pointed arches, and small decorative blind arches sit between the large spans. The structure was built using regular dressed stone, rubble, rough fieldstone and brick, and gypsum, lime and sarooj (a traditional waterproof mortar) were used in different parts of it. Because the central arch is larger and the main spans are symmetrical, the bridge deck slopes gently toward the north and south. The bridge was restored in past decades, and today it is valued mainly as a historical and architectural monument.

To reach Khatun Bridge, head southeast out of Khoy on the Khoy–Salmas road and, near the historic bridge, follow the route to the new bridge, since main traffic now crosses there. The bridge stands in an open area beside the Qotur River, so spring and early autumn are the best times to visit and explore its surroundings. Visitors can admire the architecture of the bridge and the view of the river, and enjoy photography and walking in the permitted areas around it. During your visit, avoid getting dangerously close to the riverbed, damaging the stones and bricks of the structure, writing graffiti on it, or leaving litter in the surroundings, so that this historic monument and its natural setting are preserved.